I don’t know about you, but when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen, this Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini is my secret weapon. It’s indulgent, comforting, and totally satisfying. The first time I made this dish was on a cozy Saturday night at home when we decided to skip takeout and treat ourselves to a steakhouse-style dinner without the price tag or fancy attire. And let me tell you, it quickly became one of our go-to “treat yourself” meals.
Imagine juicy, seared steak bathed in garlic butter, paired with pillowy cheese-filled tortellini tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone to the table, and not a single bite is left behind. Whether it’s a special occasion or you’re just craving something rich and satisfying, this dish fits the mood. You can serve it for a romantic dinner, a weeknight pick-me-up, or even as a comfort meal after a long day.
Best of all? It’s surprisingly easy to make, especially if you’re using fresh or refrigerated tortellini. You’ll only need a few simple ingredients to pull off a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich and indulgent flavor: Between the buttery, garlicky steak and the ultra-creamy Alfredo sauce hugging every bite of cheesy tortellini, this dish hits all the comfort food notes. It’s savory, creamy, and just a little fancy.
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Quick yet impressive: Despite sounding (and tasting!) like something you’d order at a fancy steakhouse, this dish comes together in under an hour. It’s perfect when you want to impress guests or treat yourself without the hassle.
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Versatile and customizable: You can switch up the steak cut, use store-bought or homemade tortellini, and even add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the Alfredo sauce for a bit of extra flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Alfredo Tortellini:
- 18 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for added depth)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Generously season both sides of the steaks with salt and black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature while you prep your other ingredients. This helps the meat cook more evenly.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steaks and sear for about 3–4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak more well done, cook a little longer. Adjust the time based on thickness and desired doneness.
Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary if using). Tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to baste the melted garlic butter over the steaks for 1–2 minutes. This step adds tons of flavor. Remove the steaks and let them rest for 5–10 minutes on a cutting board.
Step 4: While the steak is resting, cook the cheese tortellini in a separate pot according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 5: In the same skillet used for the steak, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce turns smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
Step 6: Add the drained tortellini into the skillet and toss well to coat it in the Alfredo sauce.
Step 7: Slice the rested steak and serve it on top of the cheesy Alfredo tortellini. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm.
Variations
This dish is rich, comforting, and indulgent but it can be easily adapted to suit various dietary needs and flavor preferences. Here are a few thoughtful variations to inspire creativity in your kitchen:
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Vegetarian Option: Skip the steak entirely and use hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted cauliflower. Sautéed mushrooms, in particular, pair beautifully with the Alfredo sauce, offering that savory umami depth and meaty texture without any actual meat.
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Gluten-Free Adaptation: For those avoiding gluten, simply substitute with gluten-free cheese tortellini, which is becoming easier to find in many grocery stores. Be sure to check that your Parmesan, cream, and all seasonings are gluten-free as well. This version keeps the dish creamy and satisfying while remaining safe for gluten sensitivities.
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Lighter Version: If you’re looking to cut down on calories or make it a little less rich, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of cheese slightly. You can also use grilled chicken breast or shrimp in place of steak to lighten it up while still keeping the dish high in protein and full of flavor.
These customizations make it easy to turn this indulgent meal into something that fits your preferences or dietary goals, without sacrificing the essence of what makes this dish so comforting and delicious.
How to Serve
This dish is incredibly versatile and filling on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate your presentation or round out your meal, here are a few serving ideas that bring balance and flavor to the table:
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Add a Fresh Side Salad: A crisp salad with arugula, baby spinach, or mixed greens helps balance the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Consider tossing it with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard to contrast the creamy tortellini.
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Serve with a Side of Roasted Veggies: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or even caramelized carrots add texture and earthiness to this meal. The slight bitterness of roasted greens pairs perfectly with the buttery steak and creamy pasta.
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Beverage Pairing: a glass of sparkling water with lime or lemon helps cleanse the palate. Alternatively, a cold iced tea with a hint of citrus or herbal notes (like mint) complements the meal well. These beverages help cut through the richness without overpowering the flavor.
