Description: Indulge in a restaurant-quality meal at home with this decadent Garlic Butter Steak paired with creamy, cheesy Alfredo Tortellini. Juicy, perfectly seared steak is infused with rich garlic butter, while the tortellini is coated in a luxurious homemade Alfredo sauce. This dish is surprisingly easy to make and will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the Steak:
- 2 ribeye or sirloin steaks (about 1 inch thick, approximately 8-10 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (2 tablespoons for searing, 2 tablespoons for garlic butter)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or rosemary, finely chopped (optional, for added aroma and flavor)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini:
- 18 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated; adjust cooking time accordingly)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, for a subtle warmth)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Generously season both sides of the steaks with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning, as this is the only chance to flavor the steak directly. Let the steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow for even cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Steaks: Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat. The skillet should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles and evaporates immediately. Carefully place the seasoned steaks in the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or cook longer to your preferred level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy: 130-135°F for medium-rare, 135-145°F for medium, 145-155°F for medium-well, and 155°F+ for well-done. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of your steaks.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter: In the last minute of cooking, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan along with the minced garlic and fresh thyme or rosemary (if using). As the butter melts, spoon the garlic butter mixture over the steaks, basting them continuously. This infuses the steaks with rich garlic flavor and adds a beautiful sheen.
Step 4: Rest the Steaks: Remove the steaks from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Step 5: Cook the Tortellini: While the steak is resting, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package directions. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, as they will become mushy. Drain the cooked tortellini thoroughly and set aside.
Step 6: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet used for the steak (wipe clean if needed to remove any burnt bits), melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Step 7: Simmer the Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and let the Alfredo sauce simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until it is smooth, creamy, and slightly thickened. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Season the sauce with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 8: Combine Tortellini and Alfredo Sauce: Add the cooked and drained tortellini to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce. Gently toss to coat the tortellini evenly with the creamy sauce. Ensure that all the tortellini are well coated.
Step 9: Slice and Serve: Slice the rested garlic butter steak against the grain into thin strips. Plate the creamy Alfredo tortellini and top with the sliced garlic butter steak. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini is a winner for several reasons:
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: It delivers a restaurant-level dining experience in the comfort of your own kitchen, without the hefty price tag.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory garlic butter steak and creamy, cheesy Alfredo tortellini is a flavor match made in heaven.
- Impressive and Easy: It looks and tastes incredibly impressive, yet it’s surprisingly easy to make, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the recipe to your preferences, using different cuts of steak, types of cheese, or adding vegetables to the Alfredo sauce.
- Comfort Food: It’s the ultimate comfort food that satisfies your cravings for rich, flavorful, and satisfying meals.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Salad: Serve with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make excellent side dishes.
- Garlic Bread: Accompany with crusty garlic bread for soaking up the delicious Alfredo sauce.
- Wine Pairing: Pair with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the steak. A crisp white wine like Chardonnay also works well with the Alfredo sauce.
Tips:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients will significantly impact the final flavor of the dish. Use good quality steaks, fresh garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best results.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the steaks, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the pan and result in steaming instead of searing, which will not give you a good crust. Cook the steaks in batches if necessary.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Adjust the cooking time of the steak based on your preferred level of doneness and the thickness of the steaks. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Don’t Burn the Garlic: Be careful not to burn the garlic when making the garlic butter and Alfredo sauce. Burnt garlic will have a bitter taste.
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly into the Alfredo sauce than pre-shredded cheese.
- Add a Pinch of Nutmeg: A pinch of ground nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth to the Alfredo sauce.
- Garnish Generously: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Make Ahead: The Alfredo sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before adding the tortellini.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Alfredo sauce for a touch of heat.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Approximate values per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 650-750
- Protein: 40-45g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg (depending on the salt content of the cheese and seasoning)
Conclusion:
This Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will elevate your home cooking game. The combination of perfectly seared steak infused with rich garlic butter and creamy, cheesy Alfredo tortellini is simply irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a delicious and satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to deliver. Enjoy the symphony of flavors and textures in every bite!
5 Questions and Answers about This Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different cut of steak?
A: Absolutely! While ribeye and sirloin are excellent choices due to their tenderness and flavor, you can certainly use other cuts like New York strip, filet mignon, or even flank steak. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak. Adjust the searing time accordingly.
Q2: Can I add vegetables to the Alfredo tortellini?
A: Yes, you can definitely add vegetables to the Alfredo tortellini to make it a more complete meal. Some great options include sautéed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli florets, or sun-dried tomatoes. Add the vegetables to the skillet along with the garlic and sauté until tender before adding the heavy cream.
Q3: Can I use pre-made Alfredo sauce?
A: While homemade Alfredo sauce is highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use a high-quality store-bought Alfredo sauce in a pinch. Look for a brand that uses real Parmesan cheese and cream. Heat the sauce gently in a skillet and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Q4: How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating or becoming grainy?
A: To prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating or becoming grainy, be sure to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and simmer the sauce over low heat. Avoid boiling the sauce, as this can cause the cheese to separate. Stir the sauce occasionally to ensure that it remains smooth and creamy.
Q5: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: The Alfredo sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before adding the tortellini. The steak is best cooked fresh, but you can sear it ahead of time and reheat it gently in the oven before slicing. However, keep in mind that reheating the steak may affect its tenderness. The tortellini is best cooked just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy.
