Are you ready to take dinner to the next level? My Garlic Steak & Cheese Tortellini Skillet is a quick, tasty meal bursting with flavor! With tender flank steak, cheesy tortellini, and fresh veggies, this dish checks all the boxes for a weeknight win. Whether you're hungry after a long day or want to impress guests, this skillet delight will leave everyone wanting more. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights as it can be made in just 30 minutes.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic, steak, and fresh vegetables creates a deliciously vibrant dish.
- One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet makes for easy cleanup without sacrificing flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out vegetables or protein to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Ingredients
To create this tasty Garlic Steak & Cheese Tortellini Skillet, you need some great ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather for this dish:
- 8 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color)
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Each ingredient adds a unique flavor and texture. The cheese tortellini brings a creamy, cheesy bite. The flank steak gives it a hearty base. Olive oil helps cook everything without sticking. Garlic adds a warm, rich taste. A bell pepper and onion provide crunch and sweetness. Cherry tomatoes bring a juicy pop. Italian seasoning ties it all together. Salt and pepper enhance every flavor. Finally, fresh parsley adds a bright touch.
Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to start cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Tortellini
Start by cooking the cheese tortellini. Boil water in a pot. Add the tortellini and cook as the package says, usually about 3-4 minutes. Stir gently to keep them from sticking. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside. This helps the tortellini stay firm when you mix everything later.
Preparing the Flank Steak
Next, prepare the flank steak. Slice it thinly against the grain. This helps it stay tender. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak slices, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the meat is browned and cooked through. Once done, take the steak out of the skillet and set it aside.
Sautéing Vegetables
Now, it’s time to sauté the vegetables. In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic, sliced bell pepper, and onion. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes and the Italian seasoning. Cook for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
Combining All Ingredients
Finally, combine all the ingredients. Return the cooked steak to the skillet. Add the drained tortellini next. Gently toss everything together until well mixed and heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your Garlic Steak & Cheese Tortellini Skillet!
Tips & Tricks
Selecting the Best Steak
When choosing flank steak, look for bright red color and good marbling. Marbling means more fat, which adds flavor. Avoid dark or brown spots. Fresh steak will feel firm but not hard. Aim for steak about one inch thick. This thickness cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Flavor Enhancements
To boost the taste, add more garlic or herbs. Fresh basil or oregano works well. You can also mix in a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds heat without overpowering the dish. Experiment with your favorite spices to find your perfect blend.
Cooking Techniques for Tender Steak
To keep your steak tender, slice it against the grain. This means cutting across the muscle fibers. It makes each bite easier to chew. Also, avoid overcooking. Flank steak is best cooked medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer; aim for 130°F to 135°F. Let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking. This lets the juices settle, making it more flavorful.
Pro Tips
- Slice Against the Grain: This technique helps to ensure that the flank steak is tender and easy to chew. Look for the lines in the meat and slice perpendicular to them.
- Don’t Overcook the Steak: For the best flavor and texture, cook the flank steak just until it’s browned. It will continue to cook slightly after being removed from heat.
- Fresh Garlic is Key: Use fresh minced garlic rather than pre-minced options for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor in your dish.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to enhance the dish and add more nutrients.
Variations
Using Different Types of Pasta
You can switch up the pasta in this dish. If you want a change, try using penne or farfalle. These shapes hold sauce well and add fun texture. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Each choice brings a different taste and makes this dish unique.
Adding Extra Vegetables
Feel free to toss in more vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms work great here. Just chop them up and add them while cooking the other veggies. This not only adds color but also boosts nutrition. More veggies mean more flavor and a healthier meal for you!
Adjusting Spice Levels
If you love heat, add some red pepper flakes. This small change can make your dish spicy and exciting. For a milder taste, skip the red pepper. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor without heat. Adjust the spices to match your taste buds!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. This way, it stays fresh longer. You can keep it in the fridge for about three days. Label the container with the date, so you remember when you made it.
Reheating Instructions
When you're ready to eat, take the leftovers out of the fridge. Use a skillet for best results. Heat it on medium-low. Stir often so it warms evenly. If it's dry, add a splash of water or broth. You can also use the microwave if you're in a hurry. Just cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat it for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Freezing for Future Meals
If you want to freeze the dish, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top. The food will expand as it freezes. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it using the steps above. This dish tastes great even after freezing!
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just cook it as directed on the package. Frozen tortellini saves time and still tastes great. Make sure to drain it well before adding it to the skillet. This way, you keep the dish from getting soggy.
What can I substitute for flank steak?
You can use sirloin or skirt steak instead of flank steak. Both options work well and taste delicious. Chicken or pork also makes good choices if you prefer poultry or another meat. Just slice them thinly to match the cooking time.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, skip the steak. Instead, add more veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. You can also add cannellini beans for protein. They will make the meal filling and tasty without meat. Use vegetable broth for extra flavor if you like.
This post covered how to make a tasty dish with cheese tortellini and flank steak. We explored the main ingredients and offered simple steps to cook each one. I shared tips for selecting the best steak and enhancing flavors. Plus, we discussed fun ways to mix it up with different pasta or veggies. Lastly, I provided smart storage tips for leftovers and answered common questions. I hope you feel inspired to try this dish and make it your own! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
