Looking for a quick dinner that feels special without all the effort? This Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamy House Sauce Bliss is the perfect answer. In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-style meal at home using simple ingredients. Savory steak bites, tender cheese tortellini, and a velvety garlic cream sauce come together in one pan, offering you both flavor and convenience.
It’s a go-to meal for cozy nights, last-minute dinner plans, or when you want something comforting and easy on cleanup.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish checks all the boxes for flavor, speed, and simplicity.
The sauce is rich and creamy, packed with garlic and parmesan. The steak is perfectly seared, adding a satisfying bite to every forkful. Tortellini adds softness and cheesy goodness that blends beautifully with the sauce. With one pot and one pan, this recipe offers minimal cleanup, and it’s flexible enough to adapt with different proteins or vegetables depending on what you have.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every item in this recipe contributes to its layered, comforting taste.
20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated):
Quick to cook and full of creamy cheese, tortellini is the perfect pasta for soaking up the rich sauce.
1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye):
Both options deliver great results. Sirloin is lean and easy to work with, while ribeye brings deep flavor thanks to its marbling.
Salt and black pepper:
These two essentials season the steak and elevate the overall flavor profile.
Garlic powder and smoked paprika:
A blend of spice and aroma that deepens the savory elements of the dish.
2 tbsp olive oil:
Used for searing, it helps create a beautiful crust on the steak.
4 tbsp butter:
Butter forms the flavor base of the sauce, lending a rich, creamy body.
5 cloves garlic, minced:
The centerpiece of the dish, garlic infuses the sauce with depth and warmth.
1 cup heavy cream and 3/4 cup whole milk:
Together, they create a balanced sauce that’s creamy without being overly thick.
1 1/4 cups parmesan, grated:
Parmesan adds saltiness and umami that ties the whole sauce together.
Optional Garnishes:
Fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and cracked black pepper provide color, spice, and final flavor touches.
How to Make Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
This recipe is designed to build flavor in layers. You start by boiling the pasta, sear the steak to lock in flavor, and build the sauce right in the same pan. Once everything is combined, the dish comes together into a comforting meal that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to pull off.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Boil the Tortellini
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook until tender, about 3 to 5 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Avoid rinsing to help the sauce adhere better.
2. Sear the Steak
Cut your steak into bite-sized cubes and season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, turning once until browned on all sides. Transfer the steak to a plate and set it aside.
3. Cook the Garlic
Lower the heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to overcook or brown the garlic.
4. Make the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir and allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until it begins to thicken. Keep stirring to prevent it from sticking or separating.
5. Add the Cheese
Slowly add the grated parmesan while whisking constantly to help it melt evenly into the sauce. Once the cheese has fully incorporated and the sauce is creamy, you can adjust the thickness with a bit more milk if necessary.
6. Combine Pasta and Steak
Return the steak and cooked tortellini to the pan. Mix gently until everything is coated with the sauce. Let the dish simmer for 1 to 2 more minutes so the flavors meld.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, or red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little spice. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.
Helpful Tips
Use fresh parmesan:
Shred your own parmesan for the best melting and flavor. Pre-shredded versions often contain anti-caking agents that affect texture.
Don’t rush the steak:
Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding steak. A good sear boosts flavor.
Reheat slowly:
When enjoying leftovers, warm them up gently with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy.
Customize the add-ins:
You can toss in baby spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes during the final steps for extra flavor and nutrients.
Details
Flavor: Bold garlic, creamy cheese, and juicy steak
Texture: Velvety sauce with soft pasta and tender meat
Occasion: Weeknight dinners, comfort meals, or special date nights
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Notes and Variations
There’s plenty of room to adapt this recipe to suit your preferences. Swap steak for chicken or shrimp. Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter sauce. To go vegetarian, mushrooms make a satisfying replacement. Adding spinach or kale gives the dish more color and nutrients. The base recipe is versatile and easy to personalize.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 650 |
| Fat | 38g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of steak?
Yes. Strip steak or filet mignon also work well if you want something extra tender.
Is frozen tortellini okay?
Yes, just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the package instructions.
How can I prevent the sauce from breaking?
Keep the heat at medium or lower and stir often when adding the dairy and cheese.
Can this be made ahead of time?
While best fresh, you can prepare it in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to revive the sauce.
Storage Instructions
Once cooled, store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet on low heat, adding a bit of milk as needed. If freezing, portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Print
Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamy House Sauce Bliss | The Ultimate Weeknight Skillet Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender steak, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy garlic sauce all come together in this quick and comforting 30-minute skillet dinner.
Ingredients
20 oz cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated
1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cubed
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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, grated
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Cracked black pepper (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring salted water to a boil and cook tortellini for 3–5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Cut steak into cubes and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the steak for 3–5 minutes. Remove from pan.
4. Lower heat, add butter and minced garlic, and sauté for 1 minute.
5. Pour in cream and milk. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Whisk in parmesan until smooth and creamy.
7. Return steak and tortellini to the skillet. Stir and cook for 2 minutes more.
8. Garnish with parsley and pepper before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for best results.
Customize with spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Reheat with milk to restore creaminess.
Freezes well up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinners
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 32g
Conclusion
Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamy House Sauce Bliss is the kind of dish that blends comfort, ease, and indulgence into one skillet. With juicy steak, creamy garlic parmesan sauce, and tender pasta, it’s a meal that feels like a treat but takes little effort. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just want to elevate your dinner routine, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy.