Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce Bliss is a rich, indulgent pasta dish made for comfort-food lovers. Tender, juicy steak bites are seared with cracked garlic and butter, then tossed with cheese-filled tortellini in a silky, cheesy creamhouse sauce that coats every bite. This recipe feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and deeply flavorful
- Juicy steak paired with cheesy tortellini
- Garlic-forward without being overpowering
- One-pan sauce with simple steps
- Perfect for date night or special dinners at home
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak (sirloin, ribeye, or strip), cut into bite-size pieces
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak pieces in a single layer and season with salt, cracked pepper, and paprika. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preference. Remove steak from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Base
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Step 4: Make the Creamhouse Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Combine
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add cooked tortellini and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Finish with Steak
Return the steak to the skillet and gently toss everything together until heated through and evenly coated in sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Cooking Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce
- Do not overcook garlic to avoid bitterness
- Let steak rest briefly before adding back to sauce
- Pasta water helps adjust sauce thickness
- Medium heat keeps cream from separating
Variations
- Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth
- Swap steak for grilled chicken or shrimp
- Use spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for color
- Try Asiago or Romano cheese for a sharper flavor
- Add crispy bacon bits for extra richness
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread
- Pair with a simple green salad
- Add roasted asparagus or broccoli on the side
- Perfect as a stand-alone hearty meal
- Great for romantic dinners or entertaining guests
Tips
- Pat steak dry before searing for better browning
- Cut steak evenly for uniform cooking
- Keep sauce at a gentle simmer, never boiling
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk
- Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers keep well
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 620 calories
34g protein
38g fat
38g carbohydrates
FAQs
What cut of steak works best?
Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak all work well for tenderness and flavor.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, cook according to package instructions before adding.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I make it less rich?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Does this reheat well?
Yes, reheat gently on the stove with added milk or cream.
Conclusion
Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce Bliss is the ultimate comfort pasta loaded with bold garlic flavor, tender steak, and a luxuriously creamy sauce. It’s a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that feels special yet approachable, making it perfect for both weeknight indulgence and special occasions.