Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce

If you’re a lover of rich, creamy pasta dishes and the indulgent flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak, then Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce is about to become your new weeknight favorite. This dish combines the hearty, savory satisfaction of tender steak, sautéed onions, and peppers with pillowy cheese tortellini, all smothered in a luxuriously creamy provolone sauce. It’s the perfect marriage of Italian comfort food and American diner-style indulgence a dish that’s as impressive for a family dinner as it is for a cozy date night at home.

Whether you’re looking for something special to serve at a casual gathering, a weekend indulgence, or a creative twist on classic comfort foods, this recipe hits all the right notes: creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort: Combines the cheesy, meaty goodness of a Philly cheesesteak with rich, creamy tortellini.
• Quick and Easy: From stovetop to table in under an hour with minimal fuss.
• Customizable: Swap veggies, protein, or cheese to suit your taste.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the creamy cheese sauce and tender pasta.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 4–6

For the Tortellini:

• 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheesesteak Filling:

• 1 lb thinly sliced beef steak (ribeye or sirloin works well)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Provolone Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot (for boiling tortellini)
• Large skillet or frying pan (for the steak and veggies)
• Medium saucepan (for the provolone sauce)
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Fresh tortellini may only need 2–3 minutes; frozen tortellini typically takes 4–5 minutes.
3. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesesteak Filling

1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
3. Push the veggies to the side of the pan and add the steak slices. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned but still tender.
5. Stir the onions and peppers together with the steak, ensuring everything is well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Rich Provolone Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in 2 tbsp flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux, ensuring it doesn’t brown.
3. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
4. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup shredded provolone cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season with 1 tsp Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the provolone sauce.
2. Add the cheesesteak filling and stir until evenly distributed.
3. Serve immediately in bowls or on plates, garnished with extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute steak with mushrooms or seitan for a hearty meat-free version.
• Extra Veggies: Add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
• Cheese Swap: Use mozzarella or fontina instead of provolone for a slightly different flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortellini and flour for the sauce.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This dish is creamy, cheesy, and richly savory with the tender, meaty flavor of the steak perfectly balanced by sautéed onions and peppers. The provolone sauce adds a smooth, slightly nutty finish that ties everything together.

Drink Pairings:

• Wine: A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot complements the richness.
• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling water with a splash of lemon or iced tea.

Side Pairings:

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls
• Roasted or steamed vegetables

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	650
Protein	35g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fat	35g
Fiber	3g

Dietary Notes: High-protein, gluten-free adaptable, not vegetarian unless beef is substituted.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Tortellini: Cook ahead, toss with a bit of oil, and refrigerate.
• Cheesesteak Filling: Can be prepared and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Sauce: Best made fresh, but can be reheated gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen.
• Storage: Keep pasta and filling separate from sauce for optimal texture when reheating.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different cheese for the sauce?
A1: Absolutely! Mozzarella or fontina works well, but provolone provides the classic cheesesteak flavor.

Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A2: Yes! Swap steak with mushrooms, seitan, or plant-based meat substitutes.

Q3: How long will leftovers last?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: You can freeze the cheesesteak filling and sauce separately, but cooked tortellini may become mushy if frozen.

Q5: Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
A5: Yes, just sauté them slightly longer to release extra moisture before adding the steak.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Component	Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
Tortellini	5 min	5 min	10 min
Cheesesteak Filling	10 min	8 min	18 min
Provolone Sauce	5 min	8 min	13 min
Assembly	2 min	—	2 min
Total	—	—	~45 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve family-style in a large pasta bowl for a cozy dinner.
• Plate individually with extra grated provolone or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
• Add a side of roasted cherry tomatoes or a crisp Caesar salad for color and freshness.

Recipe Variations

1. Cheesesteak Tortellini Bake: Layer tortellini, filling, and sauce in a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
2. Skillet Version: Cook everything in a single large skillet and finish under the broiler for a cheesy crust.
3. Tortellini Salad: Chill leftover tortellini and steak, then toss with a light vinaigrette and arugula for a hearty pasta salad.

Ingredient Spotlight: Provolone Cheese

Provolone adds a slightly sharp, nutty, and creamy flavor that elevates the sauce. When selecting provolone:

• Look for freshly shredded or block cheese for best meltability.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge; it keeps well for 2–3 weeks.
• Combine with a touch of Parmesan for added depth.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Steak: Cut against the grain for tenderness.
• Sauce: Whisk constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth texture.
• Vegetables: Sauté over medium heat to develop natural sweetness.
• Assembly: Gently fold ingredients to prevent tortellini from breaking.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Fridge: Store filling, sauce, and pasta separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze steak filling and sauce individually for up to 2 months; avoid freezing cooked tortellini.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding milk if necessary to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	650	High-protein, comfort food
Protein	35g	Excellent source
Carbohydrates	45g	Moderate
Fat	35g	Rich, creamy sauce
Fiber	3g	Minimal from vegetables

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free adaptable with GF tortellini; can be made vegetarian with meat substitution.

Conclusion

Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce is the ultimate comfort food mashup that brings together the best of two worlds: Italian pasta and Philly cheesesteak. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory steak and veggies, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even a special occasion. With simple prep, customizable options, and meal-prep friendly potential, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Whether served straight from the skillet or baked to golden perfection, it’s indulgent, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious. So grab your tortellini, melt that provolone, and get ready to serve up a bowl of cozy, cheesy magic!

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