Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini
Okay, picture this: melty, cheesy tortellini meeting the sizzle and savory goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak. Sounds wild, right? But trust me, this mashup is the kind of delicious twist that’ll make you wonder why it didn’t exist sooner. I’ve been playing around with this recipe in my kitchen for a while, and the magic really happens when the thinly sliced beef cuddles up with sweet onions and peppers before diving into that creamy cheese sauce. Plus, the texture combo of tender pasta with all those meaty, cheesy flavors? Total winner. Ready to surprise your taste buds with something hearty, comforting, and a little bit unexpected? Let’s go!
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 12 oz thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce / Garnish:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
How I Make It
Step 1:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 3-5 minutes). Drain and set aside, tossing with a bit of olive oil so they don’t stick.
Step 2:
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook quickly until browned but still tender—about 2-3 minutes. Remove the meat and set it aside to rest.
Step 3:
In the same skillet, toss in the bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Sauté until they’re softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes, scraping up those flavorful browned bits from the steak.
Step 4:
Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until smooth and creamy. The cream cheese gives it that silky, rich body reminiscent of a Philly cheesesteak’s indulgence.
Step 5:
Add the steak back into the skillet along with the cooked tortellini. Sprinkle the provolone and mozzarella cheeses over everything, stirring gently until everything is melted, gooey, and perfectly combined.
Step 6:
Give it a taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve hot and watch this Philly-inspired pasta disappear fast!
Variations & Tips
- Substitute ribeye with thinly sliced chicken breast or mushrooms for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Use frozen tortellini straight from the freezer—just add a minute or two to the cooking time.
- Swap provolone for sharp cheddar for a tangier twist.
- If you want it extra saucy, add a splash more heavy cream or a bit of beef broth to loosen things up.
- For a smoky kick, toss in a pinch of smoked paprika with the veggies.
- Leftovers reheat well in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
How I Like to Serve It
This Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini is perfect for those cozy weeknight dinners when you want something satisfying but a little different. It also shines at casual dinner parties—guests love the fun combination of flavors. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the richness.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
Closing: This recipe’s magic lies in its perfect balance of rich, melty cheese, tender meat, and comforting pasta—proof that comfort food can be a little adventurous and always comforting.