Description
This easy and flavorful One-Pan Steak Bite Tortellini recipe combines tender seared steak bites with cheese-filled tortellini in a savory garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both comforting and impressive, enhanced with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Steak and Seasoning
- 1.25 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size pieces
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Pasta
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or reserved pasta water)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Cook Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water if desired for the sauce.
- Season Steak: Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season generously all over with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to boost flavor.
- Sear Steak Bites: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer and sear for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until the pieces are golden brown and cooked to your liking. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Broth and Scrape Pan: Stir in the beef broth (or reserved pasta water) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan for extra flavor. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes to slightly reduce.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked tortellini and steak bites to the skillet. Toss everything together well so the pasta and steak are coated in the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
- Add Cheese and Season: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the mixture and stir until it melts into a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Serve hot immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini; adjust cooking time per package.
- Patting the steak dry ensures a better sear for flavorful browning.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing to avoid bitterness.
- Beef broth can be substituted entirely with reserved pasta water for a lighter sauce.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a nice touch of heat, but can be omitted for mild flavor.
- Use a heavy skillet or cast iron pan for best steak searing results.
