Garlic Butter Cajun Steak Tortellini with Three-Cheese Sauce
Ingredients:
1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into thick steak-tip pieces
1 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced (divided)
2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
18 oz cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1½ cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions until tender. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
2. Pat the steak tips dry with paper towels. Season all sides generously with Cajun seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and slightly crisp. Lower the heat, add 3 tbsp butter and half the minced garlic, and toss the steak in the garlic butter for 1–2 minutes. Spoon the melted butter over the top as it cooks. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a clean skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring until combined. Lower the heat and whisk in the cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes thick and creamy. Season with Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add crushed red pepper flakes if you like a kick.
5. Toss the cooked tortellini into the sauce, coating evenly. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust thickness if needed.
6. Plate the tortellini on one side and the garlic butter steak tips on the other. Spoon extra sauce over the steak and garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~930 per serving