Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini: A Comforting Twist on a Classic

Introduction

The first time I made Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini, it was purely by accident. I had leftover steak from the night before and a package of cheese tortellini sitting in my fridge. Instead of making a traditional pasta dish, I decided to blend the rich, cheesy goodness of tortellini with the bold, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak. The result? A creamy, indulgent one-pan meal that quickly became a family favorite.

This dish is the perfect fusion of two comfort food classics—tender steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty provolone, all tossed with pillowy cheese tortellini in a creamy sauce. The best part? It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.

Whether you’re a Philly cheesesteak lover or a pasta enthusiast, this recipe is a must-try. It delivers all the flavors of your favorite sandwich in a hearty, satisfying pasta dish. Trust me—once you try this twist on a classic, you’ll be making it again and again!

Why This Recipe Works

This Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini is the perfect mix of savory steak, melty cheese, and pillowy pasta. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in 25 minutes with minimal prep.
• One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Rich & Creamy: Cheese tortellini, tender steak, and a velvety sauce make it ultra-comforting. If you’re a fan of creamy, cheesy pasta dishes, check out this Buffalo Mac and Cheese, which delivers bold flavors in every bite.
• Customizable: Spice it up, add mushrooms, or make it extra cheesy!

With all these amazing qualities, let’s dive into what you’ll need to bring this dish to life!

What You’ll Need

Before we start cooking, gathering the right kitchen tools will make the process smooth and hassle-free. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Equipment

• Large Skillet or Pan – A wide pan ensures even cooking and enough space for all ingredients.
• Tongs – Helps flip and handle the steak without losing juices.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – Essential for slicing the steak, onions, and peppers thinly.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient portions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Perfect for stirring the sauce and mixing ingredients evenly.

With these tools ready, let’s move on to the key ingredients that bring this dish to life!

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Ingredients: What’s Inside?

The magic of this dish comes from a simple combination of high-quality ingredients that create the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors.

• 1 lb ribeye steak – Thinly sliced for a tender, juicy bite. Sirloin works as a great alternative. If you’re a steak lover, you might also enjoy this Bistec Ranchero Recipe, which features rich, bold flavors with perfectly cooked beef.
• 12 oz cheese tortellini – Fresh or refrigerated tortellini for the best texture.
• 4 slices provolone cheese – Melts beautifully for an authentic cheesesteak taste.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese – Adds extra cheesiness to the dish.
• 1 cup bell peppers (sliced) – Use green or red for classic cheesesteak flavor.
• 1 medium onion (sliced) – Brings a natural sweetness to the dish.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced) – Enhances depth of flavor.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Creates a rich, creamy sauce.
• ½ cup beef broth – Boosts the meaty flavors.
• 1 tbsp soy sauce – Deepens the savory taste.
• 1 tsp lemon juice – Provides a slight tanginess to balance the richness.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the steak and vegetables.
• Salt & pepper (to taste) – Enhances the overall flavors.

These carefully chosen ingredients make this dish irresistibly creamy and full of the iconic Philly cheesesteak taste.

Instructions: How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini

This easy one-pan dish cooks up fast, making it great for busy weeknights. Follow these simple steps to create a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish.

10 minutes prep | 15 minutes cook | Ready in 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Tortellini
   Heat a pot of salted water until it reaches a rolling boil. Add the tortellini and cook following the package directions until tender yet firm. Drain well and set aside. If you love cheesy tortellini dishes, you might also want to try this Cheesy Italian Tortellini recipe from AllRecipes, which features a rich tomato-based sauce and plenty of melty cheese.
2. Sauté the Steak
   Heat up a large skillet, adding a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until browned. Take it out of the pan and set it aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables
   Cook the sliced onions and bell peppers in the same skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until aromatic.
4. Prepare the Sauce
   Pour in ½ cup beef broth, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp lemon juice, stirring well. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
5. Combine Everything
   Return the steak to the pan and add the cooked tortellini. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
6. Melt the Cheese
   Place 4 slices of provolone on top of the mixture and sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella. Cover the skillet and let the cheese melt for 2 minutes until gooey and bubbly.
7. Serve & Enjoy
   Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot!

This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, packed with all the flavors of a Philly cheesesteak in a creamy, cheesy pasta form.

