Cream-laden Cheesesteak Tortellini In Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe

Hearty Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe: A Comforting Twist

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this delectable cheesesteak tortellini that blends classic Philly sandwich flavors with pasta perfection.

Savory beef strips dance with creamy provolone sauce, creating an irresistible meal that transforms weeknight dinners.

Every bite promises a harmonious blend of tender tortellini and robust meat seasoned to satisfaction.

Melted cheese cascades over plump pasta pockets, promising a hearty and indulgent experience.

The combination of tender beef, silky sauce, and perfectly cooked tortellini delivers restaurant-quality flavors right to your plate.

This recipe brings a delightful twist to traditional cheesesteak, ensuring a crowd-pleasing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to be amazed by this mouthwatering fusion of Italian and American cuisines.

Why Cheesesteak Tortellini Is Next-Level

  • This cheesesteak tortellini recipe transforms complex flavors into an incredibly simple meal that anyone can master, even with minimal cooking skills.
  • Perfect for casual family dinners, quick weeknight meals, or satisfying gatherings with friends, this dish adapts seamlessly to various dining scenarios without compromising on taste.
  • Combining classic cheesesteak elements with tortellini creates a unique culinary experience that merges traditional Philadelphia sandwich inspiration with Italian pasta elegance.
  • Home cooks can quickly personalize this recipe by adjusting protein, experimenting with different cheese types, or adding extra vegetables to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Cheesesteak Tortellini with Provolone

Main Protein:
  • Cubed Steak: A flavorful beef cut that adds rich, meaty texture to the dish.
  • Cheese Tortellini: Pasta filled with creamy cheese that serves as the hearty base of the recipe.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onions, Sliced: Provide a sweet and caramelized flavor that balances the rich beef and cheese.
Sauce and Cheese Components:
  • Beef Broth: Creates a deep, savory liquid base for the sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and tangy complexity to the overall flavor profile.
  • Provolone Cheese, Shredded: Melts into a creamy, gooey sauce that coats the tortellini and steak.
Cooking Liquids and Seasonings:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté the onions and prevent sticking.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the meat and vegetables.

How to Make This Rich Cheesesteak Pasta

Step 1: Boil Tortellini

Cook cheese tortellini in boiling water following package instructions.

Once perfectly tender, drain the pasta and set aside.

Add a light drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, creating a smooth base for your delicious dish.

Step 2: Caramelize Onions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally.

Let the onions transform into golden, sweet delights over 8-10 minutes.

Their rich flavor will provide a perfect foundation for the upcoming sauce.

Step 3: Sear Beef

Increase heat to medium-high and introduce cubed steak to the skillet.

Season generously with salt and pepper.

Allow beef to brown beautifully on all sides, creating delectable caramelized edges.

Let any excess liquid evaporate to concentrate the meat’s intense flavors.

Step 4: Build Flavorful Sauce

Pour in:
  • Beef broth
  • Worcestershire sauce

Scrape the pan’s bottom to release those incredible browned bits.

Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and intensify the overall taste profile.

Step 5: Merge Pasta and Sauce

Lower heat to a gentle simmer.

Combine cooked tortellini with the sauce, ensuring each pasta piece gets perfectly coated.

Sprinkle shredded provolone over the top and cover the skillet briefly to create a luxurious melted cheese layer.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the cheesy tortellini to serving plates.

Ensure each portion includes a generous mix of steak, caramelized onions, and rich cheese sauce.

Optional: Add an extra sprinkle of provolone for cheese lovers.

Cooking Tips for a Creamy Cheesesteak Sauce

  • Drizzle olive oil over cooked tortellini to prevent sticking and maintain its smooth texture.
  • Cook onions slowly on medium heat for 8-10 minutes to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning.
  • Pat beef dry before cooking to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and maximum flavor development.
  • Scrape up browned bits from the pan when adding broth to incorporate rich, concentrated meat flavors into the sauce.
  • Cover skillet briefly after adding provolone to create a perfectly melted, gooey cheese layer that coats every tortellini.

