If you are looking for a dish that combines rich, creamy flavors with tender, perfectly cooked steak and cheesy tortellini, this Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s one of those meals that feels indulgent yet comforting, bringing together the satisfying bite of steak with the delicate pillows of cheese-filled pasta all enveloped in a garlicky, buttery sauce. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this recipe turns a simple dinner into a joyful occasion filled with bold flavors and irresistible aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of carefully chosen ingredients, each step enhances the overall dish. From the robust steak to the creamy Parmesan sauce, every item plays a critical role in creating a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and even color that’s sure to please.
- Cheese tortellini (20 oz): Choose fresh or frozen for soft, cheesy pasta pockets that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Steak (1 lb sirloin or ribeye): Pick a well-marbled cut that will sear beautifully and stay juicy.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the steak and pasta water to bring out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth, best freshly cracked for maximum aroma.
- Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor even before sautéing fresh garlic, layering taste.
- Smoked paprika: Provides a subtle smoky warmth that complements the beef brilliantly.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Perfect for searing the steak and starting the sauce with a fruity richness.
- Butter (4 tbsp): Adds creaminess and indulgence to the sauce base.
- Garlic cloves (5, minced): Fresh garlic gives that unmistakable punch and aroma everyone loves.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats the tortellini beautifully.
- Whole milk (3/4 cup): Lightens the cream for a balanced richness without being too heavy.
- Parmesan cheese (1 1/4 cups, freshly grated): Melts into the sauce to add savory, nutty flavor and a velvety texture.
- Parsley (chopped, optional): Freshens and brightens the dish with a pop of green color.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of heat for those who like a bit of spice.
- Cracked black pepper (optional): For finishing, giving an extra flavor punch and texture contrast.
How to Make Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This salt seasons the pasta from the inside out, which is key for flavor. Add your cheese tortellini and cook until al dente, about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain the tortellini and set aside, keeping them ready to be tossed into the heavenly sauce later.
Step 2: Sear the Steak to Perfection
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it’s nice and hot before adding your steak. Season the steak generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for that smoky, garlicky kick. Sear the steak for 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until it reaches your preferred doneness. Then remove it from the skillet and let it rest—this step is what locks in the juices so every bite is tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet—those browned bits left behind from the steak add incredible flavor. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about one minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring continuously as the mixture simmers and thickens slightly over 3 to 4 minutes.
Step 4: Incorporate Parmesan and Combine
Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, watching it melt smoothly into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary—this is the moment to make it perfectly balanced. Next, slice the rested steak against the grain and return it along with the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Toss everything together for about 2 minutes so the tortellini are coated evenly and warmed through.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Finish your Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a pop of color and a hint of heat. Serve it immediately for the ultimate experience— creamy, garlicky, cheesy pasta paired with flavorful steak that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Serve Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
A final touch of fresh parsley brings the dish to life, adding vibrant color and a slight herbal freshness. Cracked black pepper elevates the flavor with a subtle crunch, while red pepper flakes provide a gentle warmth that contrasts the creamy sauce. These garnishes make every plate look inviting and taste even better.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite rich and filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables creates a balanced meal. A light, chilled glass of white wine also pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness and refreshing the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant presentation, plate the tortellini and steak in a shallow bowl, drizzle extra sauce around, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and microgreens. You can also serve it family-style in a large pan so everyone can help themselves, enhancing the warm and inviting atmosphere that this recipe naturally encourages.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even further.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead for quick meals, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Note that the texture of the pasta may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the delicious garlicky steak flavor remains.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore the creaminess. Microwaving is convenient but may require more stirring to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is perfect for this Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe due to its filling and texture, you can substitute with other stuffed pastas like ravioli or even a robust pasta like penne for a different experience.
How do I know when the steak is cooked just right?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer; aim for 130°F for medium-rare or 140°F for medium. Keep in mind steak will continue to cook slightly while resting, so remove it just before it reaches your desired temperature.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can, but it requires some adjustments. Substitute the butter with olive oil and use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative instead of heavy cream and milk. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan to maintain that cheesy flavor.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Simply multiply the ingredient quantities and cook the steak in batches if needed. Just be sure to keep the sauce warm and combine everything toward the end for best results.
What leftovers ideas do you recommend?
Leftover Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe makes a great filling for stuffed peppers or can be tossed with fresh greens for a comforting pasta salad. Reheating it gently retains most of the original texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe is a true celebration of indulgent flavors and simple cooking magic. It brings together creamy, garlic-infused sauce and succulent steak with cheesy pasta in a way that feels both luxurious and approachable. I can’t recommend enough that you give this a try—it’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and satisfies your soul with every bite.
Print
Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A rich and flavorful Garlic Steak Tortellini recipe that combines tender seared steak with creamy garlic parmesan sauce and cheese tortellini. Perfect for a hearty yet elegant meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini
- 20 oz cheese tortellini
Steak and Seasoning
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Smoked paprika, to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 1/4 cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Garnish (optional)
- Parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the cheese tortellini. Cook for 3–5 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil to prepare for searing the steak.
- Season the Steak: Season the steak generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to infuse robust flavor.
- Sear the Steak: Place the steak in the hot skillet and cook for about 3–5 minutes on each side or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium, melt the butter in the same skillet, then add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Cream and Milk: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until it has slightly thickened.
- Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Steak and Tortellini: Slice the rested steak thinly, return it to the skillet along with the cooked tortellini. Toss everything together for about 2 minutes to coat the pasta and steak evenly in the sauce and warm through.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth sauce consistency.
- Adjust the seasoning of steak and sauce according to your taste preference.
- Let steak rest after cooking to retain juices and tenderness.
- Use sirloin or ribeye steak for optimal flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but sauce may be less rich.
