Beef & Parmesan Tortellini in Creamy Sauce: Weeknight Dinner Made Easy

Looking for a hearty, comforting, and satisfying meal that fits into your Weight Watchers plan? Look no further than this Beef & Parmesan Tortellini in Creamy Sauce. This dish combines tender beef, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich, creamy sauce to create a deliciously indulgent dinner. Best of all, it’s Weight Watchers-friendly and perfect for busy weeknights!

Ingredients

For the Beef and Tortellini:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (95% lean)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional for a richer flavor)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1/2 cup fat-free milk
• 1/4 cup fat-free cream cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Beef

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon.
2. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the oregano, basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
4. Optionally, add the tomato paste and stir until the beef mixture is evenly coated. Set aside.

Cook the Tortellini

1. While the beef cooks, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 3-5 minutes.
2. Drain the tortellini, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce. Set aside.

Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet you cooked the beef, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the fat-free milk, fat-free cream cheese, and chicken broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully incorporated into the sauce, creating a creamy base.
2. Add the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.

Combine the Beef, Tortellini, and Sauce

1. Add the cooked tortellini and beef mixture to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the tortellini is coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to thin it to your desired consistency.
2. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.

Serve

1. Spoon the Beef & Parmesan Tortellini into bowls.
2. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
3. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving)

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• WW Points: ~6 (depends on your plan)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Comfort Food, Weight Watchers-Friendly: This dish brings all the creamy, cheesy comfort of traditional tortellini and beef pasta but in a healthier, WW-approved version.
2. Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a ton of ingredients to make this dish taste great. The combination of lean beef, fresh tortellini, and creamy sauce delivers fantastic flavor without excess calories.
3. Versatile: Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients, or swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
4. Quick and Easy: In under 30 minutes, you have a complete meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Tips for Success

• Use Low-Sodium Broth: For a healthier dish, always opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt content in the creamy sauce.
• Add Veggies: For an extra serving of vegetables, stir in some fresh spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers into the beef mixture.
• Keep the Sauce Creamy: If the sauce thickens too much while simmering, just add a little more pasta water or milk to maintain the creamy texture.
• Try Other Cheeses: Feel free to swap the Parmesan cheese for other varieties, such as mozzarella or a reduced-fat option, to fit your preferences.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a Side Salad: Serve this creamy tortellini with a fresh side salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a complete meal.
• Garlic Bread: For an extra indulgence without going overboard, serve with a slice of Weight Watchers-friendly garlic bread or whole-grain bread for some crunch and texture.

This Beef & Parmesan Tortellini in Creamy Sauce is a fantastic meal that delivers both comfort and flavor without the guilt. With lean beef, tender tortellini, and a luscious creamy sauce, it’s perfect for anyone on the Weight Watchers program looking to enjoy a satisfying dinner. Quick to prepare, delicious, and filling, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!