Store and Reheat Cheesesteak Tortellini with Care

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and bacterial growth.
  • Transfer tortellini to freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if tortellini was previously frozen.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of beef broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm.
  • Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding small amount of broth or water to maintain sauce consistency. Stir gently to prevent pasta from breaking, heating until steaming and reaching 165°F internal temperature.

Best Pairings for Cheesesteak Tortellini

  • Perfectly Pair Provolone Cheesesteak Tortellini
  • Complement Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec with strong tannins that match the rich beef and creamy provolone sauce, cutting through the dish's richness while enhancing its meaty flavors.
  • Craft Fresh Side Salad: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with light vinaigrette to balance the heavy, creamy tortellini. Toss in some pickled red onions and fresh herbs to provide a tangy, bright contrast that refreshes the palate between bites.
  • Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Toast thick slices of rustic Italian bread brushed with garlic-infused olive oil, creating the perfect vehicle for soaking up the decadent provolone sauce and adding textural crunch to the meal.
  • Pour Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a hoppy India Pale Ale (IPA) with citrusy notes to cut through the richness of the cheese and beef, providing a refreshing counterpoint that cleanses the palate and complements the dish's robust flavors.

Recipe Variations with Cheesesteak Tortellini

  • Gluten-Free Cheesesteak Tortellini: Replace traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening sauce if needed.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Swap tortellini with roasted cauliflower florets, maintaining the rich provolone sauce and steak elements. Choose lean beef cuts to reduce overall fat content.
  • Vegetarian Mushroom Alternative: Substitute beef with portobello or cremini mushrooms, sliced and sautéed until golden brown. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace provolone with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative. Use coconut milk or cashew cream to create a creamy sauce texture while keeping the cheesesteak essence intact.

FAQs

  • What type of steak works best for this recipe?

Cubed sirloin or ribeye are ideal choices. They’re tender, flavorful, and cook quickly in the pan, creating delicious browned bits that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

  • Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely! Frozen cheese tortellini works perfectly. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time and ensure you drain them well before adding to the sauce.

  • Is this dish spicy?

No, this cheesesteak tortellini recipe is not spicy. It focuses on rich, savory flavors from the beef, caramelized onions, and melted provolone cheese. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce when cooking.

  • How do I prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy?

Cook the tortellini just until al dente, drain immediately, and don’t let them sit in water. When adding to the sauce, toss quickly and gently to coat without overcooking. The residual heat will help blend the flavors without breaking down the pasta.

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Cream-laden Cheesesteak Tortellini In Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe

Cream-laden Cheesesteak Tortellini In Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe


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4.9 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Philly-inspired cheesesteak tortellini dance with rich provolone sauce, bringing Italian and American flavors together in one comforting dish. Creamy, meaty, and packed with bold tastes, this recipe promises a delightful culinary journey you won’t want to miss.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound beef steak, cubed

Pasta:

  • 1 package (12 ounces/340 grams) cheese tortellini

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare tortellini by boiling in salted water for 3-5 minutes at rolling boil until al dente. Drain and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium temperature. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring periodically until they become translucent and develop soft caramelized edges, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  3. Increase skillet heat to medium-high. Introduce cubed steak pieces, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Sear meat quickly, allowing exterior to develop rich golden-brown crust, roughly 4-5 minutes.
  4. Pour beef broth and Worcestershire sauce into skillet, using spatula to deglaze pan and lift concentrated flavor bits from bottom. Simmer mixture for 5 minutes to reduce and intensify sauce.
  5. Reduce heat to low. Gently fold tortellini into sauce, ensuring complete coating. Distribute shredded provolone across surface, covering skillet to allow cheese to melt completely for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Transfer tortellini mixture onto serving plates, ensuring even distribution of steak, onions, and cheese sauce. Optional: Sprinkle additional provolone on top for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Ensure tortellini is cooked al dente to maintain a tender yet firm texture that complements the rich, meaty sauce.
  • Pat steak dry before searing to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in maximum flavor and prevents steaming.
  • Use freshly shredded provolone for smoother melting and a more authentic, creamy sauce compared to pre-packaged cheese.
  • Swap beef for plant-based steak alternatives or use gluten-free tortellini to make this dish accessible for vegetarians and gluten-sensitive diners.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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