Garlic Butter Steak Tortellini: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Garlic Butter Steak Tortellini: Prepare to experience a symphony of flavors that will redefine your weeknight dinner routine! Imagine tender, juicy steak tips, perfectly cooked tortellini, and a luscious garlic butter sauce that clings to every bite. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience.

While tortellini itself hails from the Emilia region of Italy, where legend says it was inspired by the navel of Venus, our modern twist elevates this classic pasta dish to new heights. The addition of steak and a generous helping of garlic butter transforms it into a hearty and satisfying meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

What makes Garlic Butter Steak Tortellini so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of textures 鈥?the slight chew of the tortellini, the tenderness of the steak, and the smooth, rich sauce. People adore this dish because it’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve to guests. The savory garlic butter complements the beef beautifully, creating a flavor profile that’s simply unforgettable. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. Get ready to fall in love with this easy and delicious recipe!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Steak:
• 1.5 lbs Sirloin steak (about 1 inch thick), or your preferred cut
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, but adds great flavor!)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Tortellini:
• 20 oz package of cheese tortellini (fresh or dried)
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (important!)
• Optional Garnishes:
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes

Preparing the Steak:

1. Prepare the Steak: Take the steak out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows it to come closer to room temperature, which helps it cook more evenly. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear.
2. Season Generously: Season the steak generously with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary. Don’t be shy with the seasoning! It’s what gives the steak its flavor. Make sure to coat both sides evenly.
3. Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. The pan should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately.
4. Sear the Steak: Carefully place the steak in the hot pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Avoid moving the steak around too much while it’s searing, as this will prevent a good crust from forming. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135掳F (54-57掳C). For medium, aim for 135-145掳F (57-63掳C). For medium-well, aim for 145-155掳F (63-68掳C). For well-done, aim for 155掳F+ (68掳C+).
5. Add Garlic: In the last minute of cooking, add the minced garlic to the pan. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6. Rest the Steak: Remove the steak from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
7. Slice the Steak: After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.

Making the Garlic Butter Sauce:

1. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet you used to cook the steak (or a clean skillet), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Saut茅 the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and saut茅 until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1-2 minutes. Again, be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Deglaze with Wine (Optional): If using white wine, pour it into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds a lot of flavor to the sauce. Let the wine simmer for a few minutes, until it has reduced slightly.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Cooking the Tortellini:

1. Cook the Tortellini: While the sauce is simmering, cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Be sure to salt the water generously! This helps to season the tortellini from the inside out.
2. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the tortellini, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help to thicken the sauce and make it cling to the tortellini.
3. Drain the Tortellini: Drain the tortellini well.

Assembling the Dish:

1. Combine Tortellini and Sauce: Add the drained tortellini to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Add Pasta Water (If Needed): If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Add the Steak: Gently fold in the sliced steak. Be careful not to overcook the steak at this point. You just want to warm it through.
4. Serve Immediately: Serve the Garlic Butter Steak Tortellini immediately.
5. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Steak Tortellini:

• Use High-Quality Steak: The quality of the steak will greatly impact the final flavor of the dish. Choose a well-marbled cut of steak for the best results.
• Don’t Overcook the Steak: Overcooked steak will be tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
• Don’t Burn the Garlic: Burnt garlic will make the sauce bitter. Keep a close eye on the garlic while it’s cooking and remove it from the heat if it starts to brown too quickly.
• Salt the Pasta Water: Salting the pasta water is essential for seasoning the tortellini from the inside out.
• Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water will help to thicken the sauce and make it cling to the tortellini.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to balance the flavors.
• Serve Immediately: This dish is best served immediately, while the steak is still warm and the sauce is creamy.

Variations:

• Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for added flavor and nutrients. Saut茅 the vegetables in the skillet before adding the garlic.
• Use Different Types of Tortellini: You can use different types of tortellini, such as spinach and ricotta tortellini or mushroom tortellini.
• Add Cream: For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the sauce.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier dish.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano or basil, in the sauce.

Storage Instructions:

• Refrigerate: Store leftover Garlic Butter Steak Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat the tortellini in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to prevent it from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook the steak.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Garlic Butter Steak Tortellini recipe is truly a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of tender steak, perfectly cooked tortellini, and that rich, garlicky butter sauce is simply divine. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to lick the plate clean (and honestly, I wouldn’t judge you if you did!).

What makes this recipe so special is its versatility. It’s fancy enough for a date night in, but also easy enough for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time. The steak adds a touch of elegance, while the tortellini keeps it comforting and familiar. And that garlic butter sauce? Well, that’s just pure magic. It coats every single piece of tortellini and steak, infusing them with flavor that will have you coming back for more.

But don’t just take my word for it! I highly encourage you to give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll be just as impressed as I am. And the best part is, you can easily customize it to your liking.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Add some veggies: Toss in some saut茅ed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a boost of nutrients and flavor. They pair perfectly with the steak and garlic butter sauce.
* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
* Cheese, please!: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for an extra layer of cheesy goodness. A little fresh mozzarella wouldn’t hurt either!
* Creamy Dreamy: For an even richer sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
* Wine Pairing: A light-bodied red wine, like Pinot Noir, or a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, would complement this dish beautifully.
* Herb it up: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme add a bright, fresh flavor. Sprinkle them on top just before serving.
* Different Tortellini: Feel free to experiment with different types of tortellini. Cheese-filled, mushroom-filled, or even spinach and ricotta tortellini would all work well.
* Steak Substitute: If you’re not a fan of steak, you could easily substitute it with chicken, shrimp, or even Italian sausage. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

I’m so excited for you to try this Garlic Butter Steak Tortellini recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do. Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? What did you serve it with?

Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps other readers discover new and exciting ways to enjoy this delicious dish. So go ahead, get cooking, and let me know what you think! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear from you!