Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta Recipe

Philly cheesesteaks are an iconic dish that have delighted taste buds for generations, thanks to their combination of juicy steak, melted cheese, and a soft hoagie roll. Now, imagine combining that delicious sandwich into a warm, comforting pasta dish. Enter Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta: a fusion of two beloved comfort foods that takes the rich flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak and elevates them by pairing them with tender cheese-filled tortellini and a creamy, cheesy sauce.

This recipe combines the savory, caramelized onions, sautéed bell peppers, and thinly sliced beef steak typically found in a Philly cheesesteak, but in a pasta format that is both hearty and indulgent. The result is a dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family. This recipe is sure to become a favorite, offering all the mouthwatering elements of the iconic sandwich while adding a fresh, creamy twist with pasta.

Introduction

Philly cheesesteaks are an iconic Philadelphia dish, but while they’re typically served in a sandwich, this recipe puts a fresh spin on the classic. Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta takes the same rich flavors of the famous sandwich and transforms them into a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. By using cheese-filled tortellini as the base and layering on the familiar Philly cheesesteak fillings—beef, peppers, onions, and cheese—this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

It’s the ultimate mash-up of Italian and American cuisine, and it can be served in a variety of ways: as a comforting family dinner, a potluck dish, or a delicious side. This recipe is easy enough to make on a weeknight, but it’s also impressive enough to serve to guests.

In this recipe, we will go over the preparation of the ingredients, including how to choose the right beef cut, how to make a creamy sauce, and how to cook the pasta to perfection. You’ll also learn some tips to make sure your Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta is full of flavor and ready to serve in less than 45 minutes!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s dive into how to make Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta from start to finish. We’ll break down the process into simple steps to ensure you get a flavorful and creamy pasta dish that everyone will love.

Cooking the Tortellini:

1. Boil the Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add enough water to cook the tortellini according to the package instructions, usually 3-4 minutes if using fresh tortellini or 5-7 minutes for frozen.
2. Cook the Tortellini: Once the water is boiling, add the tortellini. Stir gently to prevent sticking, and cook until the tortellini rise to the top of the pot and are al dente.
3. Drain the Tortellini: Use a slotted spoon to remove the cooked tortellini from the water, or carefully pour the pot through a strainer to drain the pasta. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside for the sauce.
4. Set the Tortellini Aside: Once drained, set the tortellini aside while you prepare the other components of the dish.

Preparing the Philly Cheesesteak Filling:

5. Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat. Add the thinly sliced beef to the pan, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and set it aside.
6. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, and cook over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are softened and slightly caramelized. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
7. Combine Beef and Veggies: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the onions and peppers. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce (if using) and cook everything together for another 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Turn off the heat, and set the beef and veggie mixture aside.

Making the Creamy Sauce:

8. Prepare the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring continuously to form a smooth paste (this is your roux). Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the flour becomes lightly golden, but be careful not to let it brown.
9. Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly. Continue to whisk until the sauce starts to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
10. Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded provolone and Parmesan cheese. Continue to whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it with a little of the reserved pasta cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency.
11. Combine Pasta, Philly Cheesesteak Filling, and Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the Philly cheesesteak filling and toss to combine. Pour in the creamy cheese sauce and gently stir everything together until well coated.

Bringing it All Together:

12. Assemble the Dish: Once everything is combined, give the dish a final taste check. You can adjust the seasoning at this point if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
13. Serve: Transfer the Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta to a large serving platter or individual bowls. If desired, sprinkle with additional shredded provolone or Parmesan cheese and a few freshly chopped herbs, like parsley, for color and freshness.
14. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the pasta immediately, making sure each portion has a generous amount of beef, peppers, onions, and creamy sauce. It’s a dish that is guaranteed to be devoured in no time!

Serving Suggestions

This Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it can be paired with some delicious sides to round out the meal. Here are a few ideas:

• Garlic Bread: Nothing complements a creamy pasta dish better than some crispy garlic bread. The warm, garlicky flavor will pair perfectly with the cheesy tortellini.
• Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad with crunchy romaine lettuce, crispy croutons, and a tangy dressing can add a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve roasted vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus on the side to add some color and balance to the meal.
• Side of Pickles: The tangy bite of dill pickles can cut through the richness of the pasta and add an extra layer of flavor.

Variations to Try

While the traditional Philly cheesesteak features thinly sliced beef, cheese, and vegetables, there are plenty of ways to customize this dish to your liking. Here are some fun variations:

• Chicken Philly Cheesesteak: Swap the beef for chicken breast or thighs. Chicken can be grilled or sautéed and seasoned similarly to the beef.
• Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak: Skip the meat altogether and use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and other vegetables for a veggie-packed version of this pasta.
• Spicy Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini: Add some heat by incorporating sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce.
• Smoky Philly Cheesesteak: For a smoky twist, add smoked provolone or a few dashes of smoked paprika to the sauce.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free tortellini and make sure the flour in the sauce is replaced with a gluten-free flour blend.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Thinly Sliced Beef: For the most authentic Philly cheesesteak flavor, use thinly sliced ribeye or flank steak. These cuts of beef will cook quickly and stay tender.
• Don’t Overcook the Veggies: You want the onions and peppers to retain some texture, so don’t cook them too long. Aim for just enough time to soften them slightly while allowing them to retain their natural sweetness.
• Customize the Cheese: While provolone and American cheese are typical for Philly cheesesteaks, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or even Swiss.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Be sure to save some pasta cooking water before draining the tortellini. This starchy water is great for adjusting the consistency of the sauce without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta is a game-changing recipe that brings together two comfort food favorites in one delicious dish. The creamy sauce, tender tortellini, sautéed vegetables, and seasoned beef are the perfect combination for a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking to put a fresh twist on a classic sandwich or simply seeking a comforting pasta dish, this recipe delivers.

Yield: 4

Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta Recipe

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Philly cheesesteaks are an iconic dish that have delighted taste buds for generations, thanks to their combination of juicy steak, melted cheese, and a soft hoagie roll. Now, imagine combining that delicious sandwich into a warm, comforting pasta dish. Enter Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta: a fusion of two beloved comfort foods that takes the rich flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak and elevates them by pairing them with tender cheese-filled tortellini and a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak (or use pre-cooked Philly cheesesteak meat)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 cup provolone cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the tortellini:
   Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
   
2. Cook the steak and vegetables:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak slices with salt and pepper.
   Add the steak to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
   In the same skillet, add the butter, sliced onions, and bell pepper (if using). Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and caramelized.
   Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
   
3. Make the sauce:
   Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet with the onions and peppers. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
   Add the cooked steak back into the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
   
4. Combine with the tortellini:
   Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, stirring to combine everything. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water to create a sauce.
   Sprinkle the shredded provolone and mozzarella cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well-coated.
   
5. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley (if desired) and serve hot. Enjoy your Philly cheesesteak-inspired tortellini pasta!

Notes

For a lighter version, you can use leaner cuts of beef like flank steak or switch to chicken.

Feel free to adjust the vegetables to your liking—mushrooms would make a great addition if you enjoy them!

If you want a bit more kick, you can add some hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

If you're short on time, pre-sliced steak or leftover steak from a Philly cheesesteak sandwich would work great!