Get ready to experience a rich, creamy pasta dish that’s brimming with savory flavors! Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to leave your taste buds dancing. This recipe combines tender steak, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a luscious garlic-infused sauce for a meal that’s both indulgent and utterly delicious.
The secret to this dish’s incredible taste lies in the details. We’re talking about perfectly seared steak cubes, a silky smooth sauce made with real cream and Parmesan, and just the right amount of garlic to tie it all together. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for more.
Table of Contents
Essential Ingredients for Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
To craft this mouthwatering pasta masterpiece, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First and foremost, you’ll want to select high-quality cheese tortellini, either fresh or refrigerated. As for the steak, go for a tender cut like sirloin or ribeye, and be sure to cut it into bite-sized cubes for easy incorporation.
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1 lb steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup whole milk
- 1¼ cups shredded or freshly grated Parmesan
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
The seasoning blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika is key to adding depth of flavor to the steak. And of course, we can’t forget the rich, creamy sauce ingredients – heavy cream, whole milk, and Parmesan cheese – which will transform this dish into a true decadent delight.
Cooking Your Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
Ready to bring this Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce to life? Let’s get started!
First, you’ll want to get the pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes for fresh tortellini or 3-4 minutes for frozen. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Once drained, don’t rinse the tortellini – just set it aside.
Next, it’s time to sear the steak. Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels, then season them generously with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika blend. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until a nice golden-brown crust forms. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.
Now, it’s sauce-making time! Reduce the heat to medium, and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, being careful not to let the garlic burn. Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, until slightly reduced.
The final touch is the Parmesan cheese. Stir it in and whisk constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
It’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked tortellini to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss gently to coat. Fold in the seared steak cubes, making sure everything is well combined. Let the dish warm through for 1-2 minutes.
To serve, transfer the Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce to plates or a serving bowl. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Dig in and enjoy every irresistible bite!
Expert Tips for Success
Here are a few expert tips to help you achieve perfection with your Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini:
Get the Steak Sear Right: For the best texture and flavor, make sure to sear the steak cubes over high heat until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This will lock in the juices and add an incredible depth of flavor.
Adjust Spice Levels to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to suit your personal preferences. If you like things on the spicier side, you can even add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Experiment with Protein Substitutions: While the steak is the star of this dish, you can certainly swap it out for other proteins like chicken or shrimp if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Keep a close eye on the tortellini as it cooks to avoid ending up with mushy, overcooked pasta. Follow the package instructions and test a piece or two to ensure it’s al dente.
Understanding the Nutrition of Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce is a hearty, indulgent dish that packs a nutritional punch. A single serving (about 1 1/2 cups) contains approximately 680 calories, 41 grams of fat, 43 grams of carbohydrates, and 36 grams of protein.
The steak provides a healthy dose of lean protein, while the cheese tortellini contributes complex carbohydrates and fiber. The creamy sauce, made with heavy cream and Parmesan, adds richness and creaminess, but it also contributes to the higher fat and calorie content.
To make this dish a bit healthier, you could consider using lighter cream options, such as half-and-half or low-fat milk, in the sauce. Whole grain or veggie-based tortellini could also be a nutritious substitution. Ultimately, this Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini is best enjoyed as an occasional indulgence as part of a balanced diet.
What to Serve with Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce is a remarkably flavorful and satisfying dish on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. For a complete meal, you might consider serving it with:
- Garlic bread or crusty bread for sopping up the delicious sauce
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Roasted or sautéed vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
As for wine pairings, a medium-bodied red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, would complement the Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini perfectly. The robust flavors of the steak and creamy sauce can stand up to the bold, fruity notes of these red wines.
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Common Questions About Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
Can I substitute the steak with a different protein in the Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini?
Yes, you can definitely substitute the steak with other proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If using chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well, and should be cooked until no longer pink in the center. For shrimp, add them to the skillet after the garlic has been sautéed, cooking just until they turn pink and opaque. Adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure that the protein is cooked thoroughly.
How can I make the Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini dish spicier?
To add some heat to your Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini, consider incorporating red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the cream sauce. You can also marinate the steak in a spicy seasoning blend or a bit of chili powder before cooking. Additionally, serving the dish with sliced jalapeños or a spicy pesto can enhance the heat and flavor profile. Adjust the spice levels to your preference!
What can I do if my cream sauce is too thick?
If your cream sauce becomes too thick, you can easily adjust its consistency by adding a bit of the reserved pasta water or extra milk. Start with a small amount, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. Remember, the sauce should be creamy but able to coat the pasta without being overly gloopy.
How can I enhance the flavors of the dish further?
To enhance the flavors of your Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the sauce while it simmers. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the dish, balancing the richness of the cream. Additionally, incorporating sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can add both flavor and nutrition. Lastly, garnishing with freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add an extra punch!
Enjoy Your Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini
Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce is a pasta dish that truly delivers on flavor and indulgence. With the tender steak, pillowy tortellini, and that irresistible creamy sauce, it’s a meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself? Bon appétit!
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Indulge in Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce Today!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Cracked Garlic Steak Tortellini in Creamhouse Sauce is a rich, creamy pasta dish that’s brimming with savory flavors. This recipe combines tender steak, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a luscious garlic-infused sauce.
Ingredients
- 20 ounce cheese tortellini
- 1 pound steak (sirloin or ribeye), cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Garlic powder to taste
- Smoked paprika to taste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 1/4 cup shredded or freshly grated Parmesan
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions, usually 2-3 minutes for fresh tortellini or 3-4 minutes for frozen. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden-brown. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and whisk constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the creamy Parmesan sauce and toss gently to coat. Fold in the seared steak cubes and let warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Transfer to plates or a serving bowl and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Consider using lighter cream options or whole grain tortellini for a healthier version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cup
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg