Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini is a rich, satisfying dish that brings together tender steak, pillowy cheese-filled tortellini, and a deeply flavorful cracked garlic cream sauce. This recipe feels indulgent without being complicated, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The contrast between the seared steak and the creamy sauce is what truly makes this dish memorable. I tested this recipe with different steak cuts and found that a well-marbled cut delivers the best balance of tenderness and flavor. The cracked garlic adds a bold, aromatic punch that stands up beautifully to the richness of the cream and cheese-filled pasta. Everything comes together in one skillet, which allows the flavors to build naturally while keeping cleanup simple. If you enjoy hearty pasta dishes with a restaurant-quality feel, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
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Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini – A Bold, Creamy Skillet Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A bold and creamy pasta dish featuring juicy cracked-garlic steak bites tossed with cheesy tortellini in a rich garlic butter Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook tortellini according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season steak with salt and cracked black pepper.
- Sear steak pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes until sauce thickens.
- Add cooked tortellini and steak back to skillet; toss to coat.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for best flavor.
- Ribeye can be substituted for sirloin.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cheese tortellini forms the base of the dish. Its filled center adds extra richness and pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Steak provides hearty, savory depth. Sirloin or ribeye works especially well due to their balance of tenderness and flavor.
Olive oil helps sear the steak and prevents sticking while adding subtle richness.
Unsalted butter builds the foundation of the garlic sauce and enhances overall flavor.
Garlic cloves are the star ingredient, delivering bold aroma and deep savory character when cracked rather than finely minced.
Heavy cream creates the luxurious texture of the sauce and binds all components together.
Chicken broth balances the richness of the cream and helps loosen the sauce.
Parmesan cheese adds sharp, salty depth and thickens the sauce naturally.
Black pepper provides gentle heat and complements the garlic-forward profile.
Salt enhances all the flavors and balances the richness.
Red pepper flakes are optional but add subtle heat for contrast.
Fresh parsley finishes the dish with freshness and color.
Directions
Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, pat the steak dry and season generously with salt and cracked black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and allow it to rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the cracked garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and allow the sauce to simmer gently until slightly thickened.
Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season with additional salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Return the cooked tortellini and sliced steak to the skillet, tossing gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes, bringing the total time to about 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
Variations and Customizations
Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini is highly adaptable and can be customized easily. For added vegetables, sauté mushrooms or spinach in the skillet before adding the cream. These ingredients complement the garlic and steak beautifully without overpowering the dish.
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, keeping in mind the sauce will be thinner. Chicken or shrimp can replace steak for a different protein option, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
For extra richness, stir in a small amount of cream cheese or mascarpone at the end. If you enjoy bold flavors, a splash of white wine added after the garlic creates additional depth. You can also experiment with different tortellini fillings such as mushroom or spinach and ricotta for variety.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Approximate nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 680 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Steak Resting
Allow steak to rest before slicing to retain juices.
Garlic Control
Crack garlic gently to release flavor without bitterness.
Sauce Texture
Simmer gently and avoid boiling to keep the sauce smooth.
Pasta Timing
Add tortellini at the end to prevent overcooking.
FAQs
What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin and ribeye are ideal for tenderness and flavor.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, cook according to package directions before adding to the sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
It is mild, but red pepper flakes can add heat if desired.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well with added liquid.
Can I substitute milk for cream?
Milk is not recommended as it may cause the sauce to thin or split.
What pairs well with this dish?
A simple green salad or roasted vegetables balance the richness.
Conclusion
Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini is a bold, comforting dish that combines creamy pasta, savory steak, and aromatic garlic in one satisfying skillet. With its rich flavor, simple preparation, and impressive presentation, it is a recipe that delivers both comfort and sophistication in every bite.
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