Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce

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Imagine the bold, savory flavors of a classic Philly cheesesteak combined with tender, cheesy tortellini — all cloaked in a luscious, velvety provolone sauce. That’s exactly what this Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce delivers: an indulgent, comforting pasta dish that feels both decadent and delightfully familiar.

The sauce wraps each tortellini in a creamy, cheesy embrace, while seasoned ground beef adds a hearty bite, perfectly mimicking the essence of a cheesesteak. With each forkful, you get a perfect balance of texture and taste — making this an ideal dish for cozy family dinners or for impressing friends at your next casual gathering.

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Why You’ll Love This Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce

• Quick and satisfying — Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family favorite — Combines beloved flavors of cheesesteak with the universal comfort of pasta.
• Rich and creamy — The provolone sauce is silky smooth, elevating the entire dish.
• Customizable — You can easily tweak the recipe with vegetables or different meats to suit your taste.
• Crowd-pleaser — Ideal for dinner parties or potlucks; everyone will ask for the recipe!

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Crafting Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce doesn’t require a professional kitchen — just a few key tools will help you achieve perfect results:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Essential for browning the beef and building the provolone sauce. A heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even heat distribution, helping prevent the sauce from scorching.
• Medium Saucepan: For boiling the tortellini. Using a pan large enough allows the pasta to cook evenly without clumping.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the beef and sauce. These utensils help you gently fold the cheese into the sauce without breaking it.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to balancing the richness of the cheese with the seasonings.
• Whisk: A whisk ensures the sauce stays creamy and smooth, helping to fully incorporate the melted cheese into the cream base.

Each of these tools plays a vital role in helping you create a velvety, flavorful sauce and perfectly cooked tortellini.

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Preparation Tips

• Preheat your pan before adding beef to achieve a good sear and develop flavor through browning.
• Cook tortellini just until al dente — they will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the sauce.
• Shred your own provolone if possible — pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of your sauce.
• Season in layers: Add salt and pepper gradually as you cook each component for a well-rounded flavor.
• Reserve pasta water: A splash can help adjust the sauce’s consistency if it thickens too much.

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Ingredients for This Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce

To bring this indulgent pasta dish to life, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean works perfectly for flavor and texture)
• 1 package (about 20 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated preferred)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 cup beef broth (adds depth and enhances the cheesesteak flavor)
• 1 cup heavy cream (for a rich, silky sauce)
• 1 ½ cups shredded provolone cheese (freshly shredded for best melting)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (adds umami and subtle tang)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Step 1: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil.
Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini).
Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the tortellini aside.

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Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the tortellini cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Once cooked, transfer the beef to a plate and drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.

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Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the butter.
Once melted, stir in the diced onion and cook until softened and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.

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Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and incorporate any flavorful bits.
Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream.
Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.

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Step 5: Melt the Provolone

Gradually add the shredded provolone to the sauce, whisking continuously until smooth and velvety.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

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Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
Add the drained tortellini and toss gently to coat each piece in the rich provolone sauce.

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Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Plate the tortellini and garnish with fresh parsley and an optional sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

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Notes

• Cheese Options: While provolone is the classic choice for this dish, you can experiment with adding mozzarella for extra meltiness or a touch of sharp cheddar for contrast.
• Meat Variations: Ground beef works perfectly here, but you can also use thinly sliced ribeye for a more authentic cheesesteak vibe or ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Vegetables: Sautéed bell peppers and mushrooms make excellent additions for added texture and flavor. Simply cook them with the onions and garlic.
• Sauce Consistency: If you like a thicker sauce, reduce the beef broth slightly or add a touch more cheese. For a thinner, silkier sauce, adjust with reserved pasta water.
• Spice It Up: Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat — adjust to your liking or omit altogether for a milder dish.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the Tortellini: Tortellini should be cooked just until al dente; overcooking will make them mushy and prone to breaking when tossed with the sauce.
• Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded provolone melts more smoothly. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that result in a grainy sauce.
• Skipping the Deglaze Step: Scraping the pan with broth captures flavorful browned bits — don’t skip this step for maximum flavor.
• Overheating the Sauce: Too high of heat can cause the cheese sauce to break or become oily. Simmer gently and whisk continuously.
• Forgetting to Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is a great tool to adjust the sauce’s texture at the end of cooking.

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What to Serve With Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce

This creamy, savory dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to round out your meal. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy dinner or an elevated spread, these options will complement the flavors beautifully.

8 Recommendations

1. Garlic Bread
   Crisp and buttery garlic bread is the perfect vehicle for soaking up that rich provolone sauce.
2. Simple Green Salad
   A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
3. Steamed Broccoli
   Tender broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing the richness of the dish.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Their caramelized flavor pairs exceptionally well with the savory notes of the cheesesteak tortellini.
5. Grilled Asparagus
   A quick grill or roast of asparagus adds a bright, earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
6. Sautéed Mushrooms
   Their umami depth enhances the cheesesteak vibes and adds an extra layer of flavor.
7. Caprese Salad
   Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil offer a vibrant and refreshing side.
8. Sparkling Water or Crisp White Wine
   A glass of sparkling water with lemon or a chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate.

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Storage Instructions

Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce stores quite well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

• Refrigerator: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
• Freezing: While it’s possible to freeze the dish, cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.

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Estimated Nutrition

Please note that exact values will vary based on brands and portion sizes used, but here is an approximate breakdown per serving (assuming 4 servings total):

• Calories: ~650 kcal
• Protein: 30–35 g
• Carbohydrates: 40–45 g
• Fat: 40–45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg
• Sodium: 800–1000 mg
• Fiber: 2–3 g
• Sugar: 3–4 g

This dish is rich and indulgent — perfect for a special comfort meal!

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Yes! While cheese tortellini adds a nice richness, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or even gnocchi if you prefer.

2. What’s the best type of provolone to use?

Look for sharp provolone if you enjoy a more robust flavor, or mild provolone for a smoother, creamier sauce.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving, adding a splash of cream or pasta water if needed.

4. How do I prevent the sauce from breaking?

Keep the heat at medium or lower when adding the cheese, and whisk continuously. Avoid boiling the sauce after the cheese is incorporated.

5. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the beef and sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach instead for a hearty vegetarian version.

6. Can I freeze this dish?

It can be frozen, but note that cream-based sauces may separate when thawed. For best texture, it’s recommended to enjoy fresh or store in the fridge.

7. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to refresh the sauce.

8. Can I add more veggies to this dish?

Of course! Bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or even peas make excellent additions. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic.

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Conclusion

Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce is an irresistible fusion of two comfort-food favorites — pasta and cheesesteak — brought together in a decadent, creamy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its bold flavors and creamy, cheesy goodness. Plus, with easy preparation and flexible ingredient options, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Enjoy every bite!

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