Last week, I was in a total dinner rut. You know the feeling, right? Staring blankly into the fridge, trying to conjure up something that’s both quick and exciting. My family was definitely feeling the monotony too! That’s when I decided to get creative and ended up creating the most amazing dish, and I can’t wait to share with you my new favorite: tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce.
I’ve been experimenting with pesto lately, and I knew it would add a brightness that my usual alfredo lacked, and it truly brought this dish to life. This tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce recipe is perfect for weeknights because it’s so fast, but it also feels fancy enough to serve to guests.
The magic really happens when those tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce are all combined. Picture this: juicy steak, perfectly cooked tortellini, and a creamy, vibrant sauce. It’s seriously a flavor explosion in every bite! Even my picky eaters couldn’t get enough of this tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce, which is a huge win in my book. It’s such a relief to find a meal that everyone actually enjoys. I think you will be just as obsessed as we are with these tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce. It’s perfect for a comforting yet elevated dinner.
I’ve made this tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce countless times now, and I’ve tweaked it until it’s just perfect for my family. One time I accidentally used too much pesto, and it was a bit overpowering, so I’ve learned to be careful with that! Now, it’s become one of our go-to recipes because it’s easy, delicious, and everyone loves it. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover steak if you have any. This dish of tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce has quickly become a family favorite.
Trust me, you’re going to want to add this recipe to your rotation. The tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce are truly irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try this – it’s become such a staple in our house! It’s truly restaurant-quality, but made with love in your very own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (20 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Okay, let’s talk ingredients for our tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce! First, the steak. I usually go for sirloin because it’s tender and flavorful without being too expensive. But honestly, any steak you like will work. Just make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces. I like to buy a larger steak and cut it myself because I find it’s more economical that way.
For the pesto, I’ve made it from scratch before, and it’s amazing, but sometimes store-bought is just easier. I always have a jar of it on hand for quick meals. You can check out Food Network: All About Pesto for more info on how to make your own pesto, if you are feeling adventurous!
Now, here’s a tip my grandma taught me about choosing Parmesan cheese: always go for the block and grate it yourself. It melts so much better and has a richer flavor than the pre-shredded stuff. I also buy my tortellini fresh if I can, but the refrigerated kind works just fine too. My kids actually prefer the cheese tortellini, but I love using spinach and cheese tortellini for extra flavor and nutrients. You really can’t go wrong with tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce, it’s so versatile!
For the heavy cream, I always use full-fat for the richest, most decadent sauce. But if you’re looking to lighten things up, you can use half-and-half. The sauce for the tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce is really so dreamy. Speaking of substitutions, if you’re dairy-free, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. The tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce can really be made to fit your needs! It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious!
And finally, don’t forget the fresh basil for garnish! It adds a pop of color and freshness that really elevates the dish. I actually grow my own basil in my garden, so I always have some on hand. Remember to check out your local farmers market to see what fresh herbs you can find to top these tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce. I hope all of these tips help you make the best tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce ever!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: In a medium bowl, combine the steak cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. I always let the steak sit for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Sear the Steak: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes and sear on all sides until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on how you like your steak. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, or the steak will steam instead of sear. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside. Keep warm while preparing the sauce.
- Cook the Tortellini: While the steak is searing, cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Make sure not to overcook the tortellini, or it will become mushy. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Make the Pesto Alfredo Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will taste bitter. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese and pesto. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. The pesto adds a wonderful brightness to the sauce!
- Combine: Add the cooked tortellini and seared steak bites to the skillet with the pesto alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce!
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making these tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce. First things first, you want to make sure your steak is properly seasoned. I like to use a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, but you can add any other spices you like. A little smoked paprika would be delicious too.
Remember to check out the USDA Guidelines for Safe Internal Temperatures to make sure your steak is cooked to a safe temperature. When searing the steak, make sure your pan is nice and hot before you add the steak. This will help you get a nice, even sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the steak will steam instead of sear. Trust me, I’ve learned that the hard way!
While the steak is searing, you’ll want to get your tortellini cooking. Make sure to follow the package directions, and don’t overcook it! Nobody likes mushy tortellini. And don’t forget to reserve some of the pasta water before you drain it. This is the secret ingredient that will make your sauce extra creamy and delicious! The reserved pasta water will take these tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce to the next level.
