This Creamy Steak and Cheese Tortellini Skillet combines tender steak with cheese-filled tortellini in a rich, creamy sauce. With a hint of garlic and Worcestershire sauce, this dish delivers a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor. Perfect for weeknights or a special family dinner, this one-pan meal is easy to prepare yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Each bite offers a delightful combination of creamy cheese, savory beef, and fresh vegetables. Let’s jump into the recipe to create this delicious, comforting dish.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb steak (ribeye or sirloin), thinly sliced
- 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini, refrigerated or frozen
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Steps to Make Creamy Steak and Cheese Tortellini Skillet
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. If using frozen tortellini, they may need an extra 1–2 minutes.
- Drain the cooked tortellini and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
- Season the thinly sliced steak with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the steak slices in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned, then transfer to a plate and set aside. (Be careful not to overcook the steak at this stage; it will finish cooking later in the sauce.)
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed, then add the sliced onion and bell pepper.
- Sauté for about 3–5 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and lightly caramelized.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt.
- Pour in the beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
- Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that Parmesan is salty, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Return the cooked steak slices to the skillet, followed by the drained tortellini.
- Stir everything together gently to coat the steak and tortellini in the creamy sauce.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for 2–3 minutes to heat through and thicken slightly, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy the delicious combination of creamy tortellini and tender steak!
Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: ~650 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use another type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes! While cheese tortellini adds a delicious layer of flavor, you can substitute it with any pasta like penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.
Q2: Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream. The sauce may be slightly thinner, but adding a bit more Parmesan can help thicken it.
Q3: How do I keep the steak tender?
To keep the steak tender, sear it briefly on each side over high heat and avoid overcooking. Since it will simmer in the sauce at the end, this method ensures a juicy, tender bite.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes can add extra flavor and nutrition to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking any delicate vegetables.
Q5: Can I make this dish in advance?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare some components (like slicing the steak and chopping the vegetables) ahead of time to make the cooking process faster.
Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Steak and Cheese Tortellini Skillet
- Choose a Good Cut of Steak: Ribeye and sirloin work best for this recipe due to their tenderness and flavor. Make sure the steak is thinly sliced to ensure even cooking.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating fresh Parmesan helps create a creamier sauce.
- Don’t Skip the Worcestershire Sauce: This small ingredient adds a rich umami flavor that enhances the steak and complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When searing the steak, ensure there’s enough space in the skillet. Overcrowding can cause the steak to steam rather than sear, which can make it less flavorful.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more beef broth or cream until it reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer slightly longer.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to bring back the creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent the sauce from separating.
- Freezing: While it’s possible to freeze this dish, the creamy sauce may change texture slightly when thawed. If you plan to freeze, do so before adding the heavy cream, then add it after reheating.
Conclusion
This Creamy Steak and Cheese Tortellini Skillet is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together the best of pasta, steak, and creamy sauce in one pan. With its rich, savory flavors and simple preparation, it’s a dish that can make any night feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen. From tender steak slices to cheese-stuffed tortellini, each bite is indulgent and satisfying. The Worcestershire sauce and fresh Parmesan elevate the flavor, making it a memorable meal that’s perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or entertaining friends. Try this recipe to bring a comforting, restaurant-quality dish to your table, and enjoy the smiles it brings to everyone around.