Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta Recipe for Bold Bites

My weekend culinary adventure with Philly cheesesteak tortellini pasta sparked pure excitement among hungry friends.

Savory beef strips mixed perfectly with cheese-stuffed pasta shells.

We stumbled upon this recipe while craving something different from standard dinner options.

Rich flavors blend classic sandwich elements into a comforting pasta dish.

Melted provolone creates a creamy texture that complements tender meat pieces.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of Philadelphia street food and Italian comfort cooking.

Skeptical diners quickly became enthusiastic fans after their first forkful.

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Is the Mashup You Didn’t Know You Needed

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Is the Mashup You Didn’t Know You Needed
  • Speedy Weeknight Winner: Transforms classic Philly cheesesteak into a comforting pasta dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious meals without complex cooking.
  • Quick Customization Magic: Easily swap ground beef for sliced steak, adjust cheese types, or add extra vegetables, making this recipe adaptable to personal taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines beloved cheesesteak flavors with creamy tortellini, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both pasta and sandwich lovers in one exciting dish.
  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: Delivers gourmet taste with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques, allowing home cooks to create restaurant-style meals without professional culinary skills.

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta Ingredients

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef or Sliced Steak: The star of the Philly Cheesesteak flavor, rich and meaty protein that brings classic sandwich taste to the pasta.
Pasta:
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that adds a creamy, indulgent texture to the dish. Choose fresh or refrigerated tortellini for best results.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Red Bell Pepper: Classic Philly Cheesesteak vegetable trio that provides sweetness and crunch. Use fresh, crisp peppers for maximum flavor.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall savory profile of the dish.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Provolone Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Authentic Philly Cheesesteak cheese blend that creates a smooth, melty sauce. Select high-quality, full-fat cheeses for best melting.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and helps create a creamy sauce consistency.
Liquids and Seasonings:
  • Beef Broth: Deepens the meaty flavor and helps create a sauce base.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and meat.
  • Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Essential seasonings that boost the overall taste profile.
Optional Garnish:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean finish to the dish.

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Cooking Method

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Cooking Method

Step 1: Boil the Tortellini

Fill a large pot with water and sprinkle in salt.

Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Drop in the tortellini and cook exactly as the package recommends.

Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Sizzle the Veggies

Grab a spacious skillet and drizzle olive oil across the bottom.

Warm the oil over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and both bell peppers.

Let them dance and sizzle until they soften and become slightly translucent, around 5 minutes.

Sprinkle minced garlic into the mix and stir for another minute until the kitchen fills with an amazing aroma.

Scoop the veggies out and park them on a separate plate.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

In the same skillet, add your ground beef or sliced steak.

Cook the meat until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through.

If using ground beef, break it into smaller pieces as it cooks.

Drain away any extra grease.

Season the meat with a sprinkle of salt, a dash of pepper, and a generous shake of Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the skillet’s heat to a gentle simmer.

Return the sautéed vegetables to the pan with the beef.

Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Let the mixture bubble softly.

Gradually add provolone and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until they melt into a smooth, dreamy sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Heat

Slide the cooked tortellini into the skillet.

Gently toss the pasta, ensuring every piece gets coated in the rich, cheesy sauce.

Let everything warm together for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top.

Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot and bubbling.

Get ready for a flavor explosion that combines the classic Philly cheesesteak with comfort pasta!

Cheesy Tortellini Pasta Tips for Philly-Style Meals

  • Add enough salt to your boiling water to make the tortellini taste flavorful from the inside out, creating a more delicious base for your entire dish.
  • Skip rinsing the tortellini after cooking to help the cheesy sauce stick better and maintain the pasta’s natural starchiness.
  • Pat ground beef or steak dry before cooking to ensure proper browning and prevent excess liquid in your final sauce.
  • Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without clumping or separating.
  • Swap ground beef for sliced ribeye or sirloin to achieve a more authentic Philly cheesesteak texture and flavor profile.

Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta Tips

  • Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra broth, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
  • Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers, storing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain best texture and flavor.

Pasta Partners for Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini

  • Perfect Cheese and Wine Pairing: Select a bold, medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, meaty flavors of the Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini.
  • Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or amber ale that cuts through the creamy cheese sauce and balances the robust beef profile, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Fresh Side Salad Boost: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with light vinaigrette to provide a tangy, refreshing contrast against the heavy, creamy pasta dish, adding brightness to each bite.
  • Herb Bread Sidekick: Serve crusty garlic bread or herb-infused focaccia to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture that complements the soft tortellini.

Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta in New Combinations

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms, using portobello or shiitake for rich, meaty texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi, maintaining the creamy cheese sauce and vegetable profile.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream for similar richness.

FAQs

  • What type of tortellini works best for this recipe?

Any cheese or meat-filled tortellini will work well. Pre-packaged tortellini from the refrigerated or frozen section are perfect for this quick and easy dish.

  • Can I use different types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with sliced ribeye, sirloin, or even shredded roast beef. Ensure the meat is tender and cooked thoroughly before adding to the sauce.

  • How can I make this recipe lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. Use lean ground beef or turkey, and choose low-fat cheese options to reduce overall calories and fat content.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The current recipe is not spicy. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños during the cooking process to enhance the flavor profile.

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Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta Recipe

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Philly cheesesteak tortellini pasta blends classic sandwich flavors with comforting pasta perfection. Rich beef, melted cheese, and tender tortellini create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or thinly sliced steak (ribeye or sirloin recommended)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 package (20 ounces / 567 grams) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded provolone cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a spacious pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Gently immerse tortellini and cook until achieving al dente consistency according to package guidelines. Carefully drain pasta and reserve.
  2. Warm olive oil in a substantial skillet over medium temperature. Introduce chopped onions and bell peppers, allowing vegetables to soften and become translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Incorporate minced garlic and sauté briefly until aromatic. Transfer vegetable mixture to a separate plate.
  3. Within the identical skillet, place ground beef or thinly sliced steak. Brown protein thoroughly, crumbling meat if using ground version. Eliminate excessive fat through draining. Enhance flavor profile with salt, freshly cracked pepper, and Italian seasoning blend.
  4. Lower heat setting and reintegrate sautéed vegetables into meat mixture. Pour beef broth and heavy cream, creating a luxurious sauce. Allow liquid to gently simmer. Progressively incorporate provolone and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted and achieving silky consistency.
  5. Introduce cooked tortellini into cheese sauce, carefully coating each pasta pocket. Continue heating for additional 2-3 minutes to ensure uniform temperature throughout dish.
  6. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and added herbaceous note. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and creamy.

Notes

  • Adjust meat thickness for optimal tenderness by slicing or choosing ground beef based on personal preference and cooking time.
  • Consider using lean ground beef or trimming visible fat to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for lighter version without compromising creamy texture.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or pepper jack to customize taste and add unexpected depth to classic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 663
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 892 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 132 mg

Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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