Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce Bliss

Cooking is like a dance, don’t you think? A little bit of rhythm, a sprinkle of spontaneity, and suddenly you find yourself lost in a whirl of flavors. I want to share a recipe that’s become a staple in my home—Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce Bliss. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in warmth and tells your taste buds a story.

The Heart of the Matter

The soul of this dish marries savory steak with creamy, dreamy tortellini, creating a comforting hug on a plate. Picture this: You’re slicing into a perfectly seared steak, the garlic and smoky paprika mingling in the air. As you take that first bite, the creamy sauce pours lusciousness over the tender tortellini, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. It’s indulgent, yes, but there’s something wonderfully homey about it, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a cozy weekend gathering.

Reasons to Try It

Let’s dive into why this recipe is worth your time:

1. Flavor Explosion: The blend of garlic, smoked paprika, and parmesan will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds). It’s a flavor combination that sings.

2. Comfort Food Goals: Imagine coming home after a long day to a meal that whispers comfort. That’s this dish—filling, rich, and utterly delightful.

3. Simplicity: It looks fancy, but it’s deceptively easy to whip up, making you feel like a culinary genius in your own kitchen.

4. Customizable: Whether you want to experiment with different proteins or vegetables, there’s room to make this your own.

Gather These Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this beautiful dish:

• 20 oz Cheese Tortellini: Fresh or refrigerated tortellini yields the best texture. You know that pillowy goodness I’m talking about. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade tortellini would be the crown jewel!

• 1 lb Steak (Sirloin or Ribeye): Sirloin is lean and flavorful; ribeye is all about that tenderness. Just pick one based on your mood.

• Salt and Black Pepper: Basics, but essential for drawing out the flavors in the steak.

• Garlic Powder and Smoked Paprika: These two are the secret weapons, adding depth and a touch of smoky magic.

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil: This is your go-to for searing the steak. Don’t skimp on quality!

• 4 tbsp Butter: Ah, butter—the magic ingredient that creates that creamy sauce base.

• 5 Cloves Garlic, Minced: More garlic means more joy. It adds aromatic richness that you can’t resist.

• 1 cup Heavy Cream: This is where the velvety smoothness comes from.

• 3/4 cup Whole Milk: Balances the richness without losing mouthfeel.

• 1 1/4 cups Parmesan, Shredded or Freshly Grated: Adds that savory umami punch—you’ll want to use the good stuff.

• Parsley, Chopped (Optional): A bright sprinkle on top can elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise.

• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who like a spicy kick!

• Cracked Black Pepper (Optional Garnish): It may be optional, but it is strongly encouraged!

How This Recipe Comes Together

1. Preparation: Start by boiling water for the tortellini. While it’s heating up, season your steak generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

2. Cooking the Steak: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear your steak until it develops a beautiful crust (about 4-5 minutes per side). If you love your steak rare, aim for that internal temperature bliss—130°F. Let it rest when done.

3. Making the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, toss in minced garlic, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds, don’t let it burn!).

4. Creamy Goodness: Pour in heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Add in the parmesan and let it melt into a creamy lusciousness. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

5. Tortellini Magic: Cook the tortellini according to package instructions, then add it to the creamy sauce along with the steak, sliced. Stir gently to coat each piece in that heavenly sauce.

6. Finishing Touches: If you like, sprinkle with chopped parsley, red pepper flakes for heat, and cracked black pepper for that bit of finesse.

The Best Way to Enjoy It

Serving this dish is all about presentation. Use shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce pooling around the tortellini and steak beautifully. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed subtly, a glass of robust red wine, and maybe some crusty bread to soak up the leftover sauce.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy consistency.

Pro Chef Tips

• To really elevate the flavor, consider toasting your spices for a minute before adding the other ingredients. The depth of flavor it creates is nothing short of magical.

• Don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjusting seasoning is where the magic truly happens.

• Swap out the steak for grilled chicken or even roasted vegetables for a vegetarian twist!

