Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet Bliss Recipe
This Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet is a rich and satisfying one-pan meal featuring tender seared steak cubes, cheese-stuffed tortellini, and a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it combines hearty proteins with comforting pasta in a luscious skillet dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Steak
- 1 lb Sirloin or Ribeye Steak, cut into cubes (can substitute with grilled chicken, shrimp, or seared tofu)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (can be swapped with vegetable oil)
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- Garlic Powder, to taste
- Onion Powder, to taste
- Smoked Paprika, to taste
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz Cheese-Filled Tortellini (can exchange with ravioli or other stuffed pasta)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (adjust salt if using salted butter)
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (can replace with half-and-half or plant-based alternatives)
- 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated preferred)
- 0.25 cup Reserved Pasta Water
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (or dried oregano or basil)
- 0.5 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Chopped Parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cheese-filled tortellini and cook according to package instructions, typically 3 to 5 minutes. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water before draining the tortellini and setting it aside.
- Prepare Steak: While the tortellini cooks, pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Sear Steak: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned on all sides. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter and melt it. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and the reserved pasta water. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and the cheese melts completely.
- Combine Tortellini with Sauce: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet and stir well to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for another minute to absorb flavors.
- Add Steak Back: Return the seared steak cubes along with any juices back into the skillet. Stir gently to combine with the tortellini and sauce, warming everything together for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese over the dish as garnish. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Substitute steak with grilled chicken, shrimp, or seared tofu for a different protein option.
- Use vegetable oil if olive oil is not available.
- If using salted butter, reduce added salt to prevent over-seasoning.
- For a milder dish, omit crushed red pepper flakes.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce cling to the pasta.
- A cast iron skillet is ideal for searing steak, but a heavy-bottomed pan works well too.
Keywords: Garlic steak tortellini, cheese tortellini skillet, creamy steak pasta, one-pan dinner, easy Italian dinner
