Hearty Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini Dinner (Print Version)
Whip up a satisfying Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini dinner in no time. This recipe is pure comfort and always a hit for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: Contains Meat, Dairy, Gluten
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb steak (sirloin, flank, or tenderloin), sliced into bite-sized pieces
02 -
19-20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
03 -
1 cup heavy cream
04 -
1 cup chicken or beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
05 -
5 oz fresh spinach
→ Flavor Boosters
06 -
6-8 cloves garlic, cracked and minced
07 -
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
08 -
2 tbsp olive oil
09 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
→ Seasonings & Spices
10 -
Salt, to taste
11 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 -
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
→ Garnish & Finishing Touches
13 -
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
Get your steak out, pat it super dry with paper towels – this is crucial for a good sear, trust me! Slice it into bite-sized pieces, then season generously with salt and pepper. While you're at it, get your garlic smashed and minced. I usually have a little mountain of garlic waiting, because, well, garlic. Make sure your pan is ready for some action; a good sear makes all the difference for our Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a good glug of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, add your steak in a single layer, don't overcrowd the pan, or it'll steam instead of sear, and we want that beautiful crust! Let it cook for 2-3 minutes per side until it's nicely browned. This is where the magic starts to happen, the kitchen smells amazing. Remove the steak and set it aside; don't wipe the pan, those brown bits are flavor gold for our Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini sauce!
03 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add a pat of butter to the skillet, then toss in all that glorious cracked garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Don't let it burn, that's a sad, bitter flavor we don't want! Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all those yummy browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to reduce slightly. This is the foundation of your creamy Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini.
04 -
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Meanwhile, cook your tortellini according to package directions in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente. This usually takes just a few minutes, so don't walk away! Drain the tortellini, but save a little pasta water, just in case our Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini sauce needs a little loosening.
05 -
Once the tortellini is cooked and drained, add it directly to the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Toss to coat everything beautifully. Now, stir in the fresh spinach. It'll look like a lot at first, but it wilts down super fast, honestly. Keep stirring until the spinach is just tender and vibrant green. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water.
06 -
Return the seared steak to the skillet and gently fold it into the tortellini and sauce. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce, making it even more irresistible. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – maybe a little more salt, a crack of fresh pepper? Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. See that rich, creamy, hearty Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini? You did that!
# Notes:
01 -
Always pat your steak dry before searing; it’s the secret to that beautiful crust, I learned this the hard way with soggy steak.
02 -
Leftovers keep for 3 days in the fridge, but add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
03 -
If you don't have heavy cream, try cream cheese for a tangy, thick sauce, but it changes the flavor quite a bit.
04 -
Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
large pot for tortellini
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 650 kcal
Total Fat: 45g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 30g