Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s fast, decadent, and uses simple ingredients to create restaurant-style flavor. The tender steak bites pair beautifully with the cheesy pasta, while the garlic butter sauce brings everything together in a silky, irresistible finish.
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Garlic Steak Tortellini: A Rich, Satisfying Skillet Meal with Bold Flavor
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A rich and comforting dish featuring tender garlic-seared steak tossed with cheese tortellini in a creamy garlic butter sauce—quick, indulgent, and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), sliced thin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season sliced steak with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak slices until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, then stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked tortellini and steak back to the pan. Toss until well coated.
- Season with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to taste.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use sliced mushrooms for extra depth.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- For extra cheesy goodness, stir in mozzarella before serving.
- Perfect with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cheese tortellini
Acts as the hearty, comforting pasta base with a creamy, cheesy filling.
Steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank)
Provides rich, flavorful protein that sears beautifully in the skillet.
Butter
Forms the base of the garlic sauce, adding richness and gloss.
Olive oil
Helps sear the steak and prevents burning.
Garlic
Adds bold, aromatic flavor throughout the dish.
Parmesan cheese
Creates salty, nutty depth and blends smoothly into the sauce.
Heavy cream (optional)
Adds silkiness if you prefer a creamier sauce.
Salt and black pepper
Season both steak and pasta for balanced flavor.
Parsley or basil
Adds color and freshness to finish the dish.
Directions
Start by cooking the tortellini in salted boiling water until just tender. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak cubes with salt and pepper, then sear them until browned on all sides but still tender. Remove the steak and keep warm.
In the same skillet, reduce heat and add butter. Stir in minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant. Add a splash of pasta water or cream to form a silky sauce. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the garlic sauce.
Return the steak to the pan and toss everything together. Allow the flavors to meld for a minute or two before removing from heat. Garnish with chopped herbs and additional Parmesan before serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce. Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy elements and tortellini filling.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Garlic Alfredo Tortellini
Add extra cream and Parmesan for a richer, thicker sauce.
Spicy Steak Tortellini
Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the garlic butter.
Mushroom Steak Tortellini
Sauté mushrooms before adding steak for earthy depth.
Sun-Dried Tomato Version
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness and tang.
Steak & Spinach Tortellini
Stir in fresh spinach at the end to wilt gently.
Pesto Steak Tortellini
Add a spoonful of basil pesto to the sauce.
Balsamic Glaze Finish
Drizzle with balsamic reduction for acidic contrast.
Mixed Cheese Tortellini
Use different filled pastas for added flavor complexity.
Chicken Swap
Replace steak with chicken breast or thighs.
Wine-Infused Sauce
Deglaze skillet with white wine before adding butter.
FAQs
What steak works best?
Sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak sear well and stay tender.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just boil as directed.
Do I need cream for the sauce?
No, the butter-parmesan sauce works well alone.
Why is my steak tough?
Avoid overcooking; sear quickly on high heat.
Can I make this ahead?
Best served fresh, but reheats well with added liquid.
Is this dish spicy?
Not unless you add chili flakes or hot sauce.
Can I use grated Parmesan?
Freshly grated melts better, but pre-grated works in a pinch.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes—spinach, mushrooms, or peas work beautifully.
How do I avoid burning the garlic?
Lower the heat and cook just until fragrant.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger skillet or cook steak in batches.
Conclusion
Garlic Steak Tortellini offers an indulgent blend of tender steak, cheesy pasta, and buttery garlic sauce—all prepared quickly in a single skillet. The flavors melt together into a comforting, satisfying dish that feels luxurious without the hassle. Whether for a special dinner or a relaxed weeknight, this recipe brings bold flavor and hearty comfort to your table with every bite.
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