Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini Skillet Dinner (30-Minute Comfort Meal)

When you need a dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together fast, Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini Skillet Dinner is the answer. This rich, savory meal combines tender slices of seared steak with cheese-filled tortellini, all coated in a luscious garlic cream sauce. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like it took hours but actually comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even a last-minute date night at home.

This recipe brings together classic comfort food elements: pasta, cream, garlic, and steak. What makes it special is how everything cooks in one skillet, allowing the flavors to build layer by layer. The steak juices blend into the sauce, the garlic becomes fragrant but not overpowering, and the tortellini absorbs all that creamy goodness.

If you’re searching for a steak tortellini skillet dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but doesn’t require complicated techniques, this is it.

Why This Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini Works So Well

The magic of this dish lies in balance. Steak adds richness and protein, tortellini provides soft, cheesy comfort, and garlic cream sauce ties everything together without feeling too heavy. Because it’s cooked in a skillet, you get deep flavor development without extra dishes.

This recipe is also incredibly flexible. You can swap the steak cut, adjust the creaminess, or add vegetables without changing the core method. That makes it ideal for home cooks of all levels.

Ingredients

• 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip), sliced against the grain
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup beef broth
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 lb refrigerated cheese tortellini
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra parmesan for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak
   Pat the steak dry and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear the Steak
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak slices and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned but still tender. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
3. Build the Garlic Base
   Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet, then add minced garlic. Cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
4. Create the Sauce
   Pour in beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Cook the Tortellini
   Add tortellini directly into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tortellini is tender.
6. Finish the Sauce
   Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Combine and Serve
   Return steak to the skillet and gently fold into the sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes until heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan before serving.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Don’t overcook the steak: Sear quickly and finish gently in the sauce.
• Use freshly grated parmesan: It melts better and gives a smoother sauce.
• Control thickness: Add a splash of broth if sauce gets too thick.

Variations to Try

• Mushroom Steak Tortellini: Add sautéed mushrooms after the garlic.
• Spicy Garlic Tortellini: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
• Chicken Tortellini Skillet: Swap steak for chicken breast or thighs.

What to Serve With It

• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli

Comfort Food with Modern Appeal

Creamy pasta dishes have long been a staple of comfort cooking, but adding steak elevates this recipe into something more special. It feels indulgent without being overly heavy, making it a modern comfort classic that fits both casual and elevated meals.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This creamy garlic steak tortellini is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. One skillet, simple ingredients, and big flavor make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

If you’re craving a 30 minute steak pasta that feels luxurious yet achievable, this dish deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini Skillet Dinner

A rich and comforting one-skillet dinner made with tender steak, cheese tortellini, and creamy garlic sauce, ready in just 30 minutes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 520

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb steak sirloin or ribeye
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup beef broth
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese grated
• 1 lb cheese tortellini

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Season steak and sear in hot skillet with olive oil. Remove and set aside.
2. Add butter and garlic to skillet; cook until fragrant.
3. Pour in beef broth and cream; bring to gentle simmer.
4. Add tortellini and cook until tender.
5. Stir in parmesan, return steak to pan, and heat through.

Notes

For extra richness, finish with a knob of butter or splash of cream.