When your dinner plans call for something bold, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes, this Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet delivers every time. Imagine juicy seared steak slices mingling with pillowy cheese tortellini, all coated in a garlicky, creamy sauce that clings to every bite. It’s not just a meal—it’s an experience that feels straight from a bistro kitchen but made right in your skillet at home.
The magic here lies in the balance. The steak brings savory richness, the tortellini offers that cheesy comfort, and the garlic adds a punch that ties everything together. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a date-night dinner, this skillet dish is one of those rare meals that feels indulgent without being complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet
This recipe checks every box: hearty, cheesy, garlicky, and fast. The one-pan prep means fewer dishes, while the flavor layers make it feel like something you’d order out. It’s perfect for when you want big comfort with little effort. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—add mushrooms, spinach, or even a splash of white wine for your own twist.
What Kind of Steak Works Best in This Skillet?
For the most tender, flavorful bites, go with a cut like sirloin, flank, or ribeye. These cook up beautifully in a hot skillet and bring just enough marbling to stay juicy. Thinly slicing the steak against the grain helps it stay tender, and a quick sear seals in all that flavor without drying it out.
Ingredients for the Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet
This skillet brings together a blend of rich proteins, creamy cheese, and bold seasoning—all in one pan. The key to nailing the flavor is choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients that shine on their own and complement each other beautifully.
- Steak strips – Tender beef slices are the star of this dish, adding a hearty, savory base.
- Cheese-filled tortellini – These stuffed pasta pillows bring a creamy, cheesy richness that pairs perfectly with the garlicky sauce.
- Garlic cloves – Freshly minced garlic infuses the skillet with bold, aromatic flavor.
- Heavy cream – Creates a luxurious sauce that coats every bite in velvety goodness.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth to the cream sauce, balancing the richness.
- Olive oil – Helps sear the steak and sauté the garlic, locking in flavor.
- Butter – Enhances the richness of the sauce and adds a silky texture.
- Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavor of the steak and pasta.
- Fresh parsley – Optional, but great for a burst of color and freshness to finish the dish.


How To Make the Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your steak strips with salt and pepper, then sear them until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Cream Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, creating a thick, creamy consistency.
Step 4: Cook the Tortellini
Add cheese-filled tortellini directly into the skillet. Simmer gently in the sauce until cooked through, usually about 4 to 5 minutes. If needed, add a splash of water or broth to thin the sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the seared steak strips to the skillet, stirring everything together so the steak and tortellini are well coated. Simmer for a couple more minutes to reheat the steak. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Serving and Storing Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet
This skillet is rich enough to stand on its own but versatile enough to round out with a few sides. It comfortably feeds four people, making it a great choice for small family dinners or a cozy night with leftovers. Serve it hot straight from the skillet for a rustic, homey presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
To store leftovers, let the skillet cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce as it warms.
What to Serve With Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet?
Garlic Bread
A golden, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
Steamed Broccoli
Add a fresh and healthy contrast with steamed broccoli. It brings color, crunch, and a lighter balance to the rich skillet.
Caesar Salad
The crisp romaine, tangy dressing, and crunchy croutons offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy tortellini.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Their natural caramelization pairs beautifully with the richness of the steak and tortellini.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Sweet and tangy carrots offer a bright, earthy counterpoint that complements the deep flavors of the skillet.
Creamy Polenta
If you want to lean into the comfort food angle, serve the tortellini over a bed of creamy polenta.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Mushrooms bring extra umami and richness. They practically melt into the sauce if you want to stir them right in.
A Glass of Red Wine
Not a side dish, but a medium-bodied red like Merlot or Zinfandel pairs beautifully and elevates the meal to something truly special.
Want More Skillet Dinner Ideas?
If you love this Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet, don’t miss out on these other flavorful one-pan meals that are just as comforting and quick to whip up:
- Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for those who love even more cheesy steak goodness.
- Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe with a savory twist of childhood nostalgia and bold flavor.
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta that comes together fast and feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce for when you want to go oven-style but still stick to comforting classics.
- Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta if you crave something ultra rich and indulgent.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use ribeye or something leaner? Add mushrooms or greens? I love seeing your spins on the recipe, and your questions are always welcome.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and weeknight favorites on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for delicious comfort.


Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Garlic Steak & Cheese-Filled Tortellini Skillet is a quick, creamy, one-pan dinner recipe featuring juicy steak strips, cheese tortellini, and a garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for weeknights, comfort food lovers, and fans of easy skillet meals.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound steak strips (sirloin or flank)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 ounces cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
2. Sear steak strips until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet, then add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
4. Pour in the heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
5. Add tortellini to the sauce and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
6. Return steak to the skillet and mix everything together. Cook another 1–2 minutes to reheat.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
Don’t overcook the steak; keep it tender with a quick sear.
A splash of broth or milk can help loosen the sauce when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