Flavor Swaps

If you’re feeling adventurous, try these variations:

• Mushroom Madness: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy undertone.

• Pesto Party: Stir in a bit of pesto before serving for an herbaceous pop.

• Cheese Lovers Unite: Swap in different cheeses like goat cheese or a sharp cheddar for a new flavor profile.

Ingredients List

• 20 oz cheese tortellini
• 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 1/4 cups parmesan, shredded or freshly grated
• Parsley, chopped (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Cracked black pepper (optional garnish)

Directions to Follow

1. Boil water for tortellini.
2. Season steak with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear steak until cooked to your liking. Rest, then slice.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic, sauté until fragrant.
5. Pour in heavy cream and whole milk, stir to combine. Add parmesan and let melt.
6. Cook tortellini as per package instructions, then add to the sauce along with sliced steak.
7. Adjust seasoning, sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

Your Questions Answered

• Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes! Just cook it according to package instructions.

• What if I don’t have steak? Substitute with grilled chicken or skip the protein altogether for a vegetarian version.

• Is this dish freezer-friendly? Cream sauces don’t freeze well, so it’s best served fresh.

• How can I make this lighter? Use half-and-half instead of cream and milk to reduce richness without sacrificing texture.

• What to serve with it? A light salad or roasted vegetables complement the dish perfectly.

With this recipe, you’re not just creating a meal; you’re building memories. I hope you dive into it with as much love and joy as I do. And remember, the best part of cooking is the creativity you bring to the table. So go ahead, try it out, and tell me how it goes!

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Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce Bliss

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Cuisine: Italian, Italian-American Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time Total Time 50 hrs

Cooking Temp: Medium-High  C Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 720

Best Season: Any Season

Description

Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce Bliss is a delicious marriage of savory steak and creamy tortellini that envelops you in warmth and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 20 oz cheese tortellini (Fresh or refrigerated preferred)
• 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye) (Choose based on personal preference)
• to taste Salt (Essential for flavor)
• to taste Black pepper (Essential for flavor)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (Adds depth of flavor)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (For smoky flavor)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (For searing the steak)
• 4 tbsp butter (Creates creamy sauce)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced (For aromatic richness)
• 1 cup heavy cream (For velvety sauce)
• ³⁄₄ cup whole milk (Balances richness)
• 1 ¹⁄₄ cups parmesan, shredded or freshly grated (For savory umami flavor)
• to taste parsley, chopped (Optional garnish)
• to taste red pepper flakes (Optional for heat)
• to taste cracked black pepper (Optional garnish)

Directions

Prepare and Cook

1. Boil the Tortellini

   Start by boiling water for the tortellini.
   Mark as complete

2. Season Steak

   Season steak with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
   Mark as complete

3. Sear the Steak

   Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sear steak until cooked to your liking. Allow to rest, then slice.
   Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F for rare.
   Mark as complete

4. Make the Sauce

   In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
   Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
   Mark as complete

5. Combine Ingredients

   Pour in heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Add parmesan and let it melt.
   Adjust seasoning to taste.
   Mark as complete

6. Cook the Tortellini

   Cook tortellini according to package instructions, then add to the sauce along with sliced steak.
   Stir gently to coat.
   Mark as complete

7. Finish the Dish

   Sprinkle with parsley, red pepper flakes, and cracked black pepper if desired.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 720kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 45g70%

Saturated Fat 22g111%

Trans Fat 1g

Cholesterol 150mg50%

Sodium 900mg38%

Potassium 800mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 60g20%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 5g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 1000 IU

Vitamin C 5 mg

Calcium 450 mg

Iron 3 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 10 mcg

Thiamin 0.5 mg

Riboflavin 0.4 mg

Niacin 3 mg

Vitamin B6 0.6 mg

Folate 80 mcg

Vitamin B12 2 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.9 mg

Phosphorus 400 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 35 mg

Zinc 4 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.3 mg

Manganese 0.3 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a lighter version, consider using half-and-half instead of cream and milk.

Keywords: steak, tortellini, cream sauce, comfort food, dinner