QUICK STEAK TORTELLINI

Imagine sinking your fork into perfectly al dente tortellini, each bite bursting with savory steak and rich, creamy sauce; this Steak Tortellini recipe delivers that restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen, and I promise you, it’s easier than you think!

The Star Players: Your Steak Tortellini Ingredients

For the Steak:

• 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Tortellini:

• 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great flavor!)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Steak:

1. In a medium bowl, toss the steak cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
2. Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add the steak to the hot skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned but still slightly pink inside. Don’t overcook, or it will be tough!
4. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Crafting the Creamy Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, white wine (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly. This is where the magic happens – the sauce will cling beautifully to the tortellini!
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bringing It All Together:

1. While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to package directions. Usually, this involves boiling them in salted water until they float to the surface and are tender.
2. Drain the tortellini and add them to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
3. Gently toss to coat the tortellini evenly with the sauce.
4. Add the cooked steak to the skillet and toss again to combine.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

My Secret Weapon: Tips and Tricks for Perfect Steak Tortellini

Okay, let’s be real. Cooking steak *just right* can be a little intimidating. Here’s how I nail it every time:

• Don’t overcrowd the pan! Seriously. If you try to cram all the steak in at once, it will steam instead of sear, and you’ll end up with tough, gray meat. Work in batches for the best results.
• Use a meat thermometer. If you’re really worried about overcooking the steak, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
• Let the steak rest. If you have the time, let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking before cutting it into cubes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
• Spice it up! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings for the steak. A little chili powder, Italian seasoning, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add a delicious kick.

Variations to Make This Recipe Your Own

The best part about cooking is that you can always customize recipes to your liking! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Vegetables: Sauté some mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers along with the garlic for extra flavor and nutrients. Spinach or kale wilted into the sauce at the end is also a great addition.
• Cheese, Please!: Mix in some shredded mozzarella, provolone, or fontina cheese along with the Parmesan for an even cheesier sauce.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. If you’re not a fan of spice, omit them altogether.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Meat Alternative: Try using sausage instead of steak for a different flavor profile!

Serving Suggestions: Completing Your Meal

This Steak Tortellini is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement to the rich and creamy pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Who can resist garlic bread? It’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are all great choices.

Other Pasta Dishes You Might Enjoy

If you’re a pasta lover like me, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious recipes: Craving something similar, but with a different protein? Give Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef a try. For a simple yet satisfying meal, Garlic Parmesan Pasta Yeem is always a winner. If you are looking to add chicken, then Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a must try. Looking for a similar dish but with a different protein, try Creamy Sausage Tortellini. On a cold day, nothing beats Sausage Tortellini Soup. For a classic dish, Garlic Parmesan Pasta is always a good choice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

Why This Recipe Is a Winner

This Steak Tortellini recipe is a winner because it’s:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The combination of tender steak, creamy sauce, and cheesy tortellini is simply irresistible.
• Versatile: Easily customizable to your liking with different vegetables, cheeses, and spices.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with family and friends.

Final Thoughts: Go Forth and Cook!

I hope you enjoy this Steak Tortellini recipe as much as I do! Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!