Name: Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini; Water and salt for boiling; 2 tablespoons butter; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup beef broth; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped; Extra Parmesan cheese

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Let me introduce you to the Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe, a dish that instantly feels like a warm hug on a plate. Picture tender, juicy sirloin steak bites mingling with pillowy cheese tortellini, all wrapped in a rich and silky garlic Parmesan cream sauce. It’s truly the kind of meal that elevates any weeknight dinner, delivering bold flavors and comforting textures all in one skillet. Best of all, it comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for when you want something impressive without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows six bowls placed on a white marbled surface. In the bottom left, there is a white bowl filled with small pieces of raw red meat with visible marbling. To the right of it, another white bowl holds yellow tortellini pasta. Above these two bowls, a woman's hand is lightly touching a piece of raw meat. Towards the top center, there is a white bowl filled with a white liquid, likely cream or milk. To its right, a small white bowl contains a rectangular block of pale yellow butter. Near the top right, a small white bowl holds fine grated cheese, and close to it, there are three whole garlic bulbs and two individual cloves scattered on the surface, adding to the rustic feel of the composition. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the depth, creaminess, and balance that make this dish unforgettable. From the quality of the steak to the sharpness of Parmesan, every element contributes to a harmonious whole.

Sirloin steak, 1 lb: Provides tender, flavorful bites that are the star protein in the dish.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the steak and bringing out all the flavors.
Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Helps sear the steak to a perfect golden brown.
Butter, 3 tablespoons: Adds richness and a luscious mouthfeel to the sauce and steak.
Cheese tortellini, 20 oz (refrigerated): Cheesy pockets of pasta that soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Water and salt for boiling pasta: Basic but critical to cook tortellini perfectly al dente.
Garlic, 5 cloves minced: The aromatic heart of the sauce, delivering bold, savory flavor.
Heavy cream, 1 cup: Creates the indulgent, silky base for the sauce.
Beef broth, ½ cup: Adds depth and a subtle savory note that complements the steak.
Parmesan cheese, ¾ cup freshly grated: Melts smoothly into the sauce, giving it that signature cheesy tang.
Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon: A fragrant blend enhancing the sauce’s herbaceous character.
Paprika, ¼ teaspoon: Just a pinch for warmth and a pop of color.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, green brightness when sprinkled on top.
Extra Parmesan (optional): For that final cheesy flourish before serving.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

The first thing you want to do is bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cooking your cheese tortellini according to the package instructions is easy and essential to make sure every bite is perfectly soft but still has a little bite. Drain them carefully and set aside, ready to be bathed in that irresistible sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Season your sirloin steak pieces generously with salt and black pepper. Heating olive oil over medium-high heat sets the stage for a gorgeous sear — cook the steak for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until it develops that beautiful golden crust. Toss in butter to coat those steak bites with extra richness, then remove them from the skillet, making room for the magic to come.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet, then add minced garlic, letting it sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant — this will fill your kitchen with the most comforting aroma. Pour in beef broth next, scraping the browned bits off the pan because those are flavor gold. Stir in the heavy cream along with Italian seasoning and paprika, letting it simmer gently until it thickens just right. Finish by folding in freshly grated Parmesan, which melts smoothly, creating that unbeatable creamy texture. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Combine and Warm Through

Gently add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing it in the rich sauce so every piece is coated. Return your beautifully seared steak back to the pan, stirring carefully until it’s warmed through and all the flavors have melded perfectly. That’s it — your creamy garlic steak tortellini is ready!

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe

A white bowl filled with two layers: the bottom layer is round tortellini pasta in a light yellow color with a smooth, slightly folded texture, and on top are slices of medium-cooked steak with a brown crust and pink center. The steak pieces rest evenly among the tortellini, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and a light drizzle of sauce that adds a glossy finish. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled over the top immediately brightens the dish, adding color and a hint of herbaceous freshness. Don’t be shy with extra Parmesan cheese either; it adds an irresistible salty finish that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad, crusty garlic bread, or roasted vegetables can round out the meal beautifully. Crisp, fresh sides provide a lovely contrast to the richness of the creamy garlic steak tortellini recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant dinner, serve your tortellini in shallow bowls and garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach folded in to add layers of flavor and texture that will impress everyone at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamy garlic steak tortellini keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to eat again, just pop it into the oven or microwave to enjoy that delicious flavor once more.

Freezing

If you want to store the dish longer, freezing is an option; however, the texture may change slightly due to the cream sauce. To freeze, cool the tortellini completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to two months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. This helps revive the creamy texture and keeps the steak tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin is recommended for its balance of tenderness and flavor, ribeye or New York strip steaks are excellent alternatives if you want something a bit more luxurious and extra tender.

Is it okay to use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, you can substitute frozen cheese tortellini if that’s what you have on hand; just follow package instructions for cooking times and keep an eye on them to achieve the perfect al dente texture.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. Spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes make fantastic additions for some extra color, nutrition, and flavor. Just sauté them before making the sauce to incorporate seamlessly.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

The sauce naturally thickens as it cools, but you can easily loosen it with a splash of heavy cream or broth while reheating, stirring gently until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! The creamy garlic steak tortellini recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare the dish as instructed and store portions in airtight containers. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to enjoy a tasty, fuss-free meal.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that brings joy with every single bite. It’s rich, satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make, perfect for a special night in or whenever you want to wow yourself and your loved ones with comfort food done right. Trust me, once you’ve made it, it will become a speedy favorite in your dinner rotation.