Introduction
Suppose you’ve ever wished you could combine the bold, savory flavors of a Philly cheesesteak with the comforting bite of cheesy tortellini. In that case, this Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need!
» I’m Chef Antonio Morelli, and when I first created this dish, my kitchen was filled with the irresistible aroma of sizzling steak, peppers, and creamy provolone sauce—it was impossible to resist tasting it before plating.
This dish is rich, indulgent, and surprisingly approachable. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe will become a family favorite.
So, let’s dive into the recipe!
🔑 Why You’ll Love This Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe
» A crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
» Customizable with your favorite proteins or vegetables.
» Silky, creamy provolone sauce that clings to every tortellini bite.
» Quick enough for weeknights, indulgent enough for special dinners.
» It perfectly combines Philly cheesesteak flavors with pasta comfort food.
🍳 Kitchen Equipment For This Cheesesteak Tortellini
Here’s the quick list you need for the Kitchen Equipment for your Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe:
» Serving spoon/tongs
» Measuring cups & spoons
» Chef’s knife & cutting board
» Large pot & colander (for tortellini)
» Wooden spoon, spatula, and whisk
» Large skillet & medium saucepan (for steak, veggies, and sauce)
» Optional: garlic press, food thermometer, non-stick skillet
» Chef tip: “Using a large enough skillet ensures the steak and veggies cook evenly without overcrowding, and it makes tossing the pasta in the sauce much easier!”
Ingredients For Cheesesteak Tortellini & Provolone Sauce Recipe
👉 Tortellini and Pasta Base
♥ 1 lb fresh or frozen cheese-filled tortellini
♥ Optional: spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini for variety
👉 Steak and Veggies
♥ 1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin steak
♥ 1 green and 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
♥ 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
♥ 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
👉 Provolone Cream Sauce
♥ 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
♥ 1 ½ cups heavy cream
♥ 3 tbsp unsalted butter
♥ 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional for thickening)
♥ Salt, black pepper, & red pepper flakes[optional]
Instructions for The Cheesesteak Tortellini in Provolone Sauce Recipe
👉 Step 1: Prepare & Boil Tortellini
♥ First, take a large pot and add salted water; bring to a boil.
♥ According to the package instructions, cook tortellini until al dente.
♥ Make sure to reserve ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce, then drain the extra water and set it aside.
👉 Step 2: Prepare The Steak
♥ First, pat the steak dry with a paper towel and season gently with salt and pepper.
♥ Now, take a large skillet and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium flame.
♥ Sear steak slices for 2–3 minutes until browned but still tender.
♥ Remove and set aside on a plate.
👉 Step 3: Cook The Vegetables
♥ In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil.
♥ Sauté onions, red and green bell peppers until softened (5–6 minutes).
♥ Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
👉 Step 4: Make Provolone Sauce
♥ Now, take a medium saucepan and melt butter over a medium flame.
♥ Whisk in flour and cook for at least 1 minute.
♥ Slowly pour in heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth.
♥ Stir in shredded provolone (and Parmesan if using) until melted and creamy.
♥ Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
👉 Step 5: Combine Everything
♥ Add cooked steak, veggies, and tortellini to the skillet.
♥ Pour over provolone sauce and gently toss to coat.
♥ You can add reserved pasta water to reduce the thickness of the sauce if required
👉 Step 6: Serve, Garnish & Enjoy!
♥ Plate the pasta hot.
♥ Garnish with chopped parsley and extra provolone or Parmesan.
♥ Serve immediately for the best flavor.
» Chef tip: “Make sure the sauce is smooth and warm when combining—it makes every bite silky and indulgent!”
Best Tortellini & Provolone Sauce Tips To Consider
👉 Tortellini Tips
» Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh tortellini cooks faster and has a tender bite; frozen works too—just add 1–2 extra minutes to boiling time.
» Cheese Filling: Cheese-filled tortellini (ricotta or mozzarella) works best; for extra richness, mix ricotta with Parmesan.
» Cooking: Boil until al dente to maintain structure when tossed in creamy sauce.
» Optional Twist: Spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini adds texture and flavor variation.
👉 Provolone Sauce Tips
» Melting Cheese: Add provolone gradually to warm cream, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
» Cream Base: Heavy cream or half-and-half creates a silky, indulgent texture.
» Thickening: An optional roux (made from butter and flour) helps achieve a thicker sauce without separating.
» Flavor Enhancers: Season with salt, pepper, garlic, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for depth.
» Consistency: You can use reserved pasta water to reduce the thickness of the sauce, if required.
» Chef Tip: “For the creamiest provolone sauce, low-medium heat and patience while melting cheese are key!”
