If you believe there's no such thing as "too much garlic," you've just found your new favorite recipe. This Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini celebrates big, punchy flavors. We use freshly cracked peppercorns to create a crust on the steak, which then mingles with toasted garlic slivers to create a sauce that is out of this world. It's a textured, aromatic experience that transforms simple pantry staples into a gourmet feast. Get your garlic press ready, it's time to cook something truly bold.
This cracked garlic steak tortellini, garlic steak and tortellini, and garlic butter steak bites and tortellini use creamy garlic creamhouse sauce with seared steak bites with tortellini and cheese tortellini in rich sauce. Whether you're making steak bites tortellini recipe, steak parmesan tortellini, garlic beef tortellini, tortellini with cube steak, garlic parmesan beef tortellini, philly steak tortellini alfredo, garlic butter steak bites and creamy pesto tortellini, or creamy beef and tortellini, this one-pan skillet dinner delivers tender steak and pasta dish with garlic parmesan seasoning every time.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
- Ingredients for Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
- How to Make Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
- My Top Tips for Perfect Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
- Variations on Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
- Equipment for Making Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
- Storage Tips for Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
- Adam's Tip for Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
- FAQ About Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love This Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
- Ready in 30 minutes. This one-pan skillet dinner is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without the fuss.
- Restaurant-quality at home. The creamy garlic creamhouse sauce with seared steak bites with tortellini tastes like something you'd order at an Italian steakhouse.
- Kid-approved comfort food. The cheese tortellini in rich sauce and tender steak bites are always a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients for Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
This simple ingredient list creates the ultimate cracked garlic steak tortellini.
What You'll Need
For the Steak:
- 1 to 1.5 pounds sirloin steak, ribeye, or cube steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Tortellini:
- 1 pound fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves fresh minced garlic (or 2 tablespoons minced garlic)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Cracked black pepper to serve
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, diced
- ½ cup diced onions
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Why These Ingredients Matter
Seared steak bites with tortellini create texture contrast. The tender, juicy steak bites paired with pillowy cheese tortellini in rich sauce give you the perfect balance of protein and pasta in this cracked garlic steak tortellini.
Fresh minced garlic aroma is essential. Using fresh garlic instead of jarred garlic creates that incredible fragrance and depth of flavor in the creamy garlic creamhouse sauce.
Heavy cream parmesan sauce makes it luxurious. The combination of heavy cream, milk, and freshly grated Parmesan creates a velvety sauce with garlic parmesan seasoning that clings to every bite.
How to Make Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
Step-by-Step Directions
- Cook the tortellini. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions (usually 3 to 5 minutes for fresh, 7 to 9 minutes for frozen). Drain and set aside.
- Season the steak. Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on all sides.
- Sear the steak bites. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in a single layer (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the seared steak bites with tortellini from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic sauce. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the fresh minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Don't let it burn!
- Add the cream. Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer and reduce for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally to create the creamy garlic creamhouse sauce.
- Whisk in Parmesan. Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the heavy cream parmesan sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in Italian seasoning and fresh parsley.
- Combine everything. Add the cooked cheese tortellini in rich sauce to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the garlic parmesan seasoning sauce. Add the seared steak bites back to the pan and toss everything together for the perfect cracked garlic steak tortellini.
- Adjust seasoning. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. The tender steak and pasta dish should be well-seasoned and creamy.
- Serve immediately. Plate the one-pan skillet dinner and serve with cracked black pepper on top. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Quick Tip: Don't overcook the steak! Sear it quickly over high heat to keep it tender and juicy for the best cracked garlic steak tortellini.
My Top Tips for Perfect Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
- Serve immediately. This tender steak and pasta dish is best eaten right away while the sauce is hot and creamy.
- Use fresh garlic. The fresh minced garlic aroma is what makes this cracked garlic steak tortellini so special. Don't skip it for garlic powder.
- Don't overcook the steak. Medium-rare to medium is perfect for tender seared steak bites with tortellini. Overcooking makes them tough.
- Reserve pasta water. Save ½ cup of the tortellini cooking water. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash to thin it out.
