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Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini
Cooking often inspires fond memories and cherished moments. Garlic butter steak stands out as a comforting dish, effortlessly blending rich flavors and textures. Each time I prepare it, I think back to family gatherings filled with laughter, shared stories, and delicious meals that brought us closer.
One of my favorite ways to elevate this classic dish involves pairing it with cheesy Alfredo tortellini. The combination becomes a culinary celebration, with the juicy steak and creamy pasta creating a delightful experience. In my kitchen, I find joy in creating dishes that are not only tasty but also comforting. Garlic butter steak with cheesy Alfredo tortellini achieves just that, making it a meal to savor.
Every time I make this dish, I look forward to the moment it graces the table. The garlic-infused aroma fills the air, beckoning everyone to join in for a hearty meal. This dish captures the essence of gathering around the table, enjoying the simple pleasures of good food and good company.
Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini
Fundamentals
To create garlic butter steak with cheesy Alfredo tortellini, understanding the fundamentals is key. The star of the show is undoubtedly the steak. Choosing between ribeye and sirloin can affect the final result. Ribeye offers more marbling, leading to a richer flavor, while sirloin provides a leaner option without sacrificing taste.
Aside from the steak, the cheesy Alfredo tortellini rounds out this dish beautifully. Tortellini comes in various flavors—cheese, spinach, or meat—and serves as a perfect canvas for the creamy sauce. When combined with the succulent steak, it transforms a simple meal into an unforgettable dining experience.
Preparation/Setup
Preparation begins with careful ingredient selection and setup. Allow the steak to come to room temperature by patting it dry and seasoning it generously with salt and black pepper. This step enhances seasoning absorption and promotes even cooking.
While the steak rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the tortellini until al dente guarantees it retains a pleasing texture and complements the creamy Alfredo sauce. Always remember to reserve a cup of pasta water; this addition can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.
Ingredients
Assembling your ingredients is essential for success while cooking garlic butter steak with cheesy Alfredo tortellini. Gather the following:
- 1 ribeye or sirloin steak (about 8-10 oz)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 9 oz fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
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Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Let it rest at room temperature while preparing other ingredients.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and tent loosely with foil to rest.
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Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same pan used for the steak. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
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In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and grated Parmesan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, adjust with reserved pasta water.
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Gently toss the cooked tortellini in the Alfredo sauce, ensuring every piece is coated evenly.
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Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. Drizzle the garlic butter from the pan over the steak slices, then plate alongside the cheesy Alfredo tortellini. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately.
Technique
Cooking garlic butter steak with cheesy Alfredo tortellini requires attention to detail, particularly in technique. When searing the steak, watching the temperature is crucial. A hot skillet ensures a perfect sear, enhancing flavor and texture. If the heat is too low, the steak may steam rather than sear.
The garlic butter elevates the dish’s flavor profile. Cook the garlic until it becomes fragrant, ensuring to avoid burning, which imparts a bitter taste. Incorporating this step contributes both fragrance and taste, enhancing the experience of the meal.
Tips/Tricks
Make the most of your cooking experience by using a couple of helpful tips. For an even more substantial flavor, consider letting the steak marinate in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for a couple of hours before cooking. Allowing flavors to meld will amplify the taste significantly.
Using a meat thermometer greatly aids in achieving the desired doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F for medium-rare steak. After resting, the steak’s temperature will rise slightly, creating a perfectly cooked piece of meat ready to be enjoyed.
Perfecting Results
Perfecting garlic butter steak with cheesy Alfredo tortellini may take practice, but a few approaches can enhance your cooking. First, ensure optimal cooking methods by using a cast-iron skillet or any heavy-bottomed pan. This increases heat retention and allows for better searing.
Pay careful attention to timing, particularly when cooking the steak and preparing the tortellini. Start the water for the tortellini when the steak rests after cooking, allowing for synchronized timing that contributes to a seamless cooking experience.
Troubleshooting/Variations
Should you encounter any challenges while cooking this dish, consider common issues. If the steak is overcooked, use a meat thermometer for accuracy next time. Alternatively, if the Alfredo sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water gradually until reaching the ideal consistency.
Variations can also breathe new life into your dish. Consider adding vegetables such as spinach or broccoli to the tortellini for extra nutrition and color. You could also spice up the garlic butter with a touch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat, pairing perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Serving/Presentation
Presenting garlic butter steak with cheesy Alfredo tortellini invites appreciation and anticipation. Carefully slice the steak, showcasing the juicy interior. Lay the slices attractively on the plate next to the creamy, cheesy pasta, ensuring color contrasts and appetizing presentation.
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and added flavor. A side salad or crusty bread complements this hearty meal, offering added components to the dining experience. Serving at the right temperature guarantees that each bite remains enjoyable.
Pairings/Storage
While enjoying garlic butter steak with cheesy Alfredo tortellini, consider several sides that complement the flavors without overpowering them. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables harmonize beautifully. Opt for a subtle vinaigrette that enhances but does not overshadow the meal.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream if needed to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Cooking this dish again will not only be rewarding but will also bring back the warm memories of family meals spent together around the table. The flavors remind everyone that good food truly connects us. Enjoy every bite as you create meaningful experiences through cooking.
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Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting dish blending rich garlic butter steak with creamy, cheesy Alfredo tortellini, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 ribeye or sirloin steak (about 8–10 oz)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 9 oz fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Let it rest at room temperature while preparing other ingredients.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook cheese tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the steak and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Remove the steak from the pan and tent loosely with foil to rest.
- Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the same pan used for the steak. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and grated Parmesan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss the cooked tortellini in the Alfredo sauce, ensuring every piece is coated evenly.
- Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. Drizzle the garlic butter from the pan over the steak slices, then plate alongside the cheesy Alfredo tortellini. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the steak beforehand. Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: steak, tortellini, garlic butter, Alfredo, comfort food, family meal