Serving & Storage

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but you can pair it with simple sides to round out your meal:

• Garlic Bread: Ideal for scooping up every bit of the rich sauce.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli for extra nutrition.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, here’s the best way to store them:

• Refrigeration: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the steak.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the dairy-based sauce may separate when thawed.

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini

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• Author: Saad
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

This creamy, cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini combines tender steak, sautéed peppers and onions, and melty provolone with cheese tortellini in a rich, flavorful sauce. A quick and satisfying one-pan meal ready in just 25 minutes!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ribeye steak, thinly sliced (or sirloin as an alternative)

• 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)

• 4 slices provolone cheese

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1 cup bell peppers, sliced (green or red)

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup beef broth

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt & pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the Tortellini: Boil a pot of salted water and cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the thinly sliced steak, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.

3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Prepare the Sauce: Add beef broth, soy sauce, and lemon juice, stirring well. Simmer for 2 minutes to blend flavors.

5. Combine Everything: Return steak to the pan, then add cooked tortellini. Stir to coat the pasta in the sauce.

6. Melt the Cheese: Place provolone slices on top and sprinkle with mozzarella. Cover the skillet and let cheese melt for 2 minutes.

7. Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot.

Notes

For a crispy baked version, transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until golden.

Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version.

• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Per Serving
• Calories: ~600 kcal
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 40g

Keywords: Philly cheesesteak pasta, creamy steak tortellini, one-pan dinner, easy cheesy pasta, steak and cheese pasta

Delicious Variations of Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini

This dish is easy to customize, making it perfect for different tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a lighter version, a spicier twist, or a fun new texture, these variations will give you fresh ways to enjoy this meal.

1. Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Bake

For a crispy, golden finish, turn this dish into a baked casserole:

• Transfer the cooked tortellini and steak mixture to a baking dish.
• Sprinkle extra mozzarella and provolone on top.
• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly golden.

2. Spicy Cheesesteak Tortellini

If you love heat, try this fiery twist:

• Add sliced jalapeños when sautéing the onions and peppers.
• Stir in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Garnish with pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for an extra kick.

3. Mushroom Lover’s Version

Mushrooms add extra depth and heartiness to this dish:

• Slice and sauté 8 oz of cremini or button mushrooms along with the onions and peppers.
• They’ll soak up the sauce beautifully, making each bite even more flavorful.

4. Low-Carb or Lighter Option

Looking for a lower-carb or lighter alternative? Try this:

• Swap cheese tortellini for zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi.
• Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to make the sauce lighter.
• Choose lean sirloin instead of ribeye to reduce fat content.

Each of these variations brings a unique spin to this comforting dish. Now, let’s tackle some common questions in the next section!

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini FAQs

1. What is an interesting fact about tortellini?

Tortellini originates from the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, and legend has it that its unique shape was inspired by the navel of Venus! This pasta is traditionally filled with cheese or meat and pairs beautifully with creamy or savory sauces.

2. How do you know when cheese tortellini is done?

Fresh tortellini is ready when it floats to the top of boiling water. It should be tender yet slightly firm to the bite (al dente). Be sure not to overcook it, as it can become too soft and lose its texture.

3. What is the secret ingredient in Philly cheesesteak?

A great cheesesteak is all about umami-packed steak with just the right seasoning. A splash of soy sauce adds depth and enhances the meat’s natural flavor, making it even more irresistible.

4. Can you overcook cheese tortellini?

Yes! Overcooking tortellini can make it mushy and fall apart. Always cook it according to the package instructions and immediately drain it to prevent it from absorbing too much water.

This creamy and comforting dish is sure to become a staple in your home. Ready to bring the bold flavors of Philly cheesesteak into your kitchen? Let’s wrap it up in the next section!

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini is the perfect fusion of bold, savory flavors and creamy pasta goodness. With juicy steak, melty cheese, and tender tortellini, this dish delivers the ultimate comfort food experience in just one pan. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.

The best part? It’s completely customizable! From spicy variations to cheesy baked versions, you can tweak the ingredients to match your preferences. Plus, with its easy prep and minimal cleanup, it’s a meal that’s just as practical as it is delicious.

Now that you have this flavor-packed recipe, it’s time to give it a try! Gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and enjoy a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite at your dinner table.