Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini is a delightful dish that brings the classic flavors of a cheesesteak into a creamy, hearty pasta meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this one-pan recipe can be whipped up in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. With its deliciously rich sauce and tender tortellini, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The creamy sauce combined with savory ingredients provides a comforting meal everyone will love.
• One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup is required since everything cooks in a single skillet.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the cheeses to suit your taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or potlucks, where everyone can enjoy a hearty helping.

Tools and Preparation

For this recipe, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Slotted spatula

Why These Tools Matter

• Large skillet: A wide cooking surface allows for even cooking and browning of ingredients, ensuring better flavor development.
• Spatula: A sturdy spatula helps flip and stir ingredients without breaking them apart, keeping larger pieces intact for presentation.
• Slotted spatula: This tool is great for removing cooked ingredients from the skillet while leaving excess fat behind.

Ingredients

The following ingredients create the base of your Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini:

For the Filling

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 9 ounce package quick steaks
• 1 cup diced sweet yellow onion (Vidalia onion) cut into ½ inch sized pieces
• 1 cup diced green bell pepper (seeds and stem removed and cut into ½ inch sized pieces)
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)

For the Sauce

• ½ cup beef broth
• 1½ cups half & half dairy creamer

For the Tortellini

• 19 ounce bag frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini

Step 1: Heat the Skillet

Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add frozen quick steak pieces.

Step 2: Brown the Steak

Allow the quick steak to cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes on one side. Flip with a spatula and brown the other side for an additional 2 minutes until no pink remains. Try to keep larger pieces intact to enhance presentation.

Step 3: Cook Vegetables

Using a slotted spatula, transfer the cooked quick steak to a plate while leaving some fat in the skillet. Add diced sweet yellow onion and diced green bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes until they are lightly golden brown and tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Cream Cheese

Add cream cheese to the cooked vegetables. Stir until melted and well combined.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked quick steak to the skillet. Add salt, black pepper, beef broth, and half & half. Gently stir to combine without breaking apart the steak too much.

Step 6: Add Tortellini

Bring the mixture to a boil. Add frozen cheese tortellini and stir to coat them in sauce. Reduce heat to low and cover with a lid.

Step 7: Simmer

Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the tortellini is cooked through and has absorbed some sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Melt Cheese Toppings

Remove lid and sprinkle shredded mozzarella and provolone cheese on top of the mixture. Cover again allowing cheese to melt for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 9: Serve

Remove from heat and stir melted cheese into pasta before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini!

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Garlic Bread

• Warm and Toasty: Serve slices of garlic bread on the side for a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish for Flavor: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the dish to enhance its flavor and add a pop of color.

With a Side Salad

• Refreshing Crunch: Pair your tortellini with a light garden salad to balance the richness of the dish.

In a Bowl

• Comfort Food Style: Serve in deep bowls, allowing guests to enjoy the creamy sauce and melted cheese fully.

With Extra Cheese

• Cheesy Delight: Add extra shredded mozzarella or provolone on top before serving for an even cheesier experience.

How to Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini

Perfecting Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to make this dish truly exceptional.

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh vegetables and high-quality cheeses for the best flavor and texture in your dish.
• Cook Tortellini Al Dente: Ensure that your tortellini is cooked al dente so it holds its shape and texture amidst the creamy sauce.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper levels according to your preference for the perfect seasoning blend.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: If you’re making a larger batch, consider using two skillets to ensure everything cooks evenly without steaming.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps thicken the sauce further before serving.
• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, spinach, or other vegetables for added nutrition and flavor diversity.

Best Side Dishes for Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini

Pairing side dishes with Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options that complement this delicious meal perfectly.

1. Caesar Salad: A classic combination of romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing adds crunch and freshness.
2. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious contrast to the richness of the pasta.
3. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic and parmesan make for a hearty side.
4. Bruschetta: Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella on toasted bread create a vibrant appetizer before the main course.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch that balances out the creaminess of the tortellini.
6. Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter option, serve zucchini noodles tossed in olive oil as a refreshing side dish.
7. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds natural sweetness and pairs well with savory flavors of cheesesteak tortellini.
8. Crispy Onion Rings: Golden onion rings provide an irresistible crunch that complements this creamy pasta dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini, it’s easy to overlook some important steps that can affect the dish’s outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the Browning Step: Not allowing the quick steak to brown properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Make sure to cook it undisturbed on each side for the best results.
• Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking the onions and bell peppers too long can make them mushy. Aim for a tender but slightly crisp texture for the best flavor and texture.
• Not Stirring Enough: If you don’t stir the tortellini often while it simmers, it may stick to the bottom of the skillet. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally.
• Using Cold Cream Cheese: Cold cream cheese doesn’t blend well into the sauce. Always use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth consistency.
• Ignoring Sauce Thickness: If you find your sauce too thin after cooking, let it simmer longer without a lid. This will help thicken it up nicely.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth. Stir frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini?

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini is a creamy pasta dish that combines flavors from classic cheesesteaks with tender cheese tortellini.

How long does it take to make Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini?

This dish takes about 30 minutes total, including both prep and cooking time, perfect for a quick dinner.

Can I customize my Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or use various cheeses based on your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini is great for meal prep! Just store portions in airtight containers and reheat when ready to eat.

What sides pair well with Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini?

A simple side salad or garlic bread complements this dish perfectly, balancing its richness.

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini is an appealing meal that combines comfort food with ease of preparation. Its creamy texture and classic flavors make it versatile and customizable—add your favorite veggies or cheeses! Don’t hesitate to give this delicious dish a try; you won’t be disappointed!