If you’re looking for a dish that feels both indulgent and cozy, the Holiday Steak & Tortellini Skillet Recipe is where it’s at. I love how it strikes the perfect balance between hearty steak, fresh veggies, and that silky cheese tortellini, all coming together in one skillet. It’s a fantastic one-pan meal that feels special enough for festive dinners but easy enough for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without a ton of fuss.

What makes this Holiday Steak & Tortellini Skillet Recipe stand out for me is the kick of flavor from the Parmesan Garlic sauce paired with Heath Rile’s Garlic Butter Seasoning—those little touches totally transform the dish into something unforgettable. Plus, it’s incredibly flexible, so if you ever want to swap out veggies or switch up the protein, it’s all good. I’m excited to share how simple it is to nail this recipe at home so you can impress your family or just treat yourself to a gourmet vibe without the stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this skillet recipe all play nicely together, creating layers of flavor and texture you’ll love. I always recommend grabbing fresh veggies and good-quality steaks, but don’t stress if you find some ingredients on sale or want to tweak things a bit.

Strip steaks: Choose well-marbled ones for juicy, tender bites; they sear beautifully in the skillet.
Avocado oil or olive oil: Both have good heat tolerance—avocado oil is great if you want a neutral taste.
Sliced onion: Adds sweetness and depth, caramelizes perfectly in the pan.
Large zucchini: Gives a fresh, mild crunch and brightens up the dish.
Grape tomatoes: They burst with juicy sweetness, balancing the savory steak.
Frozen cheese tortellini: A lifesaver—you just boil it quickly and toss it in; no rolling or stuffing needed.
Shredded Parmesan cheese: For that comforting, salty finish that ties everything together.
Buffalo Wild Wing’s Parmesan Garlic sauce: This sauce adds creamy, garlicky goodness and a hint of spice—feel free to substitute with your favorite Parmesan sauce or make a quick homemade version.
Heath Rile’s Garlic Butter Seasoning: I love this seasoning blend—it layers on rich garlic and buttery richness that makes every bite pop.

Variations

I’m a big fan of making this recipe my own, and there are so many ways you can customize the Holiday Steak & Tortellini Skillet Recipe to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge. Don’t be shy—experimenting is half the fun!

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out steak for chicken or even shrimp if that’s what I have on hand—it still tastes amazing and cooks quickly.
Vegetarian twist: Skip the steak and double up on zucchini and tomatoes or add mushrooms and spinach for a veggie-packed version.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce with the Parmesan Garlic sauce to heat things up.
Cheese swaps: Try fresh mozzarella or ricotta instead of Parmesan for a creamier texture.

How to Make Holiday Steak & Tortellini Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Steaks to Perfection

Start by patting your strip steaks dry and seasoning them generously with Heath Rile’s Garlic Butter Seasoning. Heat a tablespoon of avocado or olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers—this hot oil is key to a good sear. Cook the steaks about 3-4 minutes per side depending on thickness for medium-rare, but trust your instincts or use a meat thermometer (around 130°F). Once done, transfer them to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest. Resting is crucial because it lets the juices redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion and cook over medium heat until it starts to soften, about 3-5 minutes. Add the large zucchini next, stirring occasionally until it’s just tender but still has some bite, about 4 minutes. Then, add the grape tomatoes and cook until they’re warm and beginning to burst—this sweetens the dish and brings bright color. