If you are on the hunt for a comforting meal that combines the best of Italian pasta with the iconic flavors of an American classic, this Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe is the answer you’ve been waiting for. Imagine tender, cheesy tortellini wrapped in a luscious, creamy sauce packed with seared ribeye steak, colorful bell peppers, and melted provolone—all coming together in one incredible skillet dish. It’s like your favorite Philly cheesesteak got a delicious pasta makeover that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in building the layered flavors and textures that make this dish so irresistible. From the rich, tender steak to the vibrant bell peppers and luscious cheeses, everything is simple yet essential to hit that perfect Philly cheesesteak vibe in pasta form.
- 9 oz cheese tortellini: The star pasta that provides a cheesy, pillowy base perfect for soaking up all the flavors.
- 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced: Delivers juicy, tender bites of classic Philly cheesesteak meat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the steak to perfection without sticking.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness to the pan for sautéing vegetables and developing flavor.
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced: Offers sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced: Brings a mild bitterness that balances the richness.
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced: Adds cheerful color and a gentle sweetness.
- 1/2 medium onion, sliced: Lends a savory base note that complements steak perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 4 oz cream cheese: Creates the silky, creamy texture that makes the sauce so luxurious.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water or milk: Thins the sauce and binds the ingredients beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese: Melts smoothly for that classic Philly cheesesteak cheesiness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance every other ingredient.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh herbal touch and vibrant green garnish.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Steak
Start by heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin and sear until it develops a beautiful golden brown crust. This step locks in all those juicy flavors that are essential for an authentic Philly cheesesteak feeling. Once browned, transfer the steak to a plate and set aside so we can build the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onions and the tri-colored bell peppers. The mix of red, green, and yellow peppers doesn’t just make the dish look stunning—it brings a sweet, slightly tangy crunch that pairs perfectly with the steak. Sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes until tender and infused with every bit of the steak’s savory goodness left in the pan.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir in the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant so it doesn’t burn. Then add the cream cheese along with your reserved pasta water or milk. Stir continuously until everything melts into a smooth, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to every bite of tortellini and steak that we’ll add next.
Step 4: Melt in the Provolone
Sprinkle in the shredded provolone cheese and keep stirring until it melts completely and transforms the sauce into a rich, velvety coating bursting with that signature cheesesteak flavor we all adore.
Step 5: Cook and Combine Tortellini
While your sauce is coming together, boil the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Be sure to save a little pasta water for your sauce—it works wonders in bringing everything together. Drain the tortellini and add it to the skillet along with the seared steak. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients so every piece is flooded with creamy sauce and those irresistible steak and pepper flavors.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Finally, season the entire dish with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to add a quick pop of freshness and color, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top—it’s optional but highly recommended for that final touch.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the dish beautifully. The parsley adds a fresh green burst that contrasts the creamy sauce, while the red pepper flakes give a hint of heat for those who like a little spice.
Side Dishes
This Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. The freshness and crunch of these sides provide a perfect counterbalance to the rich pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or a fun weeknight meal, serve the tortellini in individual bowls and garnish each with some crispy fried onions on top for extra texture. You can even swap the pasta water with a bit of beef broth for an even meatier sauce flavor. Get creative by adding sautéed mushrooms or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish refrigerates beautifully for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Because of the creamy sauce, the flavors meld together even more, making the leftovers just as delicious—if not better—than when freshly made.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, but keep in mind creamy pasta dishes can sometimes separate when thawed. To freeze, cool the tortellini completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe is on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or water to bring back the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if you must, add a little liquid and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is perfect for holding the creamy sauce and highlighting the cheese, you can substitute with other stuffed pastas like ravioli or even simple penne if you prefer.
What cut of steak works best for this recipe?
Ribeye or sirloin are ideal because they’re tender and flavorful, but you can also use skirt steak or flank steak as long as the slices are thin and cooked quickly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the steak and add hearty mushrooms or extra bell peppers for a vegetarian twist that still delivers plenty of flavor and satisfying texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheese options. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will be different, but the basic cooking method remains the same.
How spicy is the Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe?
This dish is mild by default, but you can add crushed red pepper or hot sauce to spice it up according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that turns familiar flavors into a comforting, cheesy pasta dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become one of your go-tos for sharing with friends and family.
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Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini is a delicious fusion dish that combines tender, seared ribeye steak with creamy provolone cheese sauce and tender cheese tortellini. Packed with sautéed colorful bell peppers and onions, this recipe offers a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 9 oz cheese tortellini
Steak & Vegetables
- 1 lb ribeye or sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water or milk
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm the olive oil and butter together until melted and shimmering.
- Sear the steak: Add the thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak to the hot skillet. Sear until the steak is browned on all sides, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the cream cheese along with the reserved pasta water or milk. Mix continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate provolone cheese: Add the shredded provolone cheese to the pan, stirring gently until it melts into the sauce and creates a rich, creamy mixture.
- Cook tortellini: While preparing the sauce, cook the cheese tortellini in a pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes, until tender. Drain the tortellini, reserving a little pasta water, then set aside.
- Combine all ingredients: Add the cooked tortellini and seared steak back into the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Gently stir to combine all components evenly and heat through.
- Season and garnish: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Optionally, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use ribeye for a more tender and flavorful steak, or sirloin for a leaner option.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and achieve desired creaminess.
- Substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version.
- Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness but is optional.
- Cut steak thinly to ensure quick cooking and tender bites.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables on the side.
