Garlic Steak Tortellini with Crispy Pancetta

Name: Garlic Steak Tortellini with Crispy Pancetta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz fresh tortellini; 1 lb ribeye steak, sliced; 4 oz pancetta, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup spinach, fresh; 3 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Highlighted under: Home Cooking

I love whipping up this Garlic Steak Tortellini with Crispy Pancetta for a quick yet satisfying meal. The creamy tortellini, infused with garlic, pairs beautifully with tender steak and the crispy goodness of pancetta. Each bite is a delightful balance of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. Plus, this recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve at a gathering. With only a few key ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how something so delicious can come together in just under thirty minutes.

Created by

Leo

Last updated on 2026-02-16T15:54:19.058Z

When I first made this Garlic Steak Tortellini with Crispy Pancetta, I was pleasantly surprised at how all the flavors melded together. The key to this dish is to cook the steak to medium-rare, ensuring it remains tender and juicy - I recommend using a meat thermometer to achieve the perfect doneness. The pancetta adds a salty crunch that elevates the creamy tortellini, creating a delicious contrast in every bite.

After perfecting my technique, I can confidently say that using fresh tortellini is essential for the best texture. I also like to finish the dish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley, which enhances the overall presentation and flavor. This meal is not just a crowd-pleaser, it’s become a staple in my recipe collection!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        A gourmet dish made in under 30 minutes
Creamy tortellini combined with tender steak and crispy pancetta
Hearty yet elegant, perfect for impressing guests

      

The Role of Garlic and Cream

Garlic is the unsung hero of this dish, infusing both the steak and the creamy sauce with its aromatic flavor. When sautéed, garlic transforms in taste — raw pungency gives way to a sweet nuttiness that's essential for balancing the richness of the heavy cream. Just be careful not to overcook it; you want it fragrant and lightly golden, not burnt, which can add bitterness to the dish.

The heavy cream acts as a luxurious base, enveloping the tortellini in richness. As it heats, the cream thickens slightly and creates a beautiful, glossy sauce that clings to every morsel. For a lighter version, you could substitute half-and-half, but realize that this will alter the overall creaminess. If you opt for this substitute, keep a close eye on the heat to prevent curdling.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Using fresh tortellini is key to achieving the best texture in this dish. It cooks quickly — usually in about 4 minutes — and contributes to a delightful bite that complements the tender steak. If fresh tortellini isn’t available, frozen is a viable alternative. Just remember to adjust cooking time according to the package instructions, as frozen varieties may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

For the steak, a ribeye offers a perfect balance of flavor and tenderness, thanks to its marbling. If you're looking to save calories or prefer leaner meat, sirloin or flank steak can also work, though they may require more careful watching during cooking to prevent overcooking. Always allow your cooked steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing, which helps retain juices for a more succulent bite.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful dish:

Ingredients

8 oz fresh tortellini
1 lb ribeye steak, sliced
4 oz pancetta, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup spinach, fresh
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Make sure to have all the ingredients prepped before you start cooking for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Garlic Steak Tortellini with Crispy Pancetta:

Cook the Pancetta

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and sauté until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Prepare the Steak

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Season the sliced steak with salt and pepper, then cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove from the pan and let rest.

Cook the Tortellini

In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions, typically about 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Combine Everything

In the skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream, add the spinach, and stir in the cooked tortellini. Slice the steak and add it along with the crispy pancetta. Mix gently and allow to combine for 2-3 minutes.

Serve

Serve the dish hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Enjoy your delicious meal with a side salad or a glass of wine for a complete experience!

Pro Tips

For an added kick, consider incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the garlic. This will enhance the flavor profile of the dish without overpowering it.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish can be prepared in advance, making it a great choice for meal prep. You can cook the pancetta, steak, and tortellini ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, just reheat them gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

If you want to freeze leftovers, ensure that you're storing them in a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind that the texture of the tortellini may change once frozen, so it's best to avoid freezing the entire dish if you plan to enjoy it later. Instead, separate components and freeze for better results, reheating directly from frozen in the microwave or skillet.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience, serve the Garlic Steak Tortellini with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. The acidity from the dressing balances the creaminess of the tortellini nicely and brightens the overall meal. A glass of red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, pairs beautifully with the richness of the steak.

For a fun twist, consider adding seasonal vegetables like cherry tomatoes or asparagus to the skillet while combining everything. This not only adds color but also provides a fresh crunch that contrasts with the creamy sauce. You can sauté these veggies for a couple of minutes until they are just tender, enriching the dish with additional nutrients and a burst of natural sweetness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, frozen tortellini works well and is convenient for quicker preparation. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package.

→ What type of steak is best for this recipe?

Ribeye is ideal due to its marbling, but you can also use sirloin or flank steak as alternatives.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare the components separately and combine them just before serving.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream, although it will change the flavor slightly.