Garlic Steak Tortellini
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
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
- 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