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Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamy House Sauce Recipe

4.9 from 117 reviews

This Garlic Steak Tortellini recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender seared steak cubes and cheese tortellini tossed in a luscious creamy house sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasonings. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this dish combines rich flavors and simple techniques to deliver a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak

  • 1 to pounds (450560 g) steak, cut into small bite-sized cubes (sirloin, ribeye, New York strip, or tenderloin)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 large cloves garlic, finely minced
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼½ teaspoon salt, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon fresh-cracked black pepper

For the Tortellini

  • 1820 ounces (approx. 500–550 g) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
  • 12 teaspoons salt for boiling water
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (to prevent sticking after draining)

For the Creamy House Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth as substitute)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 12 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Steak: Remove the steak from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature. Pat the meat very dry with paper towels for better browning. Cut into roughly ¾ to 1 inch cubes. Season evenly with smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, tossing to coat all pieces. Set aside while heating the pan.
  2. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water (1–2 teaspoons salt) to a rolling boil. Add the tortellini and gently stir to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions (typically 3–5 minutes) until tortellini floats and is tender. Drain, drizzle lightly with 1 teaspoon olive oil, and set aside.
  3. Sear the Steak – The Flavor Base: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Once butter has melted and oil glistens, add the steak cubes in a single layer without overcrowding. Sear for 1–2 minutes without moving to develop a deep brown crust. Flip and sear another 1–2 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last 30 seconds, stirring quickly to avoid burning. Remove steak and set aside, leaving juices in the pan.
  4. Make the Creamy House Sauce: Reduce heat to medium in the same skillet with steak drippings. Add 2 tablespoons butter and let melt. Sauté 4 cloves minced garlic for 30–45 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden. Slowly pour in 1 cup heavy cream, stirring continuously. Add ½ cup beef broth and whisk to combine. Stir in Italian seasoning and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken. Add ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Steak and Tortellini with Sauce: Add drained tortellini to the skillet with sauce, tossing gently to coat thoroughly. Return seared steak pieces along with any accumulated juices to the pan. Stir carefully to keep steak tender. Let simmer together for 1–2 minutes so flavors blend.
  6. Serve: Spoon the creamy steak tortellini into bowls or plates. Drizzle with extra sauce as desired. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and additional Parmesan if preferred. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

  • To ensure even cooking, cut steak cubes uniform in size.
  • Patting steak dry before searing helps develop a better crust.
  • If using frozen tortellini, thaw completely before cooking.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce texture.
  • Searing steak in batches prevents overcrowding and steaming.
  • Adjust seasoning at the end of sauce preparation for perfect balance.
  • Optionally add crushed red pepper flakes for a slight spicy kick.
  • Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Keywords: Garlic Steak Tortellini, Creamy Steak Pasta, Cheese Tortellini Recipe, Easy Italian Dinner, Creamy Garlic Sauce, Sautéed Steak, Homemade Pasta Sauce