Cheesesteak Tortellini with Provolone Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking to add a rich, creamy, and cheesy dish to your weeknight dinner rotation, this Cheesesteak Tortellini with Provolone Sauce is the ultimate comfort food! Combining tender tortellini pasta with flavorful steak bites, all coated in a luscious provolone cheese sauce, this dish is the perfect combination of Italian and American flavors. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and show you how to make it step by step!

Ingredients:

For the Steak:

1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

For the Pasta:

16 oz (450g) cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated
Water for boiling
Salt for boiling water

For the Provolone Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup provolone cheese, shredded
½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional for extra creaminess)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Marinate the Steak: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well, then add the steak pieces, coating them evenly. Let the steak marinate for 15-30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Cook the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the steak is browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

Boil the Tortellini: While the steak is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini.
Drain the Pasta: Once the tortellini are tender and cooked through, drain the water and set the pasta aside. Reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

Step 3: Make the Provolone Sauce

Prepare the Roux: In the same skillet where you cooked the steak, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes, until the flour is golden and cooked through.
Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk as the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Melt the Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the provolone and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Season the Sauce: Add Dijon mustard, and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Mix the Pasta and Steak: Add the cooked tortellini and steak pieces to the cheese sauce. Gently toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy provolone sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Serve the Cheesesteak Tortellini warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your hearty and comforting meal!

Tips for Success:

Cheese Selection: Provolone cheese is the star of the sauce, providing a sharp, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich steak. If you prefer a milder taste, you can replace some of the provolone with mozzarella for added creaminess.
Steak Choice: Ribeye or sirloin are great options for this dish, but feel free to use any tender cut of beef you like. You could even substitute the beef with chicken or sausage for a different twist.
Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water! It’s a great way to adjust the consistency of your sauce without losing any of its flavor.
Leftover-Friendly: This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to life.

Why You’ll Love This Dish:

This Cheesesteak Tortellini with Provolone Sauce is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. It’s a comforting meal that combines the tender, savory flavors of a cheesesteak with the creamy, cheesy goodness of a pasta dish. The tortellini provides the perfect base for soaking up the rich sauce, while the steak adds a robust protein component that rounds out the meal. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal (apart from the pasta boiling), making cleanup a breeze.

With the sharpness of provolone cheese complementing the juicy steak and tender tortellini, every bite is packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.

Variations and Substitutions:

Vegetarian Option: Skip the steak and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a vegetarian version. The hearty cheese sauce will still shine, making it a satisfying meal.
Spicy Twist: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or cook the steak with some cayenne pepper. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the finished dish for an extra kick.
Creamier Sauce: If you love extra creamy pasta, feel free to add a bit more mozzarella or even a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer texture.
Different Pasta: Don’t have tortellini on hand? No problem! You can substitute with ravioli, penne, or even fettuccine to create a similar, equally delicious dish.

Perfect Pairings:

This indulgent meal pairs wonderfully with lighter side dishes to balance its richness. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:

Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread or a simple baguette works great for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a nice contrast to the richness of the pasta. Consider including crisp greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemony dressing.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus bring a healthy, flavorful side to complement the creamy dish.

In conclusion, Cheesesteak Tortellini with Provolone Sauce is a delightful and satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its rich, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked steak and pasta, this recipe offers the best of both worlds for fans of hearty comfort food. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends.

Enjoy every bite of this mouthwatering meal!