- Share something here that you think is key to making this recipe well, such as: Don't overcook the burgers! Sear the outside and cook to a minimum internal temperature, but they should still be juicy for best results.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
The first time I made this cracked garlic steak tortellini, Adam watched me sear the steak and asked, "Mom, why does the garlic smell SO good?" I explained that fresh garlic releases amazing flavors when you cook it in butter. When dinner was ready, he twirled a forkful of the garlic steak and tortellini and took a big bite. "This is like fancy restaurant food! The sauce is so creamy and the steak is perfect. Can we have this again tomorrow?"
Grandma Viola smiled and said, "You know, the secret to a good cream sauce is not rushing it. Let it simmer slowly so the flavors come together. And fresh Parmesan makes all the difference, never use the stuff in the green can. This is delicious, honey."
If you love easy pasta dinners, try our Marry Me Chicken Soup. It's another family favorite with creamy flavors.
Substitutions for Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
- Steak: Use sirloin, ribeye, flank steak, or tortellini with cube steak. You can also use chicken breast or shrimp for a different protein.
- Tortellini: Swap cheese tortellini with spinach tortellini, meat-filled tortellini, or regular pasta like penne or fettuccine.
- Heavy cream: Replace with half-and-half for a lighter heavy cream parmesan sauce, or use a mix of cream cheese and milk.
- Parmesan: Use Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese for a different flavor in the garlic parmesan seasoning.
Variations on Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
- Garlic Parmesan Steak Tortellini (Classic): Follow the recipe above with creamy garlic creamhouse sauce, seared steak bites with tortellini, and cheese tortellini in rich sauce for classic garlic parmesan steak tortellini and garlic butter steak bites and tortellini.
- Steak Bites Tortellini Recipe (With Vegetables): Add diced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and onions to the skillet for a loaded steak bites tortellini recipe and tender steak and pasta dish.
- Philly Steak Tortellini Alfredo (Cheesesteak Style): Add sautéed bell peppers, onions, and provolone cheese for authentic philly steak tortellini alfredo and creamy beef and tortellini.
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Creamy Pesto Tortellini: Stir in 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce along with the cream for garlic butter steak bites and creamy pesto tortellini and garlic beef tortellini.
- Garlic Parmesan Beef Tortellini (Spicy): Add red pepper flakes and a splash of white wine to the sauce for spicy garlic parmesan beef tortellini and steak parmesan tortellini.
If you're craving more comfort food, check out our Chicken Casserole. It's another family favorite.
Equipment for Making Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
- Large skillet or sauté pan: Essential for the one-pan skillet dinner method. A 12-inch skillet works best to fit everything for this cracked garlic steak tortellini.
- Large pot: For boiling the cheese tortellini.
- Whisk: For creating the smooth heavy cream parmesan sauce without lumps.
- Tongs: For flipping the seared steak bites with tortellini.
Storage Tips for Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
- Refrigerator: Store leftover cracked garlic steak tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: This creamy garlic creamhouse sauce doesn't freeze well as cream-based sauces can separate. Eat fresh for best results.
- Reheating tip: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the heavy cream parmesan sauce back to life. Avoid the microwave if possible as it can make the steak tough.
- Make-ahead tip: You can sear the steak and cook the tortellini in advance. Store separately and make the creamy sauce fresh when ready to serve for the best one-pan skillet dinner.
For more easy dinners, try our Grilled Chicken Marinade. Another quick weeknight winner.
Adam's Tip for Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
"Don't skip the cracked black pepper on top! It makes it taste even better. And make sure you get the steak really brown on the outside so it's crispy!"
FAQ About Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
Does tortellini go with steak?
Yes, tortellini goes beautifully with steak, especially in this garlic parmesan steak tortellini recipe where the cheese tortellini in rich sauce complements the seared steak bites with tortellini perfectly. The pillowy pasta and tender meat create wonderful texture contrast, while the creamy garlic creamhouse sauce ties everything together. This one-pan skillet dinner combines the best of both worlds with tender steak and pasta dish that's hearty and satisfying. The heavy cream parmesan sauce with garlic parmesan seasoning coats both the steak and tortellini, making every bite delicious. This works for garlic butter steak bites and tortellini, steak bites tortellini recipe, garlic beef tortellini, and garlic steak and tortellini.
