Let’s be honest. The daily question of what to make for dinner can feel like a huge challenge. You want something delicious and comforting. But you also need it to be quick and easy.
That’s where this amazing recipe comes in. This Cracked Garlic Steak and Tortellini is one of the best dinner ideas I’ve found in a long time. It’s a game changer for busy weeknights.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You are going to fall in love with this dish. It is the kind of meal that feels special without any of the stress. It’s perfect for so many reasons.
First, it’s incredibly fast. We’re talking about a restaurant quality meal on your table in about thirty minutes. This makes it one of the ultimate weeknight meals.
The flavor is just incredible. You get savory, tender steak bites. You have soft, cheesy pillows of tortellini. And it all comes together in a creamy, garlicky sauce that is simply divine.
It’s also a very simple recipe to follow. Even if you are a beginner in the kitchen, you can make this with confidence. The steps are straightforward and easy to manage.
Clean up is a breeze too. Most of the magic happens in a single skillet. Fewer dishes mean more time for you to relax after your meal. Who doesn’t love that?
This is one of those pasta dinner recipes that your whole family will ask for again and again. It’s a certified crowd pleaser for both kids and adults.
Seriously, this is one of those yummy dinners that will become a staple in your home. It’s a fantastic solution when you need great dinner ideas without the fuss.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather for this amazing dish. The list is simple and filled with ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store.
- 20 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye works great)
- salt
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 1/4 cups parmesan, shredded or freshly grated
- parsley, chopped (optional)
- red pepper flakes (optional)
- cracked black pepper (optional garnish)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to create some magic? Following these steps will give you a perfect meal every single time. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Cook The Tortellini
First things first, let’s get that pasta ready. Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. This helps season the pasta from the inside out.
Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once it’s bubbling, carefully add your cheese tortellini.
Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. It usually takes about three to five minutes. You want them to be al dente, which means they are cooked through but still have a slight bite.
Once they are done, drain them in a colander and set them aside. Don’t rinse them. The starch on the outside will help the sauce cling to them later.
Step 2: Season And Sear The Steak
Now for the star of our pasta dishes, the steak. Pat your steak dry with paper towels. This helps you get a really nice sear.
Cut the steak into small, bite sized pieces. Think about one inch cubes. These will be our delicious steak bites.
In a small bowl, mix your seasonings. Combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this mixture all over the steak pieces, tossing to coat them evenly.
Grab a large skillet, a cast iron one works wonderfully here, and heat the olive oil over medium high heat. You want the oil to be shimmering but not smoking.
Add the seasoned steak to the hot skillet in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you need to, cook the steak in two batches.
Sear the steak for about three to five minutes. You are looking for a beautiful brown crust on the outside. The inside can still be a little pink as it will cook more in the sauce.
Once browned, remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Those little brown bits left in the pan are pure flavor. Don’t wipe them out!
Step 3: Prepare The Garlic Cream Sauce
This is where the magic really happens. This is one of my favorite dinner ideas because of this incredible sauce.
In the same skillet you used for the steak, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt completely. Scrape up any of those browned bits from the steak.
Add your minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté the garlic for about one minute. You will know it’s ready when it becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can be bitter.
Step 4: Create The Cream Sauce
Now it’s time to build that luscious sauce. Pour the heavy cream and whole milk into the skillet with the garlic and butter.
Stir everything together to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about three to four minutes. The sauce will start to thicken slightly. This is exactly what you want.
This is a key step in many great tortellini recipes. A good sauce makes all the difference.
Step 5: Incorporate The Cheese
Turn the heat down to low. It’s time for the cheese. Gradually add the shredded parmesan cheese to the sauce. Whisk it in a little at a time.
Continue whisking until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Using freshly grated parmesan will give you the best, smoothest result. Pre shredded cheese can sometimes have additives that prevent it from melting perfectly.
Give the sauce a taste. If you feel it needs more seasoning, you can add a little more salt or pepper now. But remember the parmesan is salty, so taste first.
Step 6: Combine The Ingredients
The final step is to bring everything together. Return the seared steak bites and their juices back into the skillet. The juices are full of flavor!
Next, add the cooked and drained tortellini to the sauce. Gently toss everything together to coat the steak and pasta in that glorious cream sauce.
Let it all mingle together in the pan for about two minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the tortellini to warm through completely.
Step 7: Garnish And Serve
Your masterpiece is ready to serve. This is one of those yummy dinners that looks as good as it tastes. Dish it up into bowls immediately.
If you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley over the top for a bit of color and freshness. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice, gentle heat.
