Plush Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe

Dreamy Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe: Savory Provolone Magic

Culinary magic happens when you blend a classic Philadelphia cheesesteak with tender tortellini swimming in a decadent provolone sauce.

Hearty pasta meets savory beef in this unexpected mashup that defies traditional recipe boundaries.

Regional flavors dance together, creating a comfort meal that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Sliced beef, melted cheese, and soft pasta intertwine like old friends reuniting on your plate.

Peppers and onions add a vibrant crunch to each forkful of this innovative dish.

Robust ingredients promise a meal that feels both familiar and excitingly new.

Dive into this recipe and watch your dinner table transform with one incredible skillet of deliciousness.

Why Cheesesteak Tortellini In Rich Provolone Sauce Is Irresistible

  • Speedily Satisfy Cheesesteak Cravings: Blend classic cheesesteak flavors with pasta for a quick, delicious twist that transforms traditional sandwich ingredients into a comforting meal.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap beef for chicken or add extra vegetables to personalize the dish, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and pantry ingredients.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with a single-pan cooking method that brings together all ingredients smoothly, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious preparation time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Combines the beloved taste of cheesesteaks with creamy tortellini, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its rich, cheesy sauce.

Ingredients For Cheesesteak Tortellini In Rich Provolone Sauce

Pasta Base:
  • Cheese Tortellini: Soft pasta pockets filled with creamy cheese that form the foundation of this hearty dish.
Protein and Aromatics:
  • Beef Steak: Tender cubed meat that provides rich protein and robust flavor.
  • Onion: Sweet vegetable that adds depth and caramelized notes to the dish.
Sauce and Seasoning Components:
  • Olive Oil: Essential cooking fat for sautéing ingredients and building flavor.
  • Beef Broth, Worcestershire Sauce: Liquid ingredients that create a savory and complex sauce base.
  • Provolone Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts into a creamy, luxurious sauce.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How To Prepare Cheesesteak Tortellini In Rich Provolone Sauce

Step 1: Boil Tortellini

Grab your cheese tortellini and cook it according to the package directions. Once perfectly tender, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its flavor transformation.

Step 2: Sauté Onions

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in sliced onions and let them dance around the pan, softening and developing a beautiful golden-brown caramelization for 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Brown Beef

Sprinkle salt and pepper over cubed beef steak. Transfer the seasoned meat into the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef develops a delicious, rich brown color and cooks completely through.

Step 4: Create Savory Sauce

Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Let the liquid simmer and bubble, reducing slightly for 3-4 minutes and creating a deeply flavorful base for your dish.

Step 5: Melt Cheese

Add shredded provolone cheese to the skillet. Watch as it melts into a creamy, luxurious sauce that coats everything with incredible richness.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the skillet, ensuring each pasta pocket gets completely covered in the decadent provolone sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your cheesesteak tortellini immediately while hot. Optional: Sprinkle extra cheese or fresh herbs on top for a beautiful finishing touch.

Pro Tips For Cheesesteak Tortellini In Rich Provolone Sauce

  • Use high-quality provolone for the most authentic, rich flavor in the sauce.
  • Choose tender beef steak cuts like sirloin or ribeye to ensure maximum tenderness and easy chewing.
  • Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep, sweet undertones that complement the meaty beef profile.
  • For gluten-free options, swap regular tortellini with gluten-free pasta varieties to maintain the dish's delicious essence.
  • Control heat carefully when melting provolone to prevent sauce from becoming grainy or separating, stirring gently for smooth consistency.

Different Takes On Cheesesteak Tortellini In Rich Provolone Sauce

  • Philly Chicken Twist: Replace beef steak with sliced chicken breast, maintaining the classic Philly cheesesteak flavor profile while offering a lighter protein option.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Blend: Swap beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based meat substitute, creating a hearty meatless version that preserves the original recipe's robust taste.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap provolone for pepper jack cheese to give the dish a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Add roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, and sprinkle feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired transformation of the classic cheesesteak tortellini.

Pairing Ideas For Cheesesteak Tortellini In Rich Provolone Sauce

  • Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel that matches the hearty beef and rich provolone flavors, cutting through the creamy sauce with tannic complexity.
  • Complement with Crisp Side Salad: Create a tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy dish and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint.
  • Enhance with Garlic Bread: Toast crusty Italian bread with herb-infused butter to soak up the delicious provolone sauce and add textural contrast to the tender tortellini.
  • Add Pickled Vegetable Garnish: Include quick-pickled pepperoncini or jalapeños to introduce bright, acidic notes that cut through the richness and elevate the overall dining experience.

Storage Guidelines For Cheesesteak Tortellini In Rich Provolone Sauce

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
  • Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm the dish in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and maintain the sauce's creamy texture.
  • Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

FAQs About Cheesesteak Tortellini In Rich Provolone Sauce

  • What kind of beef works best for this recipe?

Sirloin or ribeye steak are ideal cuts, providing tenderness and rich flavor that complement the cheesy sauce perfectly.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta if tortellini is unavailable?

Absolutely! Ravioli or penne would work well as alternative pasta options that can hold the creamy provolone sauce.

  • Is this dish considered a fusion recipe?

Yes, it brilliantly combines classic Philly cheesesteak elements with Italian tortellini, creating a unique cross-cultural comfort food experience.

  • How spicy is this cheesesteak tortellini?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want an extra kick of heat.

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Plush Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe

Plush Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe


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4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 17-23 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Philly-inspired cheesesteak tortellini dazzles with hearty beef, melted provolone, and pasta perfection. Comfort meets culinary creativity in this irresistible dish that delivers bold flavors you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) beef steak, cubed
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) Worcestershire sauce

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 1 package (12 ounces/340 grams) cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded provolone cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil tortellini in salted water for 8-10 minutes at medium-high heat until pasta reaches al dente texture, then drain and reserve.
  2. Sauté sliced onions in olive oil over medium heat for 6-7 minutes until translucent and golden-edged.
  3. Season beef steak with kosher salt and cracked black pepper, then quickly sear in the same skillet for 3-4 minutes, ensuring each side develops a rich caramelized exterior.
  4. Deglaze the skillet with beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up browned bits from the pan’s bottom, and simmer for 2-3 minutes to concentrate flavors.
  5. Reduce heat to low and gradually incorporate shredded provolone cheese, stirring continuously until sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
  6. Gently fold cooked tortellini into the creamy provolone mixture, ensuring each pasta pillow is generously coated with the savory sauce.
  7. Transfer to serving plates immediately, garnishing with optional fresh parsley or additional cheese for enhanced presentation and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Ensure tortellini is perfectly al dente by checking package timing and tasting a piece before draining to prevent overcooking.
  • Select high-quality beef steak like sirloin or ribeye for maximum flavor and tenderness in the dish.
  • Use freshly shredded provolone cheese instead of pre-packaged for smoother melting and richer sauce consistency.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, swap traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini and verify all ingredient labels.
  • Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 617 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 790 mg
  • Fat: 37 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 43 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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