What to eat with pesto tortellini?
Pesto tortellini pairs wonderfully with grilled or seared proteins like steak, chicken, or shrimp. For this garlic butter steak bites and creamy pesto tortellini variation, the fresh minced garlic aroma and pesto create amazing flavor. You can also serve pesto tortellini with roasted vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers for a complete one-pan skillet dinner. A simple side salad with Caesar dressing or garlic bread also complements the creamy garlic creamhouse sauce beautifully. For tender steak and pasta dish variations, try adding sautéed mushrooms or caramelized onions. This works for garlic parmesan beef tortellini, philly steak tortellini alfredo, and creamy beef and tortellini.
Is pesto tortellini healthy?
Pesto tortellini can be part of a balanced meal, but it's relatively high in calories and fat due to the cheese filling, pesto sauce, and often heavy cream parmesan sauce. A typical serving has around 300 to 400 calories depending on portion size and preparation method. To make it healthier for your tender steak and pasta dish, use whole wheat tortellini, add plenty of vegetables, and control portion sizes. The garlic parmesan seasoning and fresh minced garlic aroma add flavor without many calories. For a lighter one-pan skillet dinner, use less cream in the creamy garlic creamhouse sauce and add more veggies. This works for steak parmesan tortellini, garlic beef tortellini, and tortellini with cube steak.
How many calories are in pesto tortellini?
Pesto tortellini typically contains 300 to 400 calories per 1-cup serving, depending on the brand and preparation. When you add seared steak bites with tortellini and creamy garlic creamhouse sauce like in this garlic parmesan steak tortellini recipe, the total increases to around 600 to 800 calories per serving. The cheese tortellini in rich sauce, heavy cream parmesan sauce, and steak all contribute to the calorie count. To reduce calories in this one-pan skillet dinner, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the amount of cheese, and add more vegetables to bulk up the tender steak and pasta dish. This works for garlic butter steak bites and tortellini, steak bites tortellini recipe, and creamy beef and tortellini.
For another delicious steak and pasta combination, check out this Tortellini, Steak, and Caesar from Allrecipes.
Conclusion
There's nothing quite like the aroma of garlic and seared steak filling the kitchen, and this dish delivers on that promise 100%. The way the cheese inside the tortellini balances the heat from the cracked pepper is what makes this recipe a standout. For the best results, always use fresh garlic over the jarred stuff, your taste buds will thank you! Before you go, tell me: are you team "extra garlic" or "extra steak"? Drop a comment below and share this recipe with your fellow garlic enthusiasts!
If you try this garlic parmesan steak tortellini or the garlic butter steak bites and tortellini, you'll see why it's a family favorite. Whether you're making steak bites tortellini recipe, garlic beef tortellini, or creamy beef and tortellini, this one-pan skillet dinner delivers every time. The creamy garlic creamhouse sauce and tender steak and pasta dish are absolutely delicious. Please leave a 5-star rating below if this becomes your new favorite! For more easy dinners, try our Chicken Legs or Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich. Happy cooking!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini:
recipe
Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
Equipment
- Large Skillet A 12-inch skillet works best for a true one-pan dinner.
- Large pot For boiling the tortellini.
- Whisk Helps keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
- Tongs Perfect for flipping steak bites safely.
Ingredients
- 1 to 1.5 lb sirloin steak cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 lb cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic freshly minced
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 0.5 cup whole milk
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- cracked black pepper for serving
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Pat the sirloin steak dry and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to scrape up any browned bits. Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
- Lower the heat and whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth. Stir in Italian seasoning and fresh parsley.
- Add the cooked tortellini and seared steak back into the skillet. Toss gently until everything is coated in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Serve warm with extra cracked black pepper on top.
Notes
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream.
- You can swap the steak for chicken or shrimp if needed. Spinach or mushrooms make great add-ins if you want extra veggies.
- This is one of those recipes I am saving especially for my daughter, so she can remember these nights in the kitchen long after she has her own home and her own family.
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