Garlic Butter Beef Tortellini (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Protein

01 - 1 lb (450g) ground beef

→ Seasoning

02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

→ Pasta

08 - 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini

→ Liquid

09 - 1 cup beef broth

→ Rich Add-Ons

10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
11 - 2 cups fresh spinach

→ Garnish

12 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, approximately 3-5 minutes. Drain and reserve 1 cup of the cooking water.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and slightly crispy.
03 - Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes over the browned beef. Stir well to ensure the meat is evenly seasoned.
04 - Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic to preserve its flavor.
05 - Add the beef broth to the skillet and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Optionally, stir in some reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
06 - Stir in the butter until melted, then add the fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and is fully incorporated into the sauce.
07 - Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss gently to coat each piece in the sauce.
08 - Sprinkle grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley over the dish. Toss lightly and serve warm.

# Notes:

01 - Reserve some pasta water to enhance sauce texture.