Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet is your answer to “What’s for dinner?” when you need something fast, rich, and utterly satisfying. Imagine juicy steak bites seared to perfection, nestled next to plump cheese tortellini smothered in a garlicky, creamy sauce. It’s a skillet dish that delivers steakhouse indulgence with weeknight ease.

This recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the bold flavor of steak and the comforting creaminess of cheese pasta. Each bite is packed with flavor, and thanks to the skillet method, it all comes together with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this dish hits all the right notes.

What Kind of Steak Should I Use?

When choosing steak for this recipe, go with something tender and quick-cooking. Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak work beautifully. You’ll be slicing it into bites, so you don’t need a massive cut—just quality meat with good marbling. Be sure to pat it dry and season generously for a flavorful sear.

Ingredients for the Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet

Cheese-Filled Tortellini – The base of the dish, bringing richness and a soft, cheesy bite that pairs perfectly with steak.
Steak Bites (Sirloin or Ribeye) – Adds hearty, savory depth and texture to balance the creaminess.
Heavy Cream – Forms the silky, luxurious sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
Garlic (minced) – The heart of the flavor here, infusing the entire dish with bold, aromatic notes.
Butter – Helps sear the steak and adds richness to the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty boost.
Fresh Parsley – For a final burst of freshness and color.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Optional but recommended for just a touch of heat.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential to season both the meat and sauce layers.

How To Make the Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Boil the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Bites

Pat your steak bites dry and season generously with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet, melt butter and sear the steak for about 2–3 minutes per side. You want them browned with a crust but still juicy inside. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add a little more butter. Sauté the garlic just until fragrant. Then pour in the heavy cream, letting it simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Toss the cooked tortellini and seared steak back into the skillet. Stir to coat everything in that luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley and crushed red pepper flakes on top. Serve immediately while it’s warm and creamy.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet

This skillet dinner is best served hot and fresh, straight out of the pan. Pair it with crusty bread or a light side salad for a complete meal. If you’re prepping ahead or have leftovers, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, use a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long as it may overcook the steak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Just cook it fully according to the package before adding it to the skillet.

What cut of steak is best?

Sirloin and ribeye are ideal because they cook quickly and stay tender.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Try adding baby spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes in the sauce phase.

Is this recipe spicy?

Only slightly, thanks to optional red pepper flakes. You can skip them for a milder version.

Can I substitute the cream?

Half-and-half works, but the sauce won’t be as thick. Avoid milk unless you also add a thickener like flour.

How do I make it low-carb?

Use zucchini noodles or a low-carb pasta substitute in place of the tortellini.

Want More Pasta Skillet Ideas?

If you love this Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet, here are a few other flavor-packed dishes you’ll enjoy:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toss in mushrooms or spinach? Did you try a spicy twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

✨ Find more of my daily meals on Pinterest at Life with Nina

Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American-Italian

Print Recipe

Description

This Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet combines juicy seared steak bites with rich cheese-stuffed tortellini, all tossed in a luscious garlic cream sauce. It’s a hearty, comforting, and indulgent one-skillet meal made for busy weeknights or special evenings in.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)

1 pound sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Pat steak pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper.

3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add steak bites and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

4. Lower the heat to medium, add remaining butter to the skillet. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

7. Return cooked tortellini and steak to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the sauce.

8. Sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

9. Serve hot directly from the skillet.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the steak to ensure a perfect crust on each piece.

Fresh cheese tortellini will give the best texture, but frozen works in a pinch—just adjust cooking time.

Use a microplane to finely grate Parmesan so it melts smoothly into the cream sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.25 cups
Calories: 650
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 155mg

Keywords: garlic steak tortellini, steak pasta skillet, creamy tortellini recipe