Garlic Steak Tortellini with Lemon Herb Butter

Name: Garlic Steak Tortellini with Lemon Herb Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz cheese tortellini; 1 lb flank steak; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for cooking

Highlighted under: Kitchen World | Global Eats

I absolutely love making Garlic Steak Tortellini with Lemon Herb Butter for a quick yet delicious dinner. The tender tortellini paired with juicy steak makes for a filling meal that’s bursting with flavor. The zesty lemon herb butter really elevates the dish, giving it a fresh and vibrant contrast to the richness of the steak. In just 30 minutes, I can have this delightful meal on the table, and it always impresses family and friends alike. It's become my go-to recipe for gatherings or an indulgent weeknight dinner.

Created by

Monicas

Last updated on 2026-02-16T15:34:19.694Z

When I first made Garlic Steak Tortellini with Lemon Herb Butter, I was amazed by how quickly it came together without compromising on flavor. The secret lies in using quality ingredients and preparing everything in an organized manner. I found that sautéing the garlic just until fragrant before adding the steak was crucial to prevent it from burning and making the dish bitter.

One tip I always share is to let the steak rest after cooking; this ensures that it retains its juices when sliced. Pairing the rich beef with a bright, zesty lemon herb butter is a game changer, and it has quickly become a favorite in my household. Each bite is an explosion of flavors that never fails to delight!

Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
The perfect combination of savory steak and creamy tortellini
Lemon herb butter adds a refreshing touch that brightens each bite
Quick and easy to prepare for a weeknight dinner or special occasion

Ingredient Insights

The choice of flank steak in this recipe brings a wonderful richness and flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the cheese tortellini. Flank steak is known for its robust taste and tenderness when cooked correctly. Make sure not to overcook it; for medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of about 130°F to 135°F. This ensures the steak remains juicy and flavorful, making a delightful contrast to the creamy tortellini.

Cheese tortellini acts as a fantastic base, absorbing the zesty lemon herb butter while also providing a creamy texture. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute with gluten-free tortellini, which are becoming more widely available. Just be cautious of the cooking times, as they can vary slightly between different brands.

Technique Tips

When cooking the tortellini, it’s important to maintain a rolling boil in the water, as this helps cook the pasta evenly. Stir gently but regularly to prevent the tortellini from sticking together. Once drained, consider tossing the tortellini with a splash of olive oil to keep it from clumping while you prepare the steak. This simple step ensures each piece stays distinct when it’s time to serve.

For the garlic butter sauce, pay attention to the timing when sautéing the minced garlic. Garlic can quickly go from fragrant to burnt in just a matter of seconds. Cook it until it's lightly golden and aromatic; this should take about 30 seconds. If you see it browning too fast, lower the heat to prevent a bitter flavor in your sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Ingredients

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s gather our ingredients.

Ingredients

12 oz cheese tortellini
1 lb flank steak
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
1 lemon, zested and juiced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Now that we have everything, let’s start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Cook the Tortellini

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Steak

Season the flank steak with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add the steak and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Remove from the skillet and let it rest.

Make the Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir in butter, lemon zest, and juice, cooking until the butter melts.

Combine and Serve

Slice the steak against the grain and return to the skillet along with cooked tortellini. Toss to combine and coat with the butter sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Your delicious Garlic Steak Tortellini with Lemon Herb Butter is ready to serve!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add seasonal vegetables to the dish for extra color and nutrition. Broccoli or asparagus make excellent additions.

Make-Ahead and Storage

If you're looking to prepare this dish in advance, you can cook the tortellini and steak separately, storing each in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the steak in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, and toss the tortellini in the lemon butter sauce to warm it back up without overcooking.

Freezing is also an option, but I recommend freezing the components separately to maintain texture. The cooked steak can be frozen for about 3 months; just ensure it’s wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. The tortellini can also be frozen fresh, but ensure you thaw it completely before cooking or reheating.

Variations and Additions

This recipe serves as a fantastic base for different flavor profiles. Try swapping flank steak for shrimp or chicken for a lighter alternative. Cooking times will vary; shrimp will need only a few minutes until they turn pink, while chicken breasts should be cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Herbs can be varied too; while parsley is great, you might experiment with fresh basil or dill. Both complement the lemon herb butter wonderfully. For added complexity, consider mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes into the butter sauce for a slight kick, elevating the dish's overall flavor profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta you prefer, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

→ Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely! Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for frozen tortellini.

→ What can I serve with this dish?

A simple green salad or garlic bread would pair wonderfully with this meal.