Garlic Steak Tortellini: Quick & Delicious in 30 Minutes

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Modified:December 13, 2025

Published:December 13, 2025

by Sarah Mitchel

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Garlic Steak Tortellini: Quick & Delicious in 30 Minutes

Table of Contents

1. Introducing Garlic Steak Tortellini: Your New Weeknight Hero!

Are you searching for a meal that feels gourmet but comes together in a flash? Look no further! This garlic steak tortellini is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers. It’s a rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying dish that combines tender, perfectly seared steak with pillowy cheese tortellini, all tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce. This recipe proves you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a truly memorable meal.

From the sizzle of the steak to the fragrant aroma of garlic, every step of this recipe is a delight for the senses. It’s the perfect comfort food mashup, bringing together the best of a steakhouse dinner and a classic Italian pasta dish. Get ready to add a new favorite to your rotation!

2. Why This Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe is a Must-Try

What makes this recipe so special? It’s all about maximum flavor with minimal effort. We’re talking about a complete, restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 30 minutes. It’s faster than takeout and infinitely more rewarding!

This dish is also incredibly versatile. It’s elegant enough for a date night in, but quick and easy enough for a hectic Tuesday. The combination of juicy steak, cheesy pasta, and a simple yet profound garlic sauce is a certified crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids alike. This is one of those recipes you’ll make once and then find yourself craving again and again.

3. Key Ingredients for the Best Garlic Steak Tortellini

The magic of this easy tortellini recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. You don’t need a long shopping list to create something amazing. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

  • Steak: Sirloin, flank steak, or New York strip work beautifully. About 1 pound, cut into bite-sized cubes.
  • Cheese Tortellini: A 9-ounce package of your favorite refrigerated cheese tortellini. Three-cheese or spinach and ricotta are great choices.
  • Garlic: The star of the sauce! Use 4-5 fresh cloves, minced. Don’t be shy here.
  • Butter: Unsalted butter creates the rich base for our sauce.
  • Olive Oil: For searing the steak to perfection.
  • Beef Broth: To create a light, savory sauce that coats every piece of tortellini.
  • Spinach: A few handfuls of fresh spinach, which wilts perfectly into the sauce.
  • Seasoning: Salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little warmth.
  • Optional Garnish: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

4. How to Make Garlic Steak Tortellini: Quick & Delicious in 30 Minutes

Ready to get cooking? This process is simple and straightforward. Just follow these steps for a perfect steak tortellini dinner every time.

4.1. Step 1: Prep the Steak and Garlic

First, pat your steak dry with paper towels; this is crucial for getting a good sear. Cut the steak into 1-inch cubes and season them generously with salt and pepper. Mince your garlic cloves and set them aside, ready for action.

4.2. Step 2: Sear the Steak and Sauté Garlic

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the steak cubes in a single layer. For tips on achieving the perfect crust, check out this excellent guide to pan-searing steaks. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside. Reduce the heat to medium, add the butter, and once melted, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

4.3. Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

While the steak is searing, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions, which usually only takes 3-4 minutes. Drain the tortellini, reserving about a half cup of the starchy pasta water just in case you need to thicken the sauce later.

4.4. Step 4: Combine and Serve!

Pour the beef broth into the skillet with the garlic butter and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the fresh spinach and cook until it has wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Return the seared steak to the pan, along with the cooked tortellini. Toss everything together until the tortellini is coated in the delicious garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thin, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Serve your amazing garlic steak tortellini immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. See others recipes here .

5. Expert Tips and Delicious Variations

Want to customize your garlic steak tortellini? Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

  • Add Veggies: Sliced mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or sun-dried tomatoes would be fantastic additions. Sauté them after the steak.
  • Creamy Version: For a richer sauce, stir in a 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
  • Change the Protein: This recipe works great with bite-sized chicken pieces or sautéed shrimp as well.
  • Spice it Up: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

6. Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings for Your Tortellini

This dish is a hearty meal all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a fresh contrast to the rich pasta. Some crusty garlic bread is also a must-have for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce.

For a wine pairing, a medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot or a Chianti complements the steak and garlic flavors beautifully. This transforms your quick weeknight dinner into a truly special occasion.

7. Garlic Steak Tortellini: Recipe Card

A quick-reference guide to creating your delicious meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb sirloin or flank steak, cubed
  • 9 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, for serving

Instructions

  1. Pat steak cubes dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear steak cubes for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove from skillet.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, add butter. Once melted, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  6. Return steak to the skillet, add the cooked tortellini, and toss to combine.
  7. Serve the garlic steak tortellini immediately, garnished with Parmesan and parsley.

Foire Aux Questions

Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin or flank steak are great choices for their balance of flavor and tenderness, you could also use ribeye for a richer taste or even pre-cut stew meat in a pinch. The key is to cut the steak into uniform, bite-sized pieces and not to overcook it during the searing process.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftover garlic steak tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, as the tortellini can become soft and the steak can overcook upon reheating. However, you can certainly do some prep work ahead of time! Cube the steak and mince the garlic up to a day in advance and store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This will make the 30-minute cooking process even faster!

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