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Garlic Steak Tortellini: The Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Meal

Garlic Steak Tortellini: The Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Meal

This Garlic Steak Tortellini is a luxurious one-pan meal that combines tender seared beef with cheesy pasta in a velvety garlic cream sauce. It is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights when you want restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tortellini
  • 20 oz cheese tortellini fresh preferred
For the Steak
  • 1 lb steak sirloin cubes
For the Seasoning
  • salt to taste
  • black pepper to taste
  • garlic powder for seasoning
  • smoked paprika for color
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for searing
  • 4 tbsp butter unsalted base
  • 5 cloves garlic minced fresh
  • 1 cup heavy cream full fat
  • 3/4 cup whole milk for balance
  • 1 1/4 cups parmesan freshly grated
For Garnishing
  • parsley chopped optional
  • red pepper flakes for heat
  • cracked black pepper garnish only

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the cheese tortellini until al dente, usually 3 to 5 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest.
  2. Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your steak bites with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then sear for 3 to 5 minutes until browned and caramelized.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside. In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
  4. Simmer the sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring constantly to pick up the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the liquid simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Whisk in cheese: Gradually add the parmesan cheese to the skillet, whisking continuously until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is fully melted.
  6. Toss everything: Return the seared steak and the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Toss gently for 2 minutes to ensure every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.
  7. Finish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

To maintain the best texture, ensure you do not overcook the pasta before adding it to the sauce. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop with a small splash of milk to loosen the cream sauce.