Description
This Spicy Garlic Beef & Spinach Tortellini in Creamy Cajun Sauce is a rich, comforting pasta dish packed with bold flavors and ready in 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 lb beef tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Optional: 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil. Brown the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Remove beef-spinach mixture from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter with olive oil. Whisk in flour to create a roux, then gradually add cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
- Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Simmer 2–3 minutes until thickened. Add broth if needed.
- Combine tortellini and beef-spinach mixture in the sauce. Toss gently to coat. Serve hot with garnishes of choice.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for sausage, chicken, or shrimp for variety.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 400g)
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Spicy garlic pasta, creamy Cajun tortellini, beef tortellini recipe, quick weeknight pasta