Description
Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini is a quick, steakhouse-style pasta made with seared steak bites and cheese tortellini tossed in a rich garlic “creamhouse” sauce of butter, cream, milk, and Parmesan. Ready in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
Steak
1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-size pieces
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
Smoked paprika, to taste
Sauce + cooking
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, shredded or freshly grated
Optional garnish
Parsley, chopped
Red pepper flakes
Cracked black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook 3–5 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Season the steak with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Add to the skillet and sear 3–5 minutes until browned. Remove the steak to a plate and set aside.
4. Reduce heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté about 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown).
5. Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
6. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Add the cooked tortellini and seared steak back to the skillet and toss about 2 minutes until everything is warmed through and coated in sauce.
8. Garnish with parsley, red pepper flakes, and cracked black pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Sear the steak over higher heat for a good crust, then remove it so it doesn’t overcook while the sauce simmers.
Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer (not a hard boil) to prevent breaking.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
Optional add-in: stir in a handful of spinach at the end and let it wilt in the sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl