Creamy Steak Pasta Delight

This creamy steak pasta is a comfort food dream for busy nights when you want something a little indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of cheesy tortellini, tender steak, sweet peppers, and gooey provolone turns an ordinary pasta night into something extra special everyone is excited to dig into.

The night I first tried combining stuffed pasta with Philly cheesesteak flavors my family kept asking for seconds. Now it is our go-to dinner for any weeknight that needs a little pick-me-up.

Ingredients

• Sirloin steaks: sliced thin for the most tenderness and fast cooking choose well-marbled cuts for flavor
• Green bell pepper: cut into strips adds a pop of color and gentle sweetness pick one that feels firm and heavy for its size
• Yellow onion: chopped brings natural sweetness and depth look for one with shiny papery skin and no soft spots
• Cheese tortellini: from the refrigerated section for a fresh bite find brands with plump pasta shells for the best texture
• Provolone cheese slices: melt smoothly for a classic cheesesteak vibe go for aged or sharp if you want more flavor
• Steak seasoning: highlights the beef’s savoriness pick a blend you love or make your own with salt garlic and pepper
• Half-and-half: creates a creamy luscious sauce you can use a mix of cream and milk if needed
• Olive oil: adds richness and helps brown the meat and veggies opt for extra virgin with fresh scent

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Everything First:

Slice your sirloin as thin as possible against the grain this helps it cook fast and stay melt-in-your-mouth tender

Sauté the Aromatics:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high add onions and peppers cook for 5 to 7 minutes stirring now and then until soft and lightly golden

Brown the Steak:

Push the veggies to the side add the sliced steak sprinkle over your steak seasoning and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes stirring once until browned but still juicy

Mix in the Pasta:

Add cooked tortellini straight from the pot along with half-and-half stir to combine and let everything simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens and wraps around every bite

Melt the Cheese:

Lay provolone slices right over the top reduce heat to low cover the pan and wait just 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey

Finish and Serve:

Give everything a gentle stir and serve hot for that stretchy cheese effect

Pin

Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers in a tightly sealed container for up to two days. Warm slowly in a skillet with a splash of milk or half-and-half to keep the sauce velvety. Avoid microwaving at high heat since that can make the cheese separate or turn rubbery.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of sirloin try chicken strips or even pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. Mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese both melt beautifully if provolone is not your favorite. You can toss in sliced mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is a showstopper all by itself but a crisp Caesar salad or buttery garlic bread makes it a hearty restaurant-worthy dinner. A few fresh parsley leaves or a sprinkle of black pepper over the top always makes the whole bowl feel special.

Pin

Cultural and Historical Context

Inspired by the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich this recipe brings together the best of pasta comfort food and East Coast sandwich shop vibes. Stuffed tortellini gives a nod to Italian-American traditions while the melty provolone and steak keep things unmistakably Philly.

Recipe FAQs

→ What steak cut works best?

Thinly sliced sirloin is ideal for quick, tender results. Partially freezing the steak before slicing helps achieve thin strips.

→ Can I use different cheese?

Mozzarella or white American cheese melt well and provide a nice alternative to provolone.

→ Is half-and-half essential for the sauce?

A mix of heavy cream and milk can substitute or use all heavy cream for a richer texture.

→ Can frozen tortellini be used?

Yes, just follow package instructions to cook fully before incorporating.

→ How to prevent sauce separation?

Keep the sauce at gentle heat and stir occasionally; avoid high heat to maintain smoothness.

→ Can I substitute vegetables?

Yes, adding mushrooms or swapping peppers for other veggies adds flavor and texture variety.