Description
A rich and hearty pasta dish featuring cheese tortellini and perfectly seared steak tossed in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, creating a luxurious comfort meal with hints of smoky paprika and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Tortellini and Steak
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (Fresh or refrigerated varieties yield the best texture and taste)
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye) (Sirloin is leaner; ribeye is more tender)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
- Smoked paprika, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (Essential for searing the steak)
For the Creamy Sauce
- 4 tbsp butter (Creates a creamy sauce base)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced (Adds aromatic richness)
- 1 cup heavy cream (Contributes a velvety smoothness)
- 3/4 cup whole milk (Balances the richness)
- 1 1/4 cups Parmesan, shredded or freshly grated (Brings a savory flavor)
For Garnish (Optional)
- Parsley, chopped (Brightens the dish)
- Red pepper flakes (For a spicy kick)
- Cracked black pepper (Elevates the flavor)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, about 3-5 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season and Sear the Steak: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the steak evenly on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sear the steak for about 3-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet used for the steak, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Incorporate the Cheese: Gradually whisk in the shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with salt and pepper.
- Combine the Ingredients: Slice the rested steak into bite-sized pieces. Return the steak and cooked tortellini to the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and steak evenly, cooking together for about 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To enhance flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated.
- Choose fresh or refrigerated tortellini for optimal texture over dried varieties.
- Adjust cream and milk quantities slightly for a thicker or thinner sauce based on preference.
- Allow the steak to rest after searing to retain juices and ensure tenderness.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: steak tortellini, creamy garlic sauce, cheese tortellini recipe, easy stovetop pasta, comfort food dinner, garlic cream sauce, seared steak pasta
