Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce Bliss
Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce Bliss is a culinary delight that merges the rich, savory essence of steak with creamy cheese-filled tortellini. This comforting dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, but it’s also impressive enough to serve at gatherings. What truly sets it apart is the infusion of fragrant cracked garlic and a velvety creamhouse sauce, creating a delectable experience that turns every bite into an indulgence.
Why you’ll love this dish
Not only is Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce Bliss an absolute treat for your taste buds, but it also comes together in no time, making it a weeknight hero. Imagine a dish that is rich enough to feel like a special occasion meal yet quick enough for everyday cooking. The balance of flavors—smoky paprika, aromatic garlic, and creamy cheese—makes it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for the whole family. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and employs simple ingredients that might already be in your pantry.
"This dish is pure magic! It’s become a favorite in our household. The combination of steak and tortellini is unexpected but so satisfying. My kids couldn’t get enough of the creamy sauce!" – A Satisfied Home Cook
The cooking process explained
Now that your appetite is whetted, let’s dive into how this mouthwatering dish comes together. The steps are straightforward, ensuring you can whip up a fantastic meal without spending the entire evening in the kitchen. From searing the steak to creating the luscious sauce, each phase of this recipe is designed to make you feel like a culinary pro.
Gather these items
To create your Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce Bliss, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (Fresh or refrigerated varieties yield the best texture and taste.)
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye) (Sirloin is leaner; ribeye is more tender.)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil (Essential for searing the steak.)
- 4 tbsp butter (Creates a creamy sauce base.)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced (Adds aromatic richness.)
- 1 cup heavy cream (Contributes a velvety smoothness.)
- 3/4 cup whole milk (Balances the richness.)
- 1 1/4 cups parmesan, shredded or freshly grated (Brings a savory flavor.)
- Parsley, chopped (optional) (Brightens the dish.)
- Red pepper flakes (optional) (For a spicy kick.)
- Cracked black pepper (optional garnish) (Elevates the flavor.)
Feel free to swap in different types of tortellini or time your cooking to have everything ready at the same time for a perfectly harmonious meal!
Step-by-step instructions
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Cook the Tortellini: Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the cheese tortellini following package instructions, typically about 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Steak: Season your steak with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Remove from the skillet and let it rest.
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Make the Creamhouse Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add 4 tbsp of butter. Once melted, add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 3/4 cup of whole milk, stirring until well combined.
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Add Cheese: Mix in 1 1/4 cups of grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
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Combine it All: Slice the wait steak and return it to the skillet along with the cooked tortellini. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce.
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Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you love a kick, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top, and for an added flair, garnish with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving this Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce Bliss is all about presentation and pairing. Serve it in wide, shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce and colorful steak. Consider pairing it with a fresh garden salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Crusty garlic bread is another delightful companion, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Keeping leftovers fresh
If you happen to have any leftovers, which is often a wishful concern given how tasty this dish is, they can be stored safely. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it—just be aware that the texture of the tortellini may change slightly upon reheating.
Helpful cooking tips
- Searing the Steak: For a perfect sear, ensure the skillet is hot before adding the oil and steak. This will give you a nice crust.
- Cheese Considerations: Freshly grated parmesan melts better than pre-packaged, so splurge a little for a more authentic experience.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes while you add the tortellini for an extra dose of flavor and nutrition.
Creative twists
Love experimenting in the kitchen? Here are some variations you could try:
- Swap the Proteins: Try grilled chicken or shrimp instead of steak for a different protein.
- Flavor Infusions: Experiment with different cheeses, like gouda or fontina, to alter the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Delight: Omit the steak and load up on vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers instead.
Common questions
What is the prep time for this recipe?
Preparation usually takes about 10-15 minutes, and cooking takes around 20 minutes, making this a perfect quick meal option.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! Frozen tortellini can be cooked in the same way, though you will need to adjust the boiling time according to the package instructions.
Is this dish suitable for leftovers?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for a few days and can also be frozen, but the texture may slightly change upon reheating.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
You can reheat your leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to maintain creaminess.
Enjoy the luxurious creamy flavors of this delightful dish, and don’t hesitate to make it again and again! It’s one of those recipes that feels special yet is simple enough to incorporate into your regular meal rotation.
Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce Bliss
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese tortellini Fresh or refrigerated varieties yield the best texture and taste.
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye) Sirloin is leaner; ribeye is more tender.
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil Essential for searing the steak.
- 4 tbsp butter Creates a creamy sauce base.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced Adds aromatic richness.
- 1 cup heavy cream Contributes a velvety smoothness.
- 3/4 cup whole milk Balances the richness.
- 1 1/4 cups parmesan, shredded or freshly grated Brings a savory flavor.
- Parsley, chopped (optional) Brightens the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional) For a spicy kick.
- Cracked black pepper (optional garnish) Elevates the flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the cheese tortellini following package instructions, typically about 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season your steak with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Remove from the skillet and let it rest.
Cooking the Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat and add 4 tbsp of butter. Once melted, add 5 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 3/4 cup of whole milk, stirring until well combined.
- Mix in 1 1/4 cups of grated parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
Combining
- Slice the rested steak and return it to the skillet along with the cooked tortellini. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated with the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If desired, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the top and garnish with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper.
