This garlic steak & cheese-filled tortellini skillet is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of. It brings together juicy, seared steak, pillowy tortellini packed with cheese, and a garlicky cream sauce that clings to every bite. It’s rich, it’s hearty, and it’s the kind of meal that feels like it came from your favorite cozy restaurant—but it happens right in your kitchen.
What makes this dish even better is how quickly it comes together. From skillet to table in under 30 minutes, it’s a one-pan dinner that doesn’t skimp on comfort or flavor. Whether you’re cooking for the family or planning a special dinner for two, this is a no-fuss recipe that delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet
There’s something so irresistible about the combination of steak and cheese. When you toss in tender pasta and a garlic cream sauce, it hits every craving all at once. This dish is satisfying without being overly heavy, thanks to the fresh tortellini and the balance of savory flavors.
You’ll love how the steak gets a perfect sear while the tortellini soaks up all the creamy, cheesy sauce. And if you’re a garlic lover, you’ll be especially smitten with how fragrant and comforting the whole skillet becomes. Best of all, cleanup is easy since it’s all made in one pan.
What Cut of Steak Works Best for This Skillet Dinner?
You don’t need a fancy steak for this recipe to shine. In fact, something like sirloin, flank steak, or even a well-trimmed skirt steak works beautifully. The key is to slice it thinly against the grain so it stays tender and flavorful.
Since we’re cooking it quickly in a hot skillet, you want a cut that doesn’t need a long time to become tender. A good sear locks in the juices, and once it mingles with the creamy sauce and cheese tortellini, the steak becomes even more delicious. If you have leftover grilled steak, this is also a great way to repurpose it into something new and satisfying.
Ingredients for the Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet
This dish is all about bold flavor and creamy comfort, and each ingredient plays an important role. From juicy beef to fresh herbs, everything in this skillet works together to create a balanced, mouthwatering meal that feels both indulgent and effortless.
- Steak – Choose sirloin or flank steak for quick cooking and a tender bite.
- Cheese-Filled Tortellini – Use fresh or refrigerated tortellini so it cooks quickly and holds its shape in the sauce.
- Garlic – Essential for that bold aromatic flavor that anchors the dish.
- Heavy Cream – Creates the base of the luscious, rich sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a nutty, salty bite and helps thicken the sauce.
- Butter – Helps sear the steak and adds depth to the cream sauce.
- Olive Oil – Keeps everything from sticking and assists in browning the meat.
- Italian Seasoning – A mix of herbs that brings the whole skillet to life.
- Salt and Pepper – Basic seasoning that enhances every component.
- Fresh Parsley – Optional, but it adds a pop of color and brightness.


How To Make the Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your thinly sliced steak and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned but not overcooked. Remove steak and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add more butter if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the steak.
Step 3: Build the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir, letting it simmer gently. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Let it reduce slightly to thicken.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini
Gently stir in the cooked cheese tortellini. Let it simmer in the sauce for a few minutes so it soaks up the flavor and heats through.
Step 5: Bring Back the Steak
Return the cooked steak to the skillet and mix it into the creamy tortellini. Warm everything together for 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot, straight from the skillet for that cozy, rustic feel.
How to Serve and Store This Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet
This skillet is best served hot and fresh from the stove. The creamy sauce is at its silkiest right after cooking, and the tortellini is at peak tenderness. If you’re hosting or preparing ahead, you can make the steak and sauce slightly in advance, then combine everything right before serving.
Leftovers store beautifully. Let the dish cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. This recipe feeds about 4 people generously, making it perfect for small families or meal prep.
What to Serve With Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet?
Roasted Asparagus
Lightly charred asparagus adds a crisp, green contrast to the rich, creamy skillet.
Garlic Bread
You’ll want something to scoop up that extra sauce, and buttery garlic bread is just the thing.
Simple Caesar Salad
The tangy, crunchy bite of a Caesar salad balances out the decadent pasta.
Sauteed Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a natural partner to steak and soak up flavors like a dream.
Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
A touch of acidity from the glaze cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.
Caprese Skewers
Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on a stick for an easy, light starter.
Parmesan Zucchini Chips
Crispy, cheesy, and a little salty—they make a fun side that doesn’t overpower.
White Wine
A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with this meal.
Want More Pasta Skillet Ideas?
If this Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet made your night, there are plenty more creamy, cheesy, and hearty pasta dishes to dive into:
• The One-Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a comforting classic with a hint of spice.
• Try the Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a lighter, veggie-forward twist.
• For something ultra-decadent, the Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna is pure indulgence.
• The Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce is a high-protein favorite that feels as rich as it tastes.
• Craving something rustic? The Amish Country Casserole brings all the nostalgic flavors to your table.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can find it any night you need something cozy, fast, and full of flavor.
And if you tried it, let us know how yours turned out! Did you use sirloin or skirt steak? Add mushrooms? We love hearing your twists.
Explore beautifully curated, health-boosting meals and comfort favorites over on Janet Dishes on Pinterest. It’s where I share my daily recipes and favorite flavor-packed dinners:
https://www.pinterest.com/hannahmoore0030/
Conclusion
This garlic steak & cheese-filled tortellini skillet is more than just a quick dinner. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with anticipation. You get the richness of a steakhouse meal and the coziness of home-cooked pasta, all wrapped up in one pan.
Whether it becomes your new date-night go-to or a meal to impress your family midweek, it’s guaranteed to satisfy. Make it once, and it just might land a regular spot on your menu.


Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This garlic steak & cheese-filled tortellini skillet is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. A one-pan pasta dish featuring juicy seared steak, creamy garlic sauce, and tender cheese tortellini. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for family dinners or a cozy date night. Keywords: garlic steak skillet, tortellini with steak, creamy garlic pasta.
Ingredients
1 lb steak (sirloin or flank), thinly sliced
10 oz cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add thinly sliced steak and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Lower heat slightly and add remaining butter. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in heavy cream, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
6. Stir in cooked tortellini and let simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb the sauce.
7. Return steak to the skillet, combine with tortellini, and warm everything through.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is fresh and creamy.
To reheat, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
