Ingredients for Garlic Steak & Cheese Tortellini Skillet

• 1 ½ pounds sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes: The star protein for this hearty skillet. Choose a good cut for tender, flavorful results.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for searing the steak to a perfect golden-brown crust. Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a foundational richness and helps create a silky, decadent sauce. Unsalted butter allows better salt control.
• 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini: The ultimate cheesy pasta base, providing delightful texture and quick cooking. Fresh tortellini is key for this dish.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy sauce that coats every piece of tortellini and steak. Full-fat cream is essential for richness.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: The ultimate melting cheese for that gooey, comforting finish. Freshly shredded melts smoother than pre-bagged.
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced: Provides a sweet aromatic base, deepening the overall flavor profile of the sauce. Sauté until translucent for best results.
• 6 cloves garlic, minced: The absolute essential flavor builder, living up to the “Garlic Steak” in the title. Don’t skimp on fresh garlic!
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds a concentrated umami depth and a touch of tangy sweetness to the rich sauce. Cook it down slightly for best flavor.
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Forms the liquid foundation of our savory sauce, melding all the flavors together beautifully. Low-sodium broth is best for control.
• 5 ounces fresh baby spinach: Adds a vibrant color, a touch of freshness, and a healthy component that wilts perfectly into the sauce. Stir in at the end.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the skillet, bringing everything to life. Adjust to your personal taste preference.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle warmth and a classic seasoning complement to the rich steak and cheese. Freshly ground is always superior.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses classic Italian-American herbaceous notes, tying all the savory elements together. A pantry essential for this cuisine.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty, and sharp finish, perfect for sprinkling over each serving. Freshly grated is always superior.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a bright, fresh garnish and a pop of color, lifting the dish’s overall presentation. Chop just before serving.

How to Make Garlic Steak & Cheese Tortellini Skillet

Step 1: Prep Ingredients

Cut sirloin steak into 1-inch cubes, finely dice the yellow onion, and mince the garlic. Season the steak generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This foundational prep ensures flavors are ready.

Step 2: Sear Steak

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned steak cubes until beautifully browned on all sides, then remove to a plate. Don’t overcrowd the pan for a perfect sear.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Add diced onion to the same skillet, sautéing until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another minute until fragrant. This builds a rich flavor base.

Step 4: Build Sauce

Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits to deglaze the pan. Stir in heavy cream, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer to slightly thicken. This forms the creamy foundation for your Garlic Steak & Cheese Tortellini Skillet.

Step 5: Cook Tortellini

Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and fresh baby spinach to the simmering sauce. Cook according to package directions until the tortellini is al dente and the spinach has wilted. Ensure the sauce coats everything beautifully.

Step 6: Finish & Combine

Remove from heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it’s fully melted and creamy. Return the seared steak to the skillet, gently folding everything together. This completes your delicious Garlic Steak & Cheese Tortellini Skillet.

Step 7: Serve & Garnish

Serve your Ultimate Garlic Steak & Cheese Tortellini Skillet immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy this comforting and satisfying meal with your loved ones.

How to Store Garlic Steak & Cheese Tortellini Skillet

To store your Garlic Steak & Cheese Tortellini Skillet, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will store well for 3-4 days. Beyond that, tortellini can become mushy and sauce might separate. Don’t do what I did and leave it too long; it loses its fresh appeal. Discard if any off smells.

Prep steak, onion, and garlic a day in advance, storing them separately. For the freshest texture, cook tortellini and combine with sauce and steak just before serving. This ensures optimal consistency.

Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave. A splash of broth or cream helps revive the sauce.

What to Serve with Garlic Steak & Cheese Tortellini Skillet

Serve your Ultimate Garlic Steak & Cheese Tortellini Skillet hot and fresh from the pan. For a beautiful presentation, garnish generously with extra grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. This dish is perfect alongside a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce. You can also pair it with a light red wine for a delightful meal to enjoy.

My favorite way to serve this is family-style, right in the middle of the table in big, warm bowls. It encourages everyone to dig in together, making for a truly cozy and memorable dining experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cut of steak for this skillet recipe?

Yes, you can! While sirloin is great, flank steak or even beef tenderloin cubes work well. Just adjust cooking time; aim for tender, not overcooked. I’ve tried flank, and it’s delicious too.

→ How do I prevent the mozzarella cheese from seizing in my sauce?

Always remove the skillet from heat before stirring in the mozzarella. This prevents the cheese from clumping and ensures a smooth, creamy sauce. I learned this the hard way, trust me!

→ Can I freeze The Ultimate Garlic Steak & Cheese Tortellini Skillet?

Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish. Tortellini can become mushy, and the creamy sauce might separate upon reheating. It loses its fresh appeal, so I don’t recommend it.

→ How long can I store leftover Garlic Steak & Cheese Tortellini?

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Beyond that, the tortellini gets mushy. Reheat gently with a splash of broth to revive the sauce.

→ Can I make this Garlic Steak & Cheese Tortellini recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply substitute regular tortellini with a gluten-free version. Ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally GF, making it easy.