Holiday Steak & Tortellini Skillet Recipe

There’s just something about a one-pan meal that feels like magic, especially when it’s this Holiday Steak & Tortellini Skillet Recipe. It’s cozy, comforting, and packed full of flavors that remind me of festive dinners at my family’s house, except way easier to pull off on a weeknight. If you want a dish that’s hearty enough for steak lovers yet approachable for pasta fans, this one hits the spot every time.

What I love most is how the creamy cheese tortellini plays so well with the juicy, seared strip steaks and a vibrant mix of fresh veggies. This Holiday Steak & Tortellini Skillet Recipe is worth trying not just for the taste but because it’s a fantastic way to create a fabulous meal with minimal cleanup — perfect if you’re juggling holiday prep or just want something fast and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing fresh, quality ingredients can really elevate this skillet dish. I recommend grabbing the best strip steaks you can find and keeping your veggies vibrant but simple. The frozen cheese tortellini is a lifesaver here—quick to cook yet big on flavor!

• Strip steaks: Look for steaks around 1-inch thick; they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Avocado or olive oil: Both handle high heat well, helping you get a perfect sear on the steak.
• Sliced onion: Adds a sweet savoriness as it caramelizes in the skillet.
• Large zucchini: Offers a refreshing crunch and soaks up flavors beautifully.
• Grape tomatoes: Burst with juicy sweetness when cooked, balancing the savory elements.
• Frozen cheese tortellini: Convenient and creamy, no need to make pasta from scratch here!
• Shredded Parmesan cheese: The ultimate finishing touch for a salty, cheesy boost.
• Buffalo Wild Wing’s Parmesan Garlic sauce: This sauce is a secret weapon—rich, garlicky, and totally addictive.
• Heath Rile’s Garlic Butter Seasoning: Adds a buttery, garlicky kick that ties everything together.

Variations

While I love the classic combo here, I’m all about making this recipe your own. Trust me, a few tweaks to suit your taste or dietary needs can make this dish even more exciting.

• Variation: Swap the strip steaks for chicken breasts to lighten it up; I once made this for a holiday lunch, and my family loved the change!
• Dairy-free option: Use a vegan cheese tortellini and skip the Parmesan or sub nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the sauce phase to up the heat.
• Seasonal veggies: I often throw in mushrooms or spinach during colder months for extra heartiness.

How to Make Holiday Steak & Tortellini Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sear your steaks to perfection

Start by heating your avocado or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your strip steaks generously with Heath Rile’s Garlic Butter Seasoning—this adds amazing flavor and helps build that crust you want. Place the steaks in the skillet and let them sear without moving for about 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. The key here is patience; don’t poke or flip too often or you’ll lose that beautiful sear. Once cooked to your liking, remove the steaks and set them aside to rest—this keeps the juices locked in.

Step 2: Cook veggies and prepare tortellini

In the same skillet, toss in your sliced onions and zucchini. Cooking in the leftover steak goodness amps up the flavor instantly. Sauté the veggies until they’re tender and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Next, add the grape tomatoes and give everything a quick stir to allow them to soften and burst just a bit. In the meantime, boil your frozen cheese tortellini in salted water according to package directions—usually around 3 to 4 minutes—and drain.

Step 3: Bring it all together with sauce and cheese

Lower the heat and stir the Buffalo Wild Wing’s Parmesan Garlic sauce into the veggie mixture. This sauce is the star that brings creamy garlic and Parmesan flavors to each bite. Then, add the drained tortellini back into the skillet and mix gently to coat everything evenly. Slice your rested steaks into strips and nestle them in on top. Finally, sprinkle a generous handful of shredded Parmesan cheese over everything and let it melt into the warm skillet—pure comfort on a plate.

How to Serve Holiday Steak & Tortellini Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes, a few extra Parmesan shavings on top are just perfect for those cheese lovers.

Side Dishes

Since the skillet is pretty loaded already, I often keep sides simple. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully. If you’re feeling festive, roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic bread can round out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special occasions, I like presenting this dish in an attractive cast iron skillet right at the table. Adding a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme on top makes it look extra festive. You could even serve individual portions in small skillets or ramekins for a fun, personalized touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal even better! Just be sure to keep the sauce and steak components together so nothing dries out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this skillet a couple of times, and while the texture of the zucchini softens a bit, it’s still delicious. Use freezer-safe containers and freeze in single or family-sized portions. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using a skillet on medium-low heat to gently warm everything without drying out the steak. Adding a splash of water or broth helps keep moisture in. You can also pop it in the microwave covered, but I find the skillet method keeps the texture and flavor closest to fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Holiday Steak & Tortellini Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that brings warmth to the table in the most effortless way. It’s a crowd-pleaser in my home and has saved me more than once when I wanted something delicious but didn’t have hours to cook. I hope you give it a try soon and find it as comforting and satisfying as I do—like a little celebration on a plate any day of the year.

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