BEST CHEESESTEAK TORTELLINI EVER

Craving the satisfying flavors of a Philly cheesesteak but yearning for the comforting embrace of pasta? Imagine tender cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a creamy, savory sauce, loaded with thinly sliced steak, peppers, and onions, all topped with melted provolone. This Cheesesteak Tortellini recipe delivers the best of both worlds, a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly simple to make. Get ready to experience your new favorite weeknight dinner!

The Dream Team: Gathering Your Ingredients

For the Cheesesteak Filling:

• 1 pound thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin work great)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper (green or red), thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Tortellini Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

The Tortellini and Toppings:

• 20 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 4 slices provolone cheese, halved
• Optional: Chopped fresh parsley, red pepper flakes for garnish

My Secret Weapons: Tips for Cheesesteak Tortellini Success

• Thinly Sliced Steak is Key: Seriously, don’t skimp on this. The thinner, the better! If you’re slicing it yourself, partially freezing the steak for about 30 minutes makes it much easier to get those paper-thin slices.
• Don’t Overcook the Steak: You want it browned and slightly crispy, but still tender. Overcooked steak will be tough and chewy, and nobody wants that in their pasta.
• Low and Slow for the Veggies: Caramelizing the onions and peppers is crucial for that authentic cheesesteak flavor. Cook them over medium-low heat until they’re soft, sweet, and slightly browned. It takes time, but it’s worth it!
• Deglaze the Pan: After cooking the steak and veggies, deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth or red wine. This will loosen up all those flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan (called “fond”) and add tons of depth to your sauce. Just scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon until the fond is released.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Tortellini: Either works! Fresh tortellini cooks quicker, so keep an eye on it. Frozen tortellini might need an extra minute or two.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. If you want it thinner, add a splash more milk or beef broth.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cheesesteak Filling

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced steak and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan – work in batches if necessary.
3. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, or until softened and slightly caramelized.
5. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
6. Add the cooked steak back to the skillet with the vegetables.
7. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Tortellini Sauce

1. In the same skillet (no need to wash it!), melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
4. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, making sure to break up any lumps.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, milk, Parmesan cheese, and Worcestershire sauce.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 3: Combine Everything and Bake (or Broil!)

1. Add the cooked cheese tortellini to the skillet with the creamy sauce and cheesesteak filling.
2. Gently toss to combine.
3. Top with the halved provolone cheese slices.
4. At this point, you have options! Either bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, OR broil on low for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye so the cheese doesn’t burn.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if desired).
6. Serve immediately and prepare for cheesesteak tortellini bliss!

Variations to Make it Your Own

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for a kick.
• Mushroom Magic: Sauté some sliced mushrooms along with the onions and peppers for an earthy flavor.
• Cheesesteak “Hoagie”: Stir in some shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes at the very end for a “hoagie” twist.
• Cream Cheese Boost: Stir in 2 ounces of softened cream cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess and tang.
• Wine Time: Add a splash of dry white wine when deglazing the pan for added complexity.

Serving Suggestions That Will Impress

• Serve with a simple side salad or garlic bread.
• Pair with your favorite beer or a crisp white wine.
• Leftovers are amazing the next day! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Beyond Cheesesteak: Pasta Adventures Await!

If you’re loving this fusion of flavors, why not try some other pasta masterpieces? For another creamy, decadent delight, you’ve got to check out Marry Me Chicken Pasta. If you are looking for another recipe that combines the flavors of a cheesesteak and pasta, Philly Cheesesteak Pasta is a must try! If you like the flavor profile of chicken tortellini, you should try this Crockpot Chicken Tortellini, it is delicious! Or for a lighter, garlicky dish, Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is always a winner. And don’t forget about the bite-sized goodness of Philly Cheesesteak Roll Ups!

The Grand Finale: Cheesesteak Tortellini Perfection

So there you have it – a recipe that takes the iconic cheesesteak and transforms it into a comforting and unforgettable pasta dish. This Cheesesteak Tortellini is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the variations and make it your own! Most importantly, have fun in the kitchen and enjoy every delicious bite.