why make this recipe
This dish brings tender steak bites and creamy tortellini together. It cooks fast and feels like a restaurant meal at home. It is great for a weeknight dinner or a simple weekend treat. For another quick fish meal, try this lemon garlic cod for an easy side idea.
introduction
This recipe mixes garlic butter steak with a rich Alfredo tortellini. The steak gives savory bites and the cheese tortellini soaks up the sauce. The steps are quick and clear. If you like simple sweet snacks after dinner, you might also enjoy peanut butter banana yogurt bark as a dessert option.
how to make Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Alfredo Tortellini
Follow the steps below. Read all steps before you start. Have the steak room temperature for best sear. For extra flavor, let steak sit with salt for 10 minutes before cooking.
Ingredients :
1½ lbs steak bites (sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes), 3 tbsp butter, 3 garlic cloves, minced, 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini, 2 tbsp butter (for Alfredo sauce), 2 cups heavy cream, 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results), Salt & black pepper, to taste
Directions :
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Steak Bites: In a large skillet, melt 3 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add steak bites and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove the steak and set aside, keeping the garlic butter in the pan.
- Make the Alfredo Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tbsp of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked tortellini into the Alfredo sauce, stirring gently to coat.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the tortellini and top with steak bites. Drizzle with reserved garlic butter and garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, or chili flakes for heat.
how to serve Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Alfredo Tortellini
Serve hot on plates. Spoon extra garlic butter over the steak bites. Add a green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal. Fresh parsley or extra grated Parmesan make a nice finish.
how to store Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Alfredo Tortellini
Cool to room temperature then put in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Do not keep frozen steak bites and tortellini together for long; texture changes after long freezing.
tips to make Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Alfredo Tortellini
- Dry steak pieces with paper towels for a better sear.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
- Cook tortellini just until done; avoid overcooking so it holds shape.
- Repeat a quick side idea with that lemon garlic cod if you want fish instead of a salad.
- Let the steak rest a minute before serving so juices stay inside.
variation (if any)
- Use chicken bites instead of steak for a milder flavor.
- Add spinach to the Alfredo sauce for color and more greens.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce (it will be less rich).
- Add mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes. Cook from frozen following package instructions. Drain and add to sauce.
Q: How do I know when steak bites are done?
A: For medium, sear 2-3 minutes per side. Use a thermometer: 135°F (57°C) for medium.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and store in the fridge up to 2 days. Reheat gently and add cooked tortellini and steak when warm.
Q: Is Parmesan required?
A: Fresh Parmesan gives the best texture and taste. Pre-grated works but may not melt as smoothly.
Conclusion
For the full recipe page and a clear photo guide, see Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini.
Print
Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Alfredo Tortellini
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Tender steak bites paired with creamy Alfredo tortellini, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs steak bites (sirloin or ribeye, cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 tbsp butter (for Alfredo sauce)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 3 tbsp of butter over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add steak bites and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove the steak and set aside, keeping the garlic butter in the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium and add 2 tbsp of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add heavy cream and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss the cooked tortellini into the Alfredo sauce, stirring gently to coat.
- Plate the tortellini and top with steak bites. Drizzle with reserved garlic butter and garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, or chili flakes for heat.
Notes
Serve hot with a green salad or steamed vegetables. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: steak, tortellini, Alfredo, Italian, creamy, quick dinner