Name: Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini Skillet Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb beef steak (sirloin or ribeye) (thinly sliced); 1 package cheese tortellini (9–12 oz); 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 small onion (diced); 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup beef broth; 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese (grated); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); salt and black pepper (to taste); 2 cups fresh spinach (optional); fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)

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If you’re craving a restaurant-quality dinner without the hassle of multiple pots, pans, and hours in the kitchen, this Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini Skillet Dinner is your new go-to. It’s the perfect combination of tender steak, cheesy tortellini, and a rich garlic cream sauce — all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.

This recipe is a complete meal in one skillet, packed with protein, creamy texture, and big bold flavors. It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent, but is surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or cooking for yourself after a long day, this skillet dinner hits the comfort-food sweet spot every time.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this dish is the garlic-infused cream sauce, which clings to every tortellini and steak bite. The steak adds savory depth, while the tortellini makes the meal feel hearty and filling. Best of all, it comes together fast — you can have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes.

Here’s what makes it a standout:

One-pan cooking reduces cleanup and keeps flavors concentrated.
Steak + tortellini offers a satisfying balance of protein and carbs.
Creamy garlic sauce tastes like it took longer than it actually did.
Versatile enough to customize with veggies or extra spices.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this skillet dinner:

1 lb beef steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak), thinly sliced
1 package (9–12 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup beef broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 cups fresh spinach (optional but recommended)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep the Steak

Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning.

2. Cook the Steak

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak slices and cook 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add the Tortellini

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 3–5 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Make the Cream Sauce

Lower heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream and remaining Italian seasoning. Stir and let the sauce thicken slightly for 2–3 minutes.

6. Add Cheese & Steak

Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Return the steak to the skillet and mix everything together.

7. Add Spinach (Optional)

If using spinach, add it now and stir until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

8. Serve Hot

Plate the creamy garlic steak tortellini and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy immediately while hot.

Why This Dish Is Perfect for Weeknights

Busy weeknights call for quick recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor — and this one delivers. It’s fast, satisfying, and flexible. If you’re short on time, you can swap fresh tortellini for frozen, or use pre-sliced steak to speed things up even more.

Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini

1. Choose the Right Steak

For the best flavor and tenderness, choose sirloin or ribeye. Flank steak works too but can be tougher if overcooked. Slice the steak thin for faster cooking.

2. Don’t Overcook the Tortellini

Cook tortellini just until al dente so it doesn’t become mushy in the sauce. The residual heat will finish cooking it perfectly.

3. Make the Sauce Creamy

Use heavy cream for the best silky texture. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick or rich.

4. Let the Steak Rest

Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest while you make the sauce. This keeps it juicy and tender.

Variations You’ll Love

1. Add Veggies

This dish pairs well with vegetables like:

Mushrooms
Bell peppers
Cherry tomatoes
Broccoli

Add them after the onions and garlic and sauté until tender.

2. Swap the Protein

If you want to change things up:

Use chicken breast instead of steak
Use Italian sausage for a spicy twist
Add shrimp for a seafood version

3. Make It Spicy

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.

4. Add More Cheese

Stir in mozzarella or fontina for extra creamy, cheesy goodness.

Serving Suggestions

This skillet dinner is already a full meal, but you can elevate it with:

A side of garlic bread
A fresh green salad
Roasted vegetables
A glass of red wine

It’s also great as leftovers — the flavors deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Fun Fact

Did you know tortellini originated in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy? Traditionally, it’s filled with meat and served in broth. This recipe modernizes it into a creamy skillet dinner that’s perfect for today’s fast-paced lifestyle.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.

Final Notes

This Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini Skillet Dinner is one of those recipes that tastes like it took hours — but it only takes minutes. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for anyone who loves creamy pasta with steak. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.