Creamy Butter Tortellini with Steak
Creamy Butter Tortellini with Steak is a bold, indulgent dish featuring tender steak pieces tossed with cheese-filled tortellini in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic and spices. Comforting yet hearty, it delivers big, savory flavors in every bite—perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special comfort-food meal. It feels indulgent yet simple, bringing restaurant style comfort to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butter Tortellini with Steak Recipe
Ready in under 30 minutes: This dish comes together fast and is ideal when you want something homemade yet delicious. While the tortellini cooks, you can sear the steak and saute the vegetables. Then bring it all together in the creamy sauce.
One Pan Meal: Everything, except boiling the tortellini, happens in one skillet. Which means fewer dishes and maximum flavor.
It’s flavorful: This creamy butter sauce is where the magic happens. Garlic sauted in melted butter with Parmesan, heavy cream and beef broth, coats the steak and tortellini in luscious flavor. The steak gives it substance, the pasta adds comfort, and the veggies brighten it up.
Guest quality: While this dish is easy for a weeknight dinner, it’s also dinner party worthy. The flavors are so amazing, your guests will be asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Cheese tortellini: Fresh or refrigerated (I really like using refrigerated tortellini from Costco. They are plump and full of tasty cheese.)
- Steak: Sirloin, Ribeye, or New York Strip cut into bite-size cubes or strips
- Seasonings: Salt, fresh ground black pepper, garlic powder, minced garlic, smoked paprika
- Liquids: Olive oil, melted butter, heavy cream, beef broth
- Cheese: Shredded Parmesan
- Veggies: Sliced bell pepper (red, yellow or orange), frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- Optional: Chopped parsley, red pepper flakes
Tips
What steak is the right cut? Choose cuts that stay tender and juicy when seared quickly. Sirloin, Ribeye or New York Strip are all perfect steaks for this recipe. Do NOT overcook the steaks. Cook till medium-rare or medium to keep the beef tender and flavorful. Let your steak rest for a few minutes before slicing, it keeps the juices locked in.
How to cook the tortellini. Cook your tortellini based on the package directions. Strive for al dente which is firm enough to hold up when tossed in the sauce. Remember, it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot creamy sauce. After boiling the pasta, be sure to rinse it in cold water to stop the cooking process.
Control the heat. The creamy butter sauce thickens quickly. Keep your stove at medium heat once the cream is added to prevent curdling or burning. Stir continuously to maintain a smooth, glossy texture. When adding the shredded Parmesan, add a little at a time to avoid clumps. Stir constantly.
Customize. Swap out the peas and carrots for broccoli florets or zucchini. Or add mushrooms for an earthy twist. Spice it up with cayenne or more red pepper flakes. For a lighter cream try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Storage. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to preserve the sauce’s creamy texture and prevent spoiling. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.
How to refresh the sauce. If your creamy buttery sauce thickens after chilling, simply stir in a bit of beef broth, milk or cream while reheating. The key is to warm slowly.
Adapted from pinchoftasterecipes.com
