Discover the rich flavors of Garlic Steak Tortellini, a quick, savory dish perfect for dinner that satisfies every craving with ease. This hearty recipe combines tender, juicy steak with cheese-filled tortellini, all tossed in a luscious garlic-infused sauce that makes every bite a delicious experience. Whether you’re looking for a family meal or a crowd-pleaser, Garlic Steak Tortellini delivers bold flavors and comforting textures in one simple dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The savory garlic and juicy steak complement the creamy tortellini for a mouthwatering combination.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights without compromising on taste.
Versatile Dish: Works great as a standalone meal or paired with sides for a complete dinner.
Kid-Friendly: Mild yet flavorful, making it a hit with all ages.
Impressive Presentation: Looks gourmet enough to serve to guests but easy enough for home cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the unbeatable taste and texture of Garlic Steak Tortellini. Simple, fresh, and full of character, these components come together to make the dish truly shine.

Cheese Tortellini: Use fresh or frozen, it adds creamy, cheesy pockets that soak up the sauce perfectly.
Steak Strips: Choose a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye, sliced thin to cook quickly and stay juicy.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic provides a fragrant, bold flavor that defines the entire dish.
Olive Oil: Creates a smooth base for sautéing steak and garlic with a light, fruity touch.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that enhances the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: Gives the sauce a rich, velvety texture without overpowering other flavors.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or basil bring a pop of color and fresh brightness to the meal.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient.

Variations for Garlic Steak Tortellini

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to tweak it to match your dietary needs, available ingredients, or flavor preferences. The foundation is simple and flexible enough to experiment with.

Protein Swap: Substitute steak for chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a different take.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and vegan tortellini for a plant-based option.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for heat.
Veggie Boost: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to elevate flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Variety: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a unique cheese profile.

Why Garlic Steak Tortellini Is a Must-Try Meal

How to Make Garlic Steak Tortellini

Step 1: Prepare the Tortellini

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later if needed.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season steak strips with salt and pepper, then add to the hot pan. Cook for about 2 minutes per side until browned but still juicy. Remove steak and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Sauce

Lower heat to medium and add extra olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the pan to infuse flavor.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add cooked tortellini and steak back to the skillet. Toss everything gently in the garlic cream sauce until well-coated. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time for the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Herbs

Sprinkle grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley over the dish. Give it a final toss to melt the cheese slightly, infusing the dish with richness and color before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Steak Tortellini

Use Room Temperature Steak: This ensures even cooking and tenderness when searing.
Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Slightly undercooked tortellini will finish cooking in the sauce, keeping its texture firm yet tender.
Fresh Garlic Is Key: Avoid pre-minced garlic when possible for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
Rest the Steak Briefly: Let steak strips rest after cooking to lock in juices and enhance tenderness.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: Use reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce perfectly without losing flavor.

How to Serve Garlic Steak Tortellini

Garnishes

Add freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or even thin slices of red chili for a pop of color and flavor that brightens the rich dish.

Side Dishes

Pair Garlic Steak Tortellini with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to round out the meal with crunchy or fresh contrasts.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in shallow bowls topped with herb sprigs and a wedge of lemon for a touch of acidity. For a dinner party, plate individual portions with microgreens and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for elegance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a convenient yet delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

Although best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Garlic Steak Tortellini for up to 1 month. Use a freezer-safe container and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to keep the sauce creamy and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta instead of tortellini?

Yes, this recipe works well with ravioli, gnocchi, or even penne, though tortellini’s stuffed texture pairs especially nicely with the steak and garlic sauce.

What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?

Lean and tender cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak work best because they cook quickly and stay juicy when sliced thin.

Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?

Absolutely! The flavors are bold but not overwhelming, and the cheesy tortellini make it a comforting option even for picky palates.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, by skipping the steak and adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or grilled vegetables, you can create a delicious vegetarian version.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

To thicken, simmer the sauce a bit longer uncovered. To thin it out, stir in reserved pasta cooking water or extra cream in small amounts until desired consistency is reached.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Steak Tortellini is one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to whip up any night of the week. The combination of tender steak, flavorful garlic sauce, and cheesy tortellini is truly irresistible. Give this recipe a try and discover how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen!

Garlic Steak Tortellini

Print Recipe

Garlic Steak Tortellini is a hearty and quick-to-prepare dish combining tender steak strips with creamy cheese tortellini, all tossed in a rich garlic-infused cream sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this savory meal offers a perfect balance of bold flavors and comforting textures, ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.

Author: Kathy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Contains Gluten, Dairy, and Meat

Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients

12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
8 ounces sirloin or ribeye steak strips, thinly sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus extra if needed)
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the tortellini and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency later.
Sear the Steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak strips with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Cook for approximately 2 minutes per side until browned on the outside but still juicy inside. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
Create the Garlic Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and stir, scraping any browned bits from the pan to infuse the sauce with flavor.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked tortellini and seared steak back into the skillet. Gently toss all ingredients in the garlic cream sauce to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, slowly stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until reaching desired consistency.
Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley over the mixture. Give everything a final gentle toss to slightly melt the cheese, enriching the dish with creaminess and vibrant color. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use room temperature steak strips to ensure even cooking and tenderness.
Do not overcook the tortellini; slightly undercooked pasta will finish cooking in the sauce and maintain firm texture.
Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
Rest steak strips briefly after cooking to lock in juices and enhance tenderness.
Adjust the sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water to thin it or simmering longer uncovered to thicken.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 520 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: Garlic Steak Tortellini, quick dinner, creamy pasta, steak recipe, garlic sauce, easy weeknight meal