Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Garlic Steak Tortellini is a deeply satisfying dish that combines tender seared steak, pillowy cheese-filled tortellini, and a luxuriously garlicky butter sauce. It is the perfect balance of richness, comfort, and simplicity—an ideal recipe for nights when you want something special without a long prep time. The steak adds hearty flavor while the tortellini brings creamy pasta comfort. What makes this meal especially appealing is how quickly it comes together in a single skillet once the tortellini is boiled. I once prepared this dish using almond milk in the pan sauce to lighten it, and it still came out smooth and flavorful. The garlic butter base, enriched with herbs and parmesan, coats every bite beautifully. Whether you serve it for a cozy weeknight dinner or as an impressive yet low-effort meal for guests, this recipe delivers consistent richness and restaurant-worthy taste.
Print
Garlic Steak Tortellini: A Rich, Savory Skillet Dinner Ready in Minutes
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Garlic Steak Tortellini is a rich and satisfying dish featuring tender seared steak tossed with cheese tortellini in a buttery garlic cream sauce. It’s a quick yet indulgent meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank), sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season sliced steak with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear steak for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preference. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon butter.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cooked tortellini and toss to coat.
- Return steak to the skillet and gently mix everything together.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine before adding cream.
- Swap steak for grilled chicken or shrimp if preferred.
- Add spinach or sundried tomatoes for extra color and texture.
- Use fresh refrigerated tortellini for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Italian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Steak
Sliced steak, such as sirloin or ribeye, provides hearty, savory flavor and cooks quickly while staying tender.
Cheese Tortellini
Fresh cheese tortellini adds creamy richness and serves as the comforting base of the dish.
Butter
Melted butter creates the foundation of the garlic sauce and helps sear the steak beautifully.
Olive Oil
A splash of olive oil prevents the butter from browning too quickly during cooking.
Garlic
Generous amounts of minced garlic infuse the sauce with aromatic depth.
Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese enriches the sauce, adding salty, nutty flavor.
Beef Broth
A bit of beef broth deglazes the pan and lends savory body to the sauce.
Milk or Cream
A touch of milk or cream creates a silky texture. Almond milk also works well for a lighter version.
Salt and Pepper
A simple blend of salt and pepper enhances the steak and seasons the sauce.
Parsley
Fresh parsley adds brightness and a finishing herbal note.
Directions
Begin by cooking the tortellini according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside. Meanwhile, pat the steak dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a mixture of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak in a single layer and sear until browned on both sides. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside, keeping the juices in the pan.
Reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more butter if needed. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Deglaze the skillet with beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the steak. Pour in the milk or cream and whisk until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Add the grated Parmesan and stir until melted.
Return the cooked tortellini and steak to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything in the garlic sauce. Allow the mixture to warm through for a few minutes. Finish with chopped parsley and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Equipment needed
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
This recipe yields about 4 servings. Preparation takes roughly 10 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes of cooking time for the steak, sauce, and tortellini.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess. Microwaving is possible but may thicken the sauce slightly.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Alfredo Style
Increase the cream and Parmesan for a richer, Alfredo-inspired sauce.
Spicy Garlic Tortellini
Add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to give the dish gentle heat.
Mushroom Steak Tortellini
Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding the garlic for an earthy, hearty variation.
Herb-Loaded Version
Stir in basil, thyme, or rosemary for deeper aromatic flavor.
Lighter Tortellini Skillet
Use sirloin tips or flank steak and almond milk for a lighter yet satisfying dish.
Cheese Choice Swap
Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for extra sharpness.
Veggie Boost
Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted cherry tomatoes for more color and texture.
Cream-Free Garlic Sauce
Use only broth and Parmesan for a lighter pan sauce.
Grilled Steak Tortellini
Grill the steak separately for a smoky, charred flavor profile.
White Wine Deglaze
Use a splash of dry white wine instead of broth for more depth.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak provide the best balance of tenderness and flavor.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, cook according to the package instructions before adding to the skillet.
Can I replace the cream with milk?
Yes, milk or almond milk works, though the sauce will be slightly lighter.
Why is my sauce too thin?
Simmer the sauce longer or add extra Parmesan to thicken it.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well with added liquid.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes, sliced chicken breast or thighs work nicely.
Is this dish spicy?
Only if you add heat; the base recipe is mild.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely—spinach, kale, mushrooms, or tomatoes work very well.
Does the steak need to rest?
A brief rest helps retain moisture, but not strictly necessary for thin slices.
What pasta alternatives can I use?
Ravioli or gnocchi both make excellent substitutes.
Conclusion
Garlic Steak Tortellini is a richly flavorful skillet recipe that combines tender steak, creamy cheese-filled pasta, and an aromatic garlic sauce into a harmonious and satisfying dish. It comes together quickly, offers plenty of customization options, and brings a restaurant-style finish to your home kitchen. Whether served for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it consistently delivers comforting, savory depth in every bite.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!