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A close-up of a black skillet filled with steak and tortellini, blistered tomatoes, herbs, and topped with parmesan cheese.

Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini

Indulge in this rich and flavorful garlic steak tortellini, featuring tender steak bites and cheese tortellini coated in a luscious creamy tomato-garlic sauce. A perfect weeknight meal that feels gourmet!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

For the Garlic Steak
  • 1 lb sirloin steak thinly sliced against the grain into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Tortellini & Creamy Sauce
  • 20 oz fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 14.5 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken or beef broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
  • Large Pot
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Prepare the Garlic Steak
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the sliced sirloin steak with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and set aside while you prepare other ingredients.
Cook the Tortellini
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually 3-5 minutes for fresh and 5-7 minutes for frozen, until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Sear the Steak & Build the Sauce
  1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until nicely browned but still slightly pink in the center. Remove the seared steak from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the diced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the remaining 4 minced garlic cloves and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and flavors to meld.
  4. Stir in the heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce is creamy and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Combine and Serve
  1. Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook, stirring, until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Then, gently fold in the cooked tortellini and seared steak bites. Toss everything together until thoroughly coated and heated through.
  2. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil or parsley.

Notes

For an extra layer of flavor, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine after searing the steak, before adding the onion. If you prefer a leaner dish, chicken breast cut into cubes can be substituted for steak. This dish is best enjoyed fresh; tortellini can become mushy if stored for too long in the sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.