If you’ve ever wanted a dinner that tastes like a restaurant meal but comes together in under 30 minutes, this Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini Skillet Dinner is your new go-to. It’s rich, comforting, and loaded with flavor, thanks to tender steak bites, cheese-filled tortellini, and a creamy garlic sauce that clings to every piece. Best of all, it’s made in one pan — meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your meal.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or any time you want a hearty meal without complicated steps. The steak gives the dish a satisfying savory depth, while the tortellini adds a soft, cheesy bite. The garlic cream sauce ties everything together into a silky, restaurant-style dinner that tastes far more indulgent than the effort it takes to make.

Let’s dive into why this recipe is such a winner and how to make it flawlessly every time.

Why This Recipe Works

1. One-pan magic

The beauty of this dish is that you cook everything in a single skillet. You sear the steak, sauté the aromatics, cook the tortellini, and finish everything in a creamy sauce — all in one pan. That means fewer dishes and a faster cleanup, which is a win for busy households.

2. Steak + pasta is a match made in heaven

The steak brings rich umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheesy tortellini. The contrast between tender meat and soft pasta is exactly what makes this dish feel special and filling.

3. The sauce is the real star

The garlic cream sauce is smooth, aromatic, and slightly tangy thanks to a splash of broth or white wine. It’s the kind of sauce you’ll want to spoon over every bite — and you absolutely should.

Ingredients (What You Need)

1 lb (450g) beef steak, cut into bite-sized pieces (sirloin or ribeye works best)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
8 oz (225g) cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tbsp lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions (Step-by-step)

Prep the steak
Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. This simple seasoning creates a savory crust that adds big flavor.
Sear the steak
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil. When hot, add steak pieces and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned but still tender. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
Sauté aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, then add onion and cook until softened (about 2 minutes). Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Cook the tortellini
Add tortellini to the skillet along with beef broth. Stir gently, then cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes, or until tortellini is cooked through. If using frozen tortellini, you may need an extra minute.
Create the creamy sauce
Pour in heavy cream and stir. Add Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce becomes silky and thick. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more broth or cream.
Combine steak + sauce
Add the seared steak back into the skillet. Stir to coat steak pieces in the creamy sauce.
Add vegetables
Add spinach and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften slightly.
Finish with lemon + seasoning
Add lemon juice for brightness, then taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot
Plate the tortellini and steak, then garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy immediately!

Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini

1. Don’t overcook the steak

For tender steak bites, avoid cooking them too long. Sear quickly until browned and remove early — they’ll finish cooking gently in the sauce.

2. Use fresh tortellini if possible

Fresh tortellini cooks faster and absorbs sauce beautifully. Frozen works great too, just add a minute or two.

3. Keep the sauce silky

If your sauce thickens too quickly, add a splash of broth or cream. The goal is a smooth, glossy texture that coats the pasta.

4. Add veggies for balance

Spinach and tomatoes add freshness and color, but you can swap them for mushrooms, broccoli, or bell peppers.

5. Make it spicy

If you love heat, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Variations (Make It Your Own)

1. Chicken version

Swap steak for chicken breast or thighs for a lighter version that still delivers big flavor.

2. Mushroom lover’s skillet

Add sliced mushrooms when sautéing onions. Mushrooms add a deep umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the cream sauce.

3. Sun-dried tomato twist

Add sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy sweetness that brightens the dish.

4. Cajun-style twist

Season the steak with Cajun seasoning and add a splash of hot sauce for a bold, spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is already a complete meal, but here are great sides if you want to serve more:

Garlic bread (to soak up the creamy sauce)
Caesar salad (for crunch and freshness)
Roasted vegetables (for extra nutrients)
Red wine (a medium-bodied wine pairs beautifully)

Fun Facts + Why You’ll Love It

Tortellini is a comfort food classic, originally from Italy, and it’s traditionally stuffed with cheese, meat, or spinach.
The creamy garlic sauce in this dish is inspired by restaurant-style pasta, but it’s much easier to make at home.
This recipe is a perfect example of “skillet cooking”, which is ideal for busy cooks who want big flavor without complicated steps.

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels indulgent but doesn’t take all night, this is it. You can have a full, restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes — and because it’s made in one pan, cleanup is minimal. This makes it a true weeknight hero recipe.