PERFECT PHILLY CHEESESTEAK TORTELLINI PASTA

Craving the savory, melty goodness of a Philly Cheesesteak but also dreaming of a comforting bowl of pasta? Imagine sinking your fork into tender cheese-filled tortellini, smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce loaded with thinly sliced steak and those classic Philly toppings. This Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta is the answer to your cravings, and I promise, you won’t believe how easy it is to make!

The Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cheesesteak:

• 1 pound thinly sliced steak (Ribeye or sirloin work great!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Mushrooms, thinly sliced

For the Tortellini:

• 20 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or dried)

For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Step 1: Prep the Cheesesteak

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced steak and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the steak in batches.
3. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper (and mushrooms, if using) to the skillet and cook until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables and mix well. Keep warm.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

1. While the cheesesteak is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions. Drain well.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This is important for thickening the sauce!
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and beef broth until smooth.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it begins to thicken.
5. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add the provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Combine and Serve!

1. Add the cooked tortellini to the creamy cheese sauce and toss to coat.
2. Gently fold in the Philly cheesesteak mixture.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with extra shredded cheese or chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta

• Use high-quality steak: The better the steak, the better the flavor! Ribeye is a classic choice, but sirloin also works well.
• Thinly slice the steak: This is crucial for getting that authentic Philly Cheesesteak texture. If you’re not comfortable slicing it yourself, ask your butcher to do it for you.
• Don’t overcook the steak: You want it browned but still tender. Overcooked steak will be tough.
• Soften the cream cheese: This will ensure that it melts smoothly into the sauce and doesn’t leave any lumps.
• Customize your toppings: Feel free to add your favorite Philly Cheesesteak toppings, such as mushrooms, hot peppers, or even a drizzle of cheese sauce.
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the cheesesteak mixture and the cheese sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the tortellini and combine everything.

Variations to Try: Spice Things Up!

• Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or use a spicy provolone cheese.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini Bake: Transfer the finished pasta to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden brown.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses in the sauce! Pepper jack would add a nice kick, or you could use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
• Add a Veggie Boost: Sneak in some extra veggies like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.

What to Serve With Your Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta

This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your dinner, here are a few ideas:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Because, why not?
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are all great options.
• Soup: A light soup, like a Creamy Pasta Soup, would be a nice starter.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through, or reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Recipe

This Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta is the ultimate comfort food mashup! It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a fun and creative way to enjoy the classic flavors of a Philly Cheesesteak in a new and exciting way. If you love cheesy pasta dishes, you might also enjoy my Chicken Spaghetti or even Bbq Chicken Mac for a different take on classic comfort food. Speaking of comfort food, for another decadent pasta option, check out the Creamy Cheesesteak Tortellini or the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. And if you are looking for something similar but with a lighter flavor profile, try the Creamy Chicken Pasta.

Give It A Try!

I hope you love this Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta as much as I do! It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings and seasonings to make it your own. Happy cooking!