Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Comes together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Rich and Creamy: The luscious Parmesan sauce perfectly complements the savory beef and cheesy tortellini.
- Hearty and Satisfying: A filling meal that offers comfort in every bite.
- Customizable: Easily add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to enhance nutrition and flavor.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that appeals to both adults and children alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 package (9-12 oz) beef tortellini
- 1 lb beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Directions
- Cook the Tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the beef tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sear the Beef:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the beef to the skillet and sear for about 5-7 minutes, turning to brown all sides until cooked to your desired level of doneness. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked beef and drained tortellini to the skillet with the Parmesan cream sauce. Toss gently to ensure everything is well-coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to add extra flavor and nutrients.
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute the beef with chicken, Italian sausage, or shrimp for a different protein option.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like Asiago or Romano to alter the flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh basil or thyme can be added to enhance the herbal notes in the dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until warmed through.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream-based sauce may separate upon thawing, affecting the dish’s texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of tortellini?
Yes, cheese or spinach-filled tortellini can be used as alternatives to beef tortellini.
2. Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can be used for a lighter sauce, though it may be less creamy.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead and combine them just before serving.
4. What side dishes pair well with this meal?
A fresh green salad and crusty garlic bread complement the richness of the tortellini.
5. How can I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Ensure the cream is at room temperature before adding it to the skillet and avoid boiling the sauce.
6. Can I use pre-cooked beef?
Yes, leftover cooked beef can be used; add it to the sauce just to warm through.
7. Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
8. Can I add wine to the sauce?
A splash of white wine can be added after sautéing the garlic for additional depth of flavor.
PrintBeef & Parmesan Tortellini
This Beef & Parmesan Tortellini is a creamy, satisfying dish featuring tender beef, cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Add your favorite vegetables or spices to customize it to your taste!
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 4servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Tortellini & Beef:
- 1 package (9-12 oz) beef tortellini
- 1 lb beef sirloin or tenderloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Parmesan Cream Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
Cook the Tortellini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the beef tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Sear the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the beef with salt and black pepper.
- Add the beef to the skillet and sear for 5-7 minutes, turning to brown all sides.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Lower the heat to medium and stir in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring continuously until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine & Serve
- Return the cooked beef and tortellini to the skillet.
- Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use cheese or spinach tortellini if you can’t find beef tortellini.
- Lighter Version: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Cook the beef and tortellini separately, then reheat with the sauce before serving.