I always feel drawn to skillet dinners that taste indulgent but don’t demand hours in the kitchen, and this recipe is exactly that. I love how tender steak bites, cheesy tortellini, and a rich garlic cream sauce come together in just half an hour. Every time I make it, the kitchen fills with a cozy, steakhouse-style aroma that makes the meal feel special while still being very approachable for a busy day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers bold, comforting flavors without complicated steps. I get a creamy, garlicky sauce that feels luxurious, paired with juicy steak and soft tortellini that make the dish incredibly satisfying. I also appreciate that it’s a one-skillet meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy dinner. It’s flexible, filling, and always feels like a little upgrade from my usual weeknight routine.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the tortellini
20 oz cheese tortellini
For the steak
1 lb steak, sirloin or ribeye
For the seasoning
salt
black pepper
garlic powder
smoked paprika
For the creamy sauce
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
For garnishing
parsley, chopped (optional)
red pepper flakes (optional)
cracked black pepper (optional)
Directions
I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the cheese tortellini until just al dente. Once drained, I set it aside while I focus on the rest of the dish.
In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. I season the steak generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then sear it until browned on all sides. I remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest.
Using the same skillet, I lower the heat to medium and melt the butter. I add the minced garlic and sauté it briefly until fragrant. Then I pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring as the sauce gently simmers and thickens.
Once the sauce looks creamy, I stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly. I return the steak and tortellini to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated and heated through. I finish by adding parsley, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if I want a little heat.
Servings And Timing
I usually make this recipe for about 4 servings. The prep takes around 10 minutes, and the cooking time is about 20 minutes, so the entire dish is ready in roughly 30 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
I like changing this recipe depending on what I have on hand. Sometimes I swap the steak for chicken or shrimp for a different protein. I also enjoy adding spinach or kale to the sauce for a pop of color and extra nutrients. If I want a sharper flavor, I replace parmesan with pecorino Romano. When I’m craving extra richness, I mix a bit of mascarpone into the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using the stovetop over low heat and adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. I stir frequently to keep everything creamy and evenly warmed.
FAQs
Can I Use A Different Cut Of Steak?
I usually choose sirloin for a leaner option or ribeye for extra tenderness. Both work well, so I pick based on what I’m in the mood for.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead Of Time?
I often prepare the components separately ahead of time and combine them just before serving. This helps keep the sauce creamy and the steak tender.
Is This Recipe Freezer-Friendly?
I can freeze it, but I find the sauce texture is best when enjoyed fresh or refrigerated. If I do freeze it, I reheat gently with extra cream.
How Do I Keep The Sauce From Breaking?
I keep the heat low when reheating and always stir in a bit of milk or cream to maintain a smooth texture.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
I love adding spinach, kale, or even mushrooms. I usually stir them into the sauce right before adding the tortellini.
Conclusion
I keep coming back to this cracked garlic steak tortellini because it feels comforting, rich, and satisfying without being complicated. Every time I make it, it reminds me how a simple skillet meal can feel both cozy and impressive. It’s one of those recipes I trust when I want something hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to please.
Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce Bliss is a rich and comforting one-skillet meal made with juicy steak bites, tender cheese tortellini, and a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s the perfect blend of indulgence and ease, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
20 oz cheese tortellini
1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
Smoked paprika, to taste
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
Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
Cracked black pepper (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook cheese tortellini until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
Season steak with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove from skillet and let rest.
Lower heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and milk. Stir and simmer until sauce begins to thicken.
Stir in parmesan cheese until smooth and melted.
Return steak and tortellini to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and heat through.
Garnish with chopped parsley, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Use ribeye for tenderness or sirloin for a leaner option.
Substitute chicken or shrimp for steak for variety.
Add spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and color.
For a sharper taste, swap parmesan with pecorino Romano.
Store leftovers for up to 3 days and reheat with added milk or cream.