Cheesesteak Tortellini In Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe

Creamy Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering cheesesteak tortellini promises an adventure for comfort food enthusiasts seeking bold flavor combinations.

Tender pasta pillows capture the essence of philadelphia’s iconic sandwich in every delectable bite.

Savory beef, melted cheese, and caramelized onions dance through cheese-coated tortellini shells.

Robust provolone sauce adds creamy depth to this innovative culinary creation.

Unexpected ingredients merge into a dish that surprises and delights your palate.

Perfectly balanced textures and rich flavors make this recipe a game-changing meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

Grab your fork and prepare for a seriously delicious dining experience that breaks all the traditional recipe rules.

Cheesesteak Tortellini in Provolone Sauce Made Easy

  • Quick and Easy Comfort Meal: Transform classic cheesesteak flavors into a creamy, satisfying pasta dish that comes together in minutes with minimal cooking skills.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Family Dinner: Combines beloved cheesesteak ingredients with cheesy tortellini, creating a kid-friendly meal that both adults and children will devour with excitement.
  • Versatile One-Skillet Wonder: Simplifies cooking by preparing everything in a single pan, reducing cleanup time and making weeknight dinners stress-free and delicious.
  • Gourmet Twist on Classic Flavors: Elevates traditional cheesesteak by introducing Italian-inspired tortellini and a rich provolone sauce, offering a unique and indulgent dining experience.

Ingredients for Cheesesteak Tortellini

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef or Steak: A classic cheesesteak protein that provides rich, savory flavor to the dish.
Pasta Base:
  • Tortellini: A cheese-filled pasta that adds delightful texture and substance to the cheesesteak-inspired recipe.
Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and provides a smooth cooking base.
  • Beef Broth, Heavy Cream: Create a rich, creamy sauce foundation for the dish.
  • Provolone Cheese: Delivers a sharp, melty cheese element characteristic of traditional cheesesteaks.
Vegetable Aromatics:
  • Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Provide traditional cheesesteak vegetables that add sweetness and depth of flavor.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Pepper, Garlic: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the dish and complement the beef and cheese.

Cooking Instructions for Cheesesteak Tortellini

Step 1: Boil Cheesy Pasta

Drop tortellini into a pot of boiling water and cook following package guidelines.

Once tender, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for the delicious transformation.

Step 2: Sauté Veggie Base

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Toss in these chopped ingredients:
  • Onions
  • Green bell peppers

Cook until vegetables become soft and slightly translucent.

Step 3: Brown Meaty Goodness

Add ground beef or sliced steak to the skillet.

Cook the meat until it develops a rich, golden-brown color.

Season generously with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour in the liquid ingredients to build a luscious sauce:
  • Beef broth
  • Heavy cream

Let the mixture simmer, allowing it to thicken and develop deep flavors.

Step 5: Melt Provolone Magic

Sprinkle shredded provolone cheese into the skillet.

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked tortellini directly into the skillet.

Gently toss the pasta, ensuring every piece gets coated in the decadent provolone sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Transfer the cheesy tortellini to serving plates.

Enjoy immediately while the dish is hot and wonderfully creamy.

Tips for Rich Provolone Sauce

  • Cook tortellini just until al dente to maintain a perfect texture and prevent mushiness.
  • Choose well-marbled steak or lean ground beef for maximum flavor and tender meat in the dish.
  • Reduce heat when adding provolone and stir continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce without separating.
  • Sauté onions and peppers until they're slightly caramelized for deeper, richer taste profile.
  • Simmer sauce gently to allow natural thickening and prevent burning or scorching the bottom of the skillet.

Flavor Variations for Cheesesteak Tortellini

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all ingredients like broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap provolone for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a zesty, heat-packed alternative.
  • Lighter Cream Sauce: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to reduce calories while keeping the sauce creamy and luxurious.

Serving Ideas for Cheesesteak Tortellini

  • Flavor Burst Topping: Sprinkle crispy breadcrumbs or crushed garlic croutons over the tortellini for an extra crunch that adds delightful texture and rich taste.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Garnish with additional shredded provolone or grated parmesan cheese to enhance the creamy provolone sauce and create more depth of flavor.
  • Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Chop fresh parsley or chives and scatter on top to brighten the dish with a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that complement the rich beef and cheese elements.
  • Side Companion Pairing: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the cheesesteak tortellini and provide a refreshing contrast.

Storing Cheesesteak Tortellini Safely

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm the tortellini in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little beef broth or cream to prevent sticking. Stir gently to redistribute sauce and heat evenly.
  • Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

  • What type of tortellini works best for this recipe?

Any store-bought cheese tortellini will work perfectly. Refrigerated or frozen varieties are both great options.

  • Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with thinly sliced steak, shredded chicken, or even leave it vegetarian by omitting meat entirely.

  • How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick or lumpy?

Stir the cheese gradually and maintain a low simmer. Use freshly shredded provolone for smoother melting and consistently creamy texture.

  • Is this dish considered spicy?

No, this cheesesteak tortellini is mild and savory. If you prefer heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when seasoning.

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Cheesesteak Tortellini In Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe

Cheesesteak Tortellini In Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

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

Description

Philly cheesesteak tortellini unites Italian pasta with classic American sandwich flavors in a creamy provolone sauce. Hearty ingredients combine for a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meats:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef or thinly sliced steak

Pasta and Dairy:

  • 1 package (16 ounces) cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups provolone cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare tortellini following package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
  2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface.
  3. Introduce diced onions and green bell peppers, sautéing until vegetables soften and develop translucent edges, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Incorporate ground beef or thinly sliced steak into the skillet, breaking meat into smaller fragments while cooking until rich brown color develops and no pink remains.
  5. Season meat mixture with robust garlic, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, allowing flavors to meld for 2 minutes.
  6. Stream beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet, reducing heat to medium-low and allowing liquid to gently simmer and gradually thicken, creating a velvety consistency.
  7. Gradually sprinkle shredded provolone cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, luxurious texture.
  8. Fold cooked tortellini into the creamy provolone sauce, ensuring each pasta pillow is generously coated with the decadent mixture.
  9. Transfer to serving dishes immediately while sauce remains hot and cheese remains gloriously melted.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with thinly sliced ribeye steak for an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, enhancing the rich meaty flavor profile.
  • For gluten-free diets, replace traditional tortellini with chickpea or cauliflower-based pasta alternatives to maintain the dish’s creamy texture.
  • Control sauce thickness by gradually adding beef broth or cream, ensuring a perfect consistency that coats tortellini without becoming too runny.
  • Elevate the dish’s complexity by adding caramelized onions or roasted garlic for deeper, more layered taste dimensions that complement the provolone sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 670 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 560 mg
  • Fat: 47 g
  • Saturated Fat: 21 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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