Whether you’re preparing this for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, these side pairings and drink ideas help transform the dish into a more balanced and satisfying dining experience.
Recipe Tips
Here are a few smart tips to ensure your Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini turns out perfectly every time:
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Rest the Steak After Cooking: After you sear the steak, always let it rest for at least five minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute inside the meat, keeping every bite tender and flavorful.
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Use Fresh Cheese Whenever Possible: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and creates a smoother Alfredo sauce compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
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Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Cheese tortellini cook very quickly, usually in about 4 to 6 minutes. Keep an eye on the pot and remove the tortellini once they float to the top and are just tender. Overcooked tortellini can fall apart and make the sauce too thick.
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Reheat with Cream or Broth: If you have leftovers, reheat them gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of cream, milk, or broth to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
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Preheat the Pan for Searing: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steak to get a beautiful crust. Don’t move the steak around too much let it sear undisturbed to develop that deep, golden-brown color.
Cooking Notes
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Use room-temperature steak for even cooking and better browning.
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Avoid overcooking the Alfredo sauce; simmer it gently to prevent curdling.
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Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce texture if needed.
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Sear steak over high heat to lock in flavor and create a crisp crust.
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Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of freshness and color before serving.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: ~740 kcal
- Protein: 42g
- Sodium: ~750mg
Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes! Just cook it according to the package directions. Fresh tortellini cooks a bit faster and has a more tender texture, but frozen works great in a pinch.
What cut of steak works best for this recipe?
Ribeye is ideal for flavor and marbling, but sirloin or New York strip are great, too. Avoid cuts that are too lean like round steak, which can get tough when pan-seared.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the tortellini and make the Alfredo sauce in advance, storing them separately in the fridge. Just reheat everything gently and add a splash of cream or milk to keep the sauce smooth. The steak is best cooked fresh for optimal texture and flavor.
Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
While homemade is best for that creamy, cheesy flavor, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce in a pinch. Add a touch of fresh garlic and Parmesan to boost the flavor if needed.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a little cream or broth over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Conclusion
Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It brings together everything we crave in comfort food: tender, juicy steak, a rich and creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked cheese tortellini. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner, date night at home, or a meal to impress friends, this dish hits all the right notes. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make, all in one skillet.
What makes this recipe so special is how flexible it can be. You can stick with the classic version or get creative with substitutions and add-ins depending on your dietary needs or what’s in your fridge. It’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-style dinner at home without a lot of fuss. And with just one pan to clean up, it’s a win for weeknights too.
If you’re a fan of hearty, flavor-packed dinners, this one’s for you. The steak is perfectly seared and tender, the Alfredo is rich without being overwhelming, and the tortellini adds a cheesy, comforting twist. It’s the kind of dish that becomes a regular in your dinner rotation because once you’ve tried it, it’s hard not to come back for more.
Now that you’ve got the recipe and all the tips, go ahead and make it your own. And if you do, I’d love to hear how it turned out!
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Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- For the Alfredo Tortellini:
- 18 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for added depth)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Generously season both sides of the steaks with salt and black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature while you prep your other ingredients. This helps the meat cook more evenly.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steaks and sear for about 3–4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak more well done, cook a little longer. Adjust the time based on thickness and desired doneness.
Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Toss in the minced garlic and fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary if using). Tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to baste the melted garlic butter over the steaks for 1–2 minutes. This step adds tons of flavor. Remove the steaks and let them rest for 5–10 minutes on a cutting board.
Step 4: While the steak is resting, cook the cheese tortellini in a separate pot according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
Step 5: In the same skillet used for the steak, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce turns smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired.
Step 6: Add the drained tortellini into the skillet and toss well to coat it in the Alfredo sauce.
Step 7: Slice the rested steak and serve it on top of the cheesy Alfredo tortellini. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 740
- Sodium: 750
- Protein: 42