Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy Alfredo

Section: Easy Dinner Recipes for Busy Families

This dish features tender steak seared and bathed in a fragrant garlic butter sauce, accompanied by pillowy tortellini coated in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. The combination balances savory and cheesy flavors, creating a comforting and indulgent meal that is quick to prepare. Fresh garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of parsley add depth and brightness, making this dish ideal for busy weeknights or impressive dinners.

Simple ingredients come together seamlessly, with careful steps to sear the steak perfectly and prepare the Alfredo sauce to a silky texture. With options for protein swaps and sauce variations, this meal is adaptable and satisfying for any occasion.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Brought to You By iman
Last updated on Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:10:04 GMT
A plate of food with a steak, pasta, and cheese. Bookmark
A plate of food with a steak, pasta, and cheese. | imaninthekitchen.com

This Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini is the perfect solution when you want a dinner that feels special but comes together quickly. It pairs tender, juicy steak coated in a savory garlic butter with rich, creamy Alfredo sauce wrapped around soft cheese tortellini. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is a true crowd pleaser that offers comfort and indulgence without the fuss.

I first made this during a busy weeknight and was amazed at how effortlessly it felt like a restaurant worthy dinner. Now it’s one of my goto dishes when I want something fancy but fussfree.

Ingredients

  • Steak: This recipe calls for ribeye or sirloin because of their tenderness and flavor. Opt for steaks about one inch thick for even cooking
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a bright aromatic note that infuses the butter and steak beautifully. Use fresh for the best flavor
  • Butter: The foundation for the garlic sauce that adds a silky richness coating the steak
  • Tortellini: Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini offers a soft, stuffed pasta that holds the cheesy Alfredo sauce perfectly
  • Heavy cream: Essential for a smooth, luscious Alfredo sauce with great body
  • Parmesan cheese: Provides salty umami depth to the sauce, making it irresistibly cheesy and flavorful
  • Milk: A light addition to balance the sauce texture without thinning it too much
  • Olive oil: Used to sear the steak, creating a crisp, caramelized crust
  • Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that highlight the natural flavors of the steak and pasta
  • Fresh parsley: Just a sprinkle at the end adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness

Instructions

Prep the Steak:
Pat your steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This creates a savory crust when searing. Let the steak rest at room temperature while you prepare other ingredients to help ensure even cooking.
Cook the Tortellini:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 3 to 5 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside. Reserve about one cup of the pasta water to use for adjusting sauce consistency later.
Sear the Steak:
Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over mediumhigh until shimmering. Place your steak in the pan and sear without moving for 3 to 4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, to reach medium rare. Once cooked, transfer the steak to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm and allow juices to redistribute.
Make Garlic Butter:
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet used for the steak. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Avoid browning the garlic too much to keep it flavorful but not bitter. This garlic butter base will be spooned over the steak later.
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce:
In a separate saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir steadily until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a creamy consistency.
Combine Tortellini and Sauce:
Gently toss the cooked tortellini in the Alfredo sauce until every piece is well coated. This ensures each bite is creamy and cheesy with a smooth finish.
Slice and Serve Steak:
Cut the rested steak against the grain into thin, even strips. Drizzle the garlicky butter from the pan over the slices to keep them moist and flavorful. Arrange the steak alongside the cheesy tortellini on plates, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately for the best experience.
A plate of food with meat and pasta.
A plate of food with meat and pasta. | imaninthekitchen.com

My favorite part about this dish has to be the garlicky butter that seeps into the steak. I remember making this for a small family dinner and watching everyone’s faces light up with each bite. It’s such a simple element yet transforms the whole meal into a treat.

Storage tips

Store leftover steak and tortellini separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep the steak juicy and the pasta from becoming mushy. Both will keep well for up to three days. When reheating, gently warm on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to rejuvenate the Alfredo sauce. Avoid high heat microwaving to prevent tough steak and broken sauce.

Ingredient substitutions

Chicken breasts or large shrimp can replace steak for lighter protein options without losing the rich sauce’s appeal. For a vegetarian take, sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables work beautifully. If you do not have heavy cream, a mix of half and half and butter can stand in, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick or decadent.

Serving suggestions

Bright green salads dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus make wonderful sides that contrast the richness of the main dish. For a special occasion, serve family style in a warm cast iron skillet with fresh parsley sprinkled on top to invite communal sharing and cozy vibes.

A plate of food with garlic butter steak and cheesy alfredo tortellini.
A plate of food with garlic butter steak and cheesy alfredo tortellini. | imaninthekitchen.com

Give this Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Alfredo Tortellini a try whenever you want a no fuss meal packed with flavor and comfort. Grab your skillet and enjoy the rich aromas filling your kitchen, it’s truly a dish worth savoring.

Common Questions About the Recipe

→ Can I use frozen steak?

Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry to ensure proper searing and avoid steaming.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or full-fat milk mixed with butter works but results in a lighter sauce.

→ How to check steak doneness?

Use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium rare, 140°F for medium; rest before slicing.

→ Can Alfredo sauce be made ahead?

Yes, prepare in advance and gently reheat while stirring to maintain smoothness.

→ Which tortellini is best?

Fresh cheese tortellini offers the best texture and flavor; frozen is a convenient alternative.

Garlic Butter Steak Cheesy Alfredo

Tender steak coated in garlic butter with creamy, cheesy Alfredo tortellini ready in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Brought to You By: iman

Recipe Category: Dinner Recipes

Skill Level: Moderately Challenging

Cuisine Origin: American

Portions: 2 Serves (2 plates)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Steak

01 8 oz ribeye or sirloin steak
02 1 tsp salt
03 ½ tsp black pepper

→ Garlic Butter

04 2 tbsp unsalted butter
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Tortellini & Alfredo Sauce

07 9 oz fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
08 ½ cup heavy cream
09 ¼ cup whole milk
10 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 Salt, to taste
12 Black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

13 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Pat the steak dry. Season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper. Let rest at room temperature while preparing other elements.

Step 02

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and set aside.

Step 03

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Cook the steak 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Remove from pan and tent with foil to rest.

Step 04

Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. When melted, stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, avoiding browning.

Step 05

In a separate saucepan, combine heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan over medium heat. Stir continuously until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper. Thin with reserved pasta water if needed.

Step 06

Gently toss cooked tortellini in the Alfredo sauce until fully coated and creamy.

Step 07

Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. Drizzle with garlic butter from the pan. Arrange steak slices alongside cheesy tortellini. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Additional Notes

  1. Allow steak to rest after cooking to retain juices and ensure tenderness.
  2. Use reserved pasta water to adjust Alfredo sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.

Must-Have Tools

  • Large pot
  • Nonstick skillet
  • Saucepan
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Knife

Allergy Details

Always inspect ingredient packaging for allergens, and consult a healthcare provider if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy and gluten

Nutritional Details (Per Portion)

Nutritional info is purely informational and not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 760
  • Fats: 46 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 42 g