A final flourish of cracked black pepper is also a fantastic touch. Now, grab a fork and enjoy one of the best dinner ideas ever.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is unlikely, storing them is easy. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature first.
Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce will thicken quite a bit as it chills.
When you are ready to reheat, you can do so in the microwave or on the stovetop. I recommend the stovetop. Add the leftovers to a pan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and bring it back to its original creamy consistency.
Tips
Want to make this dish even better? Here are a few tips to ensure your meal is a total success. These little tricks make a big difference.
First, do not overcook the tortellini. Remember it will cook a little more when you add it to the hot sauce. Pulling it from the boiling water when it is al dente is key.
For the best Garlic Steak, make sure your skillet is nice and hot before you add the meat. This is how you get that delicious brown crust, which is a process called the Maillard reaction.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese if possible. It melts so much better than the pre shredded kind and results in a smoother, creamier sauce without any graininess.
Feel free to customize this dish. You can add some sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach for extra veggies. It’s a very versatile base for your creative dinner ideas.
Don’t be shy with the garlic. The recipe calls for five cloves, but if you are a true garlic lover, feel free to add another clove or two. You know what you like!
Conclusion
So there you have it. This creamy Garlic Steak and Tortellini is truly one of the most satisfying pasta dinner recipes out there. It’s a fantastic answer to the never ending search for new dinner ideas.
It’s fast enough for busy weeknight meals but also elegant enough to serve to guests. It’s the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and simplicity.
I am so excited for you to try this recipe. I know it will become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine. It is one of those truly yummy dinners you will be proud to make.
If you make it, please let me know what you think in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
FAQ
Can I Use A Different Kind Of Pasta?
Absolutely. While this is one of my favorite tortellini recipes, you can easily swap it out. Penne, rigatoni, or even gnocchi would be wonderful in this creamy sauce. Just cook your chosen pasta according to its package instructions.
What Kind Of Steak Is Best For This Recipe?
Sirloin and ribeye are great choices because they are tender and flavorful. But you could also use New York strip or even flank steak. Just be sure to cut it against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
This dish is definitely best when served fresh. The cream sauce can get very thick upon sitting. If you need to save time, you can cook the pasta and steak ahead of time. Then, just make the sauce and combine everything right before you plan to serve.
Is This Recipe Kid Friendly?
Yes, it is very kid friendly! Most kids love creamy pasta dishes. The steak bites are easy for them to eat. You can leave out the red pepper flakes to ensure it’s not spicy. It’s a great way to get a hearty meal into them, making it perfect for family dinner ideas.
Cracked Garlic Steak and Tortellini
This easy and quick Cracked Garlic Steak and Tortellini recipe offers a delicious and comforting dinner in about thirty minutes. Tender steak bites and cheesy tortellini are coated in a creamy, garlicky sauce, making it a wonderful family-friendly weeknight meal. It’s simple to make with minimal cleanup, perfect for any home cook.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grab a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring to a rolling boil and add cheese tortellini.
- Cook tortellini according to package directions (3-5 minutes) until al dente. Drain in a colander and set aside; do not rinse.
- Pat steak dry and cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle over steak pieces, tossing to coat.
- Heat organic extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet (a cast iron skillet works wonderfully) over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add seasoned steak to the hot skillet in a single layer. Sear for 3-5 minutes until a brown crust forms. Cook in batches if needed.
- Remove steak from the skillet and set aside. Keep the browned bits in the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add salted butter sticks and melt completely, scraping up browned bits. Add minced softneck garlic bulbs and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour heavy whipping cream and whole milk into the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Turn heat to low. Gradually add shredded grated parmesan cheese, whisking until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Return seared steak bites and their juices to the skillet. Add the cooked tortellini.
- Gently toss everything to coat the steak and pasta in the cream sauce. Let mingle for about two minutes to warm through.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, red pepper flakes, or cracked black pepper if desired.
Notes
If you happen to have any leftovers, allow the dish to cool down to room temperature first. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce and bring it back to its original creamy consistency.
Do not overcook the tortellini, as it will cook a little more when added to the hot sauce. Pull it from the boiling water when it is al dente.
For the best garlic steak, make sure your skillet is nice and hot before you add the meat to get that delicious brown crust.
Feel free to customize this dish. You can add some sautéed mushrooms or wilted spinach for extra veggies. It’s a very versatile base.
Don’t be shy with the garlic. The recipe calls for five cloves, but if you are a true garlic lover, feel free to add another clove or two. You know what you like!
Nutrition
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Sugar
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