At 34, when I fully committed to a keto lifestyle, I learned the importance of balancing comfort food with smarter ingredients. Cooking became my outlet, a space where trial and error slowly turned into dishes that feel indulgent yet intentional. This Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini recipe taught me something important: even classic pasta meals can be upgraded with clean, bold flavors and simple techniques. The garlic steak bites caramelize beautifully, the creamy sauce stays light, and the cheese tortellini ties everything together. I’m excited to share this dish because it combines flavor, comfort, and flexibility with easy keto-friendly swaps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Weeknight Meal: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Bold Garlic Steak Flavor: Tender steak bites seared in butter add richness and depth.
- Family-Friendly Comfort: Creamy pasta meets protein-packed steak for a cozy dinner.
- Flexible & Customizable: Works with frozen steak, fresh steak tips, or leftover steak.
- Keto-Friendly Options: Swap tortellini with zucchini noodles or low-carb pasta.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores and reheats beautifully for stress-free lunches.
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 25–28 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak (or frozen steak, thawed & cubed)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the steak: Pat dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the tortellini: Boil according to package instructions, then drain.
- Sear the steak bites: Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet. Add the steak pieces and cook 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Build the garlic cream sauce: Add remaining butter to the skillet. Stir in garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add cream & cheese: Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Combine everything: Return steak bites to the skillet and add cooked tortellini. Toss to coat in the creamy garlic sauce.
- Finish & serve: Taste, adjust seasoning, sprinkle parsley, and serve hot.
How to Serve
- Serve with a fresh Caesar salad or simple steamed broccoli.
- Pair with crusty bread for non-keto eaters, or roasted veggies for a low-carb twist.
- Drizzle extra Parmesan, cracked pepper, or a swirl of garlic butter before serving.
- Great in shallow bowls for a cozy, restaurant-style presentation.
Additional Tips
- Using frozen steak: Thaw overnight or use the cold-water method; pat dry to ensure good caramelization.
- Keto option: Replace tortellini with zucchini noodles, Palmini pasta, or low-carb hearts of palm pasta.
- Boost the flavor: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Make it extra creamy: Stir in 2 oz cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Lighter version: Substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Recipe Variations
- Keto Garlic Steak Skillet: Use cauliflower florets or shirataki noodles instead of tortellini.
- Spicy Garlic Steak Tortellini: Add chili crisp or double the red pepper flakes.
- Mushroom Steak Tortellini: Add sliced mushrooms and sauté before adding the cream sauce.
- Lemon Garlic Steak Pasta: Add fresh lemon zest and juice for brightness.
Freezing and Storage
- Store leftovers: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheat: Use a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth.
- Freeze: You can freeze the cooked steak and sauce separately, but tortellini may soften better for meal prep than freezing.
- Meal prep tip: Pack in divided containers with roasted broccoli or asparagus.
Special Equipment
Large skillet or sauté pan
Cutting board
Sharp chef’s knife
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! Replace the tortellini with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or low-carb pasta alternatives.
2. Can I use frozen steak?
Absolutely. Thaw it first so it sears properly without steaming.
3. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
You can cook the steak and sauce in a slow cooker, but add the tortellini at the end to avoid mushiness.
4. Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes, swap in chicken breast, chicken thighs, or even shrimp for a lighter option.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
Conclusion
This Creamy Garlic Steak Tortellini delivers everything you want in a cozy dinner tender steak bites, comforting pasta, and a rich creamy garlic sauce that feels restaurant-worthy but stays simple. Whether you follow keto, enjoy hearty steak pasta, or just love bold garlic flavors, this recipe is both flexible and satisfying. It’s one you’ll come back to on busy weeknights, slow Sundays, and everything in between.