Beef & Parmesan Tortellini in Creamy Sauce

This Beef & Parmesan Tortellini in Creamy Sauce is a rich and indulgent dish that brings together tender chunks of beef, savory cheese tortellini, and a luscious, creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s the perfect combination of comforting pasta and flavorful beef in a quick and easy meal that you can prepare in under an hour. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this meal is sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz beef chuck, cubed
• 12 oz cheese tortellini, cooked according to package instructions
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparation:

Step 1: Brown the Beef

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the cubed beef, seasoning it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the beef for 5-7 minutes, or until it is browned on all sides and cooked through. The browning of the beef adds a deep, savory flavor to the dish.
• Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same skillet (do not clean it to retain the beef flavors), add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat for about 3 minutes, until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its fragrance. This will build the aromatic base for the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Simmer with Cream

• Return the browned beef to the skillet.
• Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and then add dried basil and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for 4-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Combine with Tortellini

• Once the sauce has thickened, toss the cooked tortellini into the skillet. Stir everything together until the tortellini is well coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce.
• Season with additional salt and pepper to taste if needed.

Step 5: Serve Garnished

• Serve the beef and tortellini hot, topped with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.

Cooking Notes:

• Beef Substitute: If beef chuck isn’t available, you can use sirloin, or for a quicker option, ground beef. The flavor and texture may vary, but all options will work well in the dish.
• Cheese Tortellini: Use store-bought fresh or frozen cheese tortellini for convenience. You can also use tortellini with other fillings like spinach and ricotta for variety.
• Creamy Sauce: Make sure not to overcook the cream sauce. Simmer it just until it thickens slightly to avoid curdling or separation.

Serving Suggestions:

• Side Dish: Serve this rich pasta dish with a light green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Beverage Pairing: A glass of red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs well with the beef and creamy sauce, or try a crisp sparkling water with a lemon wedge for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.

Tips:

1. Make Ahead: You can brown the beef and sauté the aromatics in advance. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then finish cooking with the cream and tortellini just before serving.
2. Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan or simmer the sauce a little longer to reduce it further.
3. Vegetarian Option: To make this dish vegetarian, simply omit the beef and substitute with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for a satisfying, meat-free version.

Prep Time:

• 15 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 25 minutes

Total Time:

• 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 600 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 34g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 3g

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Conclusion:

This Beef & Parmesan Tortellini in Creamy Sauce is a delicious, comforting dish that brings together tender beef, flavorful tortellini, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. The simplicity of the ingredients and preparation makes it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its rich, savory flavors and elegant presentation, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!

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