Dinner

Beef & Parmesan Tortellini in Creamy Sauce Recipe

Name: Beef & Parmesan Tortellini in Creamy Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen); 1 pound ground beef; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

ByJulian Dempsey December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

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Introduction

This Beef & Parmesan Tortellini in Creamy Sauce is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Tender cheese tortellini is coated in a rich, creamy sauce with savory ground beef and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

A white bowl full of creamy tortellini pasta sits on a white marbled surface, each pasta piece golden yellow and plump, folded into a ring shape. The pasta is mixed with small brown mushroom slices and bits of browned meat, all coated in a thick white cream sauce. The dish is topped with finely grated white cheese and sprinkled with green herbs and small red pepper flakes, adding texture and color. Golden cutlery is placed to the side of the bowl, and fresh sprigs of green thyme are nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1 pound ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup beef broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the creamy beef sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Step 5: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use fresh tortellini for a softer texture or frozen for convenience.
For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine when simmering the sauce.
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a twist.
Add a handful of spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for added color and nutrition.
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a little more beef broth or cream to loosen it up.

Storage

Store leftover tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess if needed. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with multiple yellow tortellini pasta pieces coated in a creamy, light beige sauce mixed with small pieces of browned sausage and sliced mushrooms. The dish is topped with finely chopped green herbs and a generous sprinkle of grated white cheese, adding texture and color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with two gold forks placed nearby, enhancing the elegant look. A few sprigs of fresh green herbs lie in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Yes, you can substitute tortellini with other filled pastas like ravioli or simple shapes like penne or fusilli, although the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian sauce.