Okay, so you know those nights when it feels like the *last* thing you have energy for is cooking, but you still want something ridiculously good on the table? Yeah, me too. That’s exactly how this Garlic Steak Tortellini came to be one chaotic evening. I had some leftover steak, a bag of frozen tortellini staring at me, and honestly, a desperate need for flavor without the fuss. As the garlic hit the griddle and that amazing aroma started filling the kitchen, I just knew this was going to be a winner. It’s quick, it’s packed with flavor, and trust me, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds. I’m Michael Davis, by the way, and as an MS, RD, and Senior Meal Planning Specialist, I promise this recipe is a weeknight superhero! It’s the kind of meal that makes a busy evening feel special.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Steak Tortellini
Get ready to fall in love with this easy dish because:
- It’s incredibly fast – ready in about 30 minutes!
- It’s bursting with amazing garlic and steak flavor.
- Cleanup is a breeze, especially on the griddle.
- It’s a total crowd-pleaser that everyone devours.
Seriously, this Garlic Steak Tortellini is a weeknight game-changer!
Ingredients for Garlic Steak Tortellini
You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff for this! Here’s what you’ll grab:
For the Steak and Veggies
- 2 strip steaks, cut into cubes
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 large zucchini, cut into smaller pieces
- 10 oz grape tomatoes
- Heath Rile’s Garlic Butter Seasoning, to taste
For the Tortellini
- 19 oz bag frozen cheese tortellini + water
- 1/4 cup Buffalo Wild Wing’s Parmesan Garlic sauce
- Shredded Parmesan cheese, for topping
Essential Equipment for Your Garlic Steak Tortellini
For this speedy meal, you’ll only need a couple of key players to get the job done. Grab your trusty griddle, and you’ll want a griddle dome handy too. That’s pretty much it – simple, right?
How to Make Garlic Steak Tortellini: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get this amazing Garlic Steak Tortellini on the table! It’s honestly way easier than it sounds. Just follow these simple steps and in no time, you’ll have a dinner that tastes like you spent hours on it.
Preparing the Steak and Vegetables
First things first, get your prep work done! Take your strip steaks and cut them into bite-sized cubes – whatever size makes you happy. Then, chop up your zucchini into smaller pieces and get that onion sliced. You want everything ready to go before it hits the hot griddle. Now, let’s get seasoning! Sprinkle Heath Rile’s Garlic Butter Seasoning generously over your steak cubes and veggies. Trust me, this stuff is magic!
Cooking the Tortellini
Heat up your griddle to medium heat. Add your tablespoon of avocado or olive oil. Now, toss in those veggies – the onion, zucchini, and those sweet grape tomatoes. Season them up with that amazing garlic butter seasoning too. While those are getting happy, add your cubed steak and season it again. Next, it’s tortellini time! Add the whole bag of frozen cheese tortellini right onto the griddle to start cooking. Don’t be shy, pour about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water right over the tortellini. Pop your griddle dome over everything and let it steam away for about 3-5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and fully cooked through.
Combining and Finishing Your Garlic Steak Tortellini
Once the tortellini is perfectly cooked and tender, quickly stir in the Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce. Give it a good mix until everything is coated in that creamy, garlicky goodness. Then, gently scoop the tortellini out of the griddle and set it aside for a sec. Now, just stir your steak and veggies around on the griddle until they’re cooked just the way you like them – a little char is never a bad thing! Finally, pile that delicious steak and veggie mix right on top of the tortellini. A generous sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese is the perfect finishing touch. Serve immediately and watch everyone dig in!
Tips for the Best Garlic Steak Tortellini
Okay, so to really knock this Garlic Steak Tortellini out of the park, listen up! A few little tricks make all the difference. First off, the steak itself. You want something tender that cooks fast, like strip steak or even sirloin. Cut it into even cubes so it all cooks up nicely together. And don’t be shy with that Heath Rile’s seasoning – it’s your secret weapon for amazing flavor without extra work. If you’re using a griddle, make sure it’s nice and hot before you add anything; that sizzle is key for getting a good sear on everything. Oh, and that trick with the water and the griddle dome for the tortellini? It works like a charm for steaming them perfectly without a separate pot! For even more steak-cooking know-how, check out these tips on how to cook steak like a pro.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Sometimes you might not have *exactly* what my recipe calls for, and that’s totally okay! For the steak, if strip steaks aren’t your jam, sirloin or even a good-quality flank steak cut into cubes works beautifully. Just make sure they’re nice and tender. When it comes to oil, if avocado or olive oil isn’t handy, honestly, a little bit of regular vegetable oil will do the trick in a pinch for searing. And that Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce? It’s fantastic, but if you can’t find it, don’t fret! Any good quality creamy garlic or parmesan sauce will be a great substitute. You can even whip up your own quick version by mixing some cream cheese or sour cream with garlic powder, parmesan, and a splash of milk. It gives you that creamy, savory finish that makes this Garlic Steak Tortellini so irresistible.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Steak Tortellini
This Garlic Steak Tortellini is practically a meal in itself, but if you want to round things out, I love serving it with a simple side salad – maybe some mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. A crusty baguette for soaking up any extra sauce is always a win too! For a quick dinner that’s totally complete, check out these easy 25-minute weeknight dinner ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Steak Tortellini
Got questions about whipping up this amazing Garlic Steak Tortellini? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?
Absolutely! While tortellini brings a cheesy, delightful bite, you can totally swap it out. Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti would work. Just cook your chosen pasta according to package directions separately, then toss it with the sauce, steak, and veggies at the end. It won’t be tortellini, but it’ll still be delicious!
How can I make this Garlic Steak Tortellini spicier?
If you like a little heat, that’s easy to add! Sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the steak and veggies before cooking, or stir a pinch into the sauce when you combine everything. A dash of your favorite hot sauce mixed into the Parmesan Garlic sauce would also give it a kick. Your Garlic Steak Tortellini, your spice level!
What if I don’t have a griddle? Can I still make this?
No griddle, no problem! You can totally make this on a large skillet or a Dutch oven. Just use your skillet to cook the steak and veggies first, removing them when done. Then, cook the tortellini in the same skillet using the water and lid method (like steaming), stir in the sauce, and combine everything. It might take a smidge longer, but the delicious Garlic Steak Tortellini will be worth it!
Can I prepare some of this Garlic Steak Tortellini ahead of time?
You can definitely prep your ingredients ahead of time! Chop your veggies and cube your steak, storing them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. You can even measure out your seasonings. This makes the actual cooking process super fast when you’re ready to whip up your Garlic Steak Tortellini on a busy night.
Nutritional Information (Estimate)
Just a heads-up! This is a super rough estimate because everyone’s ingredients can be a little different. On average, a serving of this delicious Garlic Steak Tortellini has about 550-650 calories, around 30-40g of protein, 35-45g of carbs, and about 25-35g of fat. For a full meal plan, check out these healthy meal ideas!
Garlic Steak Tortellini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut steaks into cubes. Cut zucchini into smaller pieces and slice an onion.
- Heat griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp oil and add all veggies. Season with Heath Rile’s Garlic Butter seasoning. Add steak to griddle and season with the same seasoning.
- Add one bag of frozen tortellini to the griddle and pour about 1/4-1/2 cup of water on the tortellini. Cover the tortellini with a griddle dome and let cook for 3-5 minutes or until tortellini is tender and cooked.
- Once tortellini is cooked, quickly stir in Buffalo Wild Wings Parmesan Garlic sauce and then remove the tortellini from the griddle.
- Stir veggies and steak around until both are cooked to your liking. Top tortellini with the veggies and steak. Top with shredded Parmesan cheese and enjoy!
