Garlic Butter Steak Alfredo Tortellini

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Alfredo Tortellini brings together two of my favorite comfort foods in one fast and indulgent dinner. It is rich garlicky and perfect when you are craving something hearty but need it on the table quickly for family or guests. This is the meal I reach for when I want to wow everyone with maximum flavor and minimal fuss.

I made this first for an anniversary at home and now it is my husband’s top request when he wants something special but cozy. It feels both fancy and comforting.

Ingredients

• Steak bites: use sirloin or ribeye for tenderness and flavor look for even marbling and bright red color
• Butter: delivers richness and helps form a perfect sear always use real unsalted butter for the best browning
• Fresh garlic: for brightness and savory punch use plump firm cloves for maximum aroma
• Cheese tortellini: choose a refrigerated or fresh variety the filling adds great cheesy texture
• Heavy cream: for the Alfredo adds creamy body use full fat for a silkier result
• Parmesan cheese: adds tang and depth always grate fresh for best melt and flavor
• Salt and black pepper: key for seasoning always taste and adjust at the end
• Fresh parsley: for garnish for freshness and color if you like

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Tortellini:

Bring a large pot of well salted water to a rolling boil add the cheese tortellini and stir occasionally to prevent sticking cook until just tender which usually takes about eight minutes for refrigerated tortellini drain well and toss with a little olive oil to keep them separate while the rest of the meal finishes

Sear the Steak Bites:

While the tortellini cooks heat a big skillet over medium high heat and add the butter wait until it is fully melted and just bubbling add in the minced garlic and let it turn fragrant without browning toss in the steak bites spreading them out in a single layer sear each side for about two to three minutes until they have a deep golden crust and stay juicy inside season generously with salt and black pepper as they cook remove the steak bites and set aside saving the buttery drippings in the pan

Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:

In the same skillet melt another round of butter over medium heat pour in heavy cream heating until it just begins to simmer keep stirring to prevent scorching sprinkle Parmesan in bit by bit whisking until it disappears into the sauce watch as it thickens and glosses over this takes about five minutes season gently with salt and pepper tasting for balance

Assemble the Dish:

Tip the cooked tortellini into the skillet with Alfredo sauce and gently fold it together ensuring each tortellini is coated let it bubble for just a couple minutes so the flavors come together and everything is piping hot

Plate and Finish:

Spoon the Alfredo tortellini onto plates with a generous pile of steak bites on top drizzle with any remaining garlic butter from the pan for mega flavor scatter over fresh parsley or more Parmesan if you love extra cheese

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You Must Know

• High protein and satisfying as a main or split into smaller portions for a dinner party treat
• Steak cooks quickly so keep an eye to avoid overcooking for best tenderness
• Can be made ahead in parts and reheated for a speedy dinner solution

My favorite part is stirring diced garlic into the melting butter the kitchen smells amazing and everyone comes running I remember teaching my little brother how to sear steak using this recipe it is become our go to Saturday cook together meal

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Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool fully before transferring to shallow containers for the fridge this keeps the tortellini from getting soggy Steak and tortellini both hold up well for one to two days Simply reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency

Ingredient Substitutions

If ribeye or sirloin are unavailable you can use flank or even chicken bites though you may want to marinate leaner cuts for added tenderness Half and half works if you are out of heavy cream Nutty Grana Padano or Pecorino cheese stands in for Parmesan nicely

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish with a simple green salad or some blanched broccoli on the side Garlic bread is basically required for soaking up the extra Alfredo sauce I also love grating a little lemon zest over the top for an extra pop

Cultural Context

Alfredo sauce has Italian American roots and pairing steak with pasta makes this a heartier spin on the classic fettuccine Alfredo Tortellini brings a cheesy twist while garlic butter steak is always a steakhouse favorite

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of steak works best for this dish?

Sirloin or ribeye are recommended for their tenderness and rich flavor, but strip steak also works well when cut into bite-sized pieces.

→ Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen tortellini can be used. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for best texture.

→ How can I prevent the tortellini from sticking together?

After draining, drizzle the tortellini with a bit of olive oil and gently toss to keep them separate until assembling the dish.

→ What's the secret to perfectly seared steak bites?

Cook the steak bites in a single layer over high heat, avoid overcrowding the skillet, and let the steak come to room temperature before searing.

→ Can I prepare the Alfredo sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce in advance. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring often, and thin with a splash of cream if needed.