Ingredient Substitutes For Cheesesteak Tortellini Recipe
Here are some Quick Ingredient Substitutes for your Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe:
» Quick Ingredient Substitute!
| Original Ingredient | Quick Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ribeye or Sirloin Steak | Chicken breast, ground beef, or Italian sausage | Adjust cooking time for protein |
| Cheese-filled Tortellini | Spinach or mushroom tortellini, ravioli, or gnocchi | Keeps dish cheesy and hearty |
| Provolone Cheese | Mozzarella, Fontina, or Gouda | Meltable, creamy alternatives |
| Heavy Cream | Half-and-half or whole milk + 1 tbsp butter | Slightly lighter sauce |
| Bell Peppers | Zucchini, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers | Adds texture and flavor |
| Yellow Onion | Shallots or red onion | Slightly sweeter flavor |
| Garlic Cloves | 1 tsp garlic powder | Quick option for weeknights |
| Butter | Olive oil or ghee | For sautéing and sauce base |
| Flour (for roux) | Cornstarch slurry | Gluten-free thickening alternative |
| Parsley (for garnish) | Basil, chives, or oregano | Adds fresh herb flavor |
Make Perfect Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
Here are concise yet exclusive tips for making the perfect Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe:
» Use tender steak, sliced thin against the grain.
» Boil tortellini al dente to avoid mushiness.
» Sauté onions, peppers, and garlic until soft.
» Serve immediately for the best creaminess.
» Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
» Add mushrooms or spinach for extra texture.
» Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water.
» Melt provolone slowly into cream for a smooth sauce.
» For a quick version, swap steak with rotisserie chicken.
» You can add salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to season.
🥄 Recipe Tips & Variations
Protein Swaps
» Chicken, ground beef, or Italian sausage work well instead of steak.
» Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
Flavor Boosts
» Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra veggies.
» Splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce enhances umami depth.
» Use sharp provolone for a bolder, cheesier flavor.
Make-Ahead & Storage
» You can keep it in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
» Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
» Avoid freezing, as the sauce may separate.
🌿 Garnish & Reheating Tips
Garnish Tips
» Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, basil, or chives for color and freshness.
» Add a little extra shredded provolone or Parmesan for cheesy indulgence.
» A few red pepper flakes give a subtle heat.
Reheating Tips
» Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
» Stir occasionally to evenly warm tortellini and steak.
» Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent sauce separation.
What to Serve with Cheesesteak Tortellini & Provolone Sauce
♥ Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
♥ Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
♥ Roasted asparagus or broccoli
♥ You can serve with red wine or sparkling water
» Chef tip: “A light salad balances the richness of the provolone sauce—trust me, it’s worth the pairing!”
Best Alternate Recipes You Can Also Try Today!
» Philly Cheesesteak Pasta Bake – A baked version with melty cheese and pasta layers.
» Creamy Chicken Alfredo Tortellini – Swap steak for chicken in a rich Alfredo sauce.
» Beef and Cheese Stuffed Shells – Tortellini alternative with ricotta and provolone.
» Cheesy Spinach and Sausage Tortellini – Add sausage and spinach for a hearty twist.
» One-Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Beef – Simple, creamy, and perfect for weeknights.
» Steak and Mushroom Skillet Pasta – Quick one-pan creamy steak pasta with mushrooms.
» Olive Garden Tour Of Italy Recipe
» Steak Bites & Creamy Alfredo Tortellini
» Garlic Butter Steak Lightning Noodles
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
♥ Calories: 580 kcal
♥ Protein: 28g
♥ Carbs: 52g
♥ Fat: 28g
♥ Fiber: 3g
♥ Calcium: High (thanks to provolone cheese)
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil tortellini until al dente, reserve pasta water.
- Sear seasoned steak slices, set aside.
- Sauté onions, peppers, and garlic until tender.
- Make provolone cream sauce with butter, flour, cream, and cheese.
- Toss steak, veggies, and tortellini in sauce, adjust with pasta water.
- Garnish with parsley and extra cheese, serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute chicken or sausage for steak.
- Use pasta water to thin the sauce if too thick.
- Garnish with parsley, basil, or extra cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it spicy?
Yes! Add red pepper flakes while sautéing veggies or a dash of hot sauce to the provolone sauce for a subtle, balanced heat.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended; the creamy provolone sauce may separate. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of cream.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Absolutely! Swap steak with mushrooms, spinach, or roasted peppers. Add extra cheese or plant-based protein to keep it rich and satisfying.
Can I use chicken instead of steak?
Yes! Chicken breast or shredded rotisserie chicken works well and cooks faster, yielding a similar creamy, cheesy texture while maintaining the dish’s hearty and flavorful character.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus complement the creamy pasta perfectly and balance the richness of the provolone sauce.
What pasta works besides tortellini?
You can use ravioli, stuffed shells, or gnocchi as alternatives. Ensure they are cooked al dente before combining with the sauce to avoid mushy pasta.
How can I make this sauce smoother?
Add cheese gradually into warm cream and stir continuously. Use medium-low heat to avoid clumping and whisk gently for a silky, velvety texture.
My Final Thoughts
This Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce Recipe perfectly marries the bold flavors of Philly cheesesteak with indulgent, cheesy tortellini. From the tender steak and sweet peppers to the creamy, dreamy provolone sauce, it’s comfort food at its finest.
» As a chef, I love seeing how a simple twist—like adding tortellini to a classic cheesesteak—can transform dinner into a gourmet experience.
Try this cozy recipe tonight and watch it disappear from the table faster than you can say “cheesy perfection”! Don’t forget to share it with your family and friends—good food is meant to be shared. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, share them with me in the comment section below! – I’d love to get back! Till then,
Happy Cooking!