Now, for the sauce! This is where the magic happens. You’ll want to start by sautéing some minced garlic in the same skillet you used to sear the steak. This will add a ton of flavor to the sauce. Be careful not to burn the garlic, or it will taste bitter. Then, you’ll add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and pesto. Cook for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. You will not be able to stop eating these tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce!
Finally, you’ll add the cooked tortellini and seared steak bites to the skillet with the pesto alfredo sauce. Toss gently to coat, and then serve immediately. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired. And that’s it! You’ve just made the most amazing tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce. I promise, your family is going to love it!
Serving Ideas
Okay, so you’ve made this amazing tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce, now what? Well, in my house, we usually just eat it straight out of the skillet! But if you’re looking to make it a little more fancy, here are some serving ideas.
First, I always like to serve it with a simple green salad. The freshness of the salad helps to balance out the richness of the tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce. Plus, it’s a great way to get some extra veggies in. I also like to serve it with some crusty bread for dipping in the sauce. My kids love to sop up every last drop of that delicious pesto alfredo sauce. If you have any of The Pasta Project: Tortellini Guide tortellini, you can easily cook them in order to throw this delicious tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce together.
If you’re serving this to guests, you can plate it individually and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It looks so pretty and elegant! I also like to serve it with a glass of white wine. A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc would pair perfectly with the tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce.
For a more casual meal, you can serve the tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce family-style in a large bowl. This is how we usually do it at my house. Everyone just digs in and helps themselves. It’s so easy and relaxed. My husband always asks me to make extra sauce so he can have it on his portion!
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they make a great lunch the next day. I usually just reheat them in the microwave, but you can also reheat them in a skillet over low heat. Just add a little bit of water or broth to keep them from drying out. Speaking of extra ingredients, I always make sure to buy extra tortellini, in case my family is feeling extra hungry, and wants some plain tortellini with these tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce.
No matter how you choose to serve it, I’m sure you and your family will love this tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce. It’s such a comforting and delicious meal, and it’s perfect for any occasion.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of steak?
A: Absolutely! I usually use sirloin because it’s tender and affordable, but you can use any steak you like. Filet mignon, ribeye, or New York strip would all be delicious. Just make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Of course! If you’re not a fan of tortellini, you can use any other type of pasta you like. Penne, fettuccine, or rotini would all work well.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Simply omit the steak and add some sautéed vegetables instead. Mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini would all be great additions.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes! You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious. It would be so easy to make these tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce to fit any diet needs!
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the steak and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the tortellini and combine everything in a skillet. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights!
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. If you would like, you can add the tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce to a freezer bag, and store them for up to 2 months.
These are just a few of the questions I get asked most often about this tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce. I hope these answers are helpful! But if you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I’m always happy to help! I’ve definitely overcooked the steak before, and that’s why I recommend searing it quickly over high heat. You want to get a nice sear on the outside without overcooking the inside. Just remember to use these tips when making your tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce!
Conclusion
So there you have it – my recipe for tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce. It’s a dish that’s near and dear to my heart because it brings my family together around the dinner table. It’s also proof that a few simple ingredients can create a truly special meal. As my family says, “This is the best meal ever!”, when I bring the tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce to the table.
Here are a few final tips to ensure your success:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the steak. This will prevent it from browning properly.
- Reserve some of the pasta water before draining the tortellini. This will help create a creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese.
My son loves it when I add a little extra red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, while my daughter prefers it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. We love to make it our own, and I encourage you to do the same.
Don’t be intimidated by this recipe. If I can make it on a busy Tuesday night, you absolutely can too! I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment and let me know! I love hearing from you all and seeing your creations. I want you to truly enjoy these tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce, just like my family does!
I truly hope you will love and enjoy these tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce, just like my family does. I can’t wait to hear what you think of this tender steak bites with pesto alfredo tortellini sauce! Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!
PrintTender Steak Bites with Pesto Alfredo Tortellini Sauce Recipe
These steak bites are incredibly tender and flavorful, perfect as an appetizer or main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss steak cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add steak cubes to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until cooked to your desired doneness.
- Remove from skillet and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality sirloin steak. Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the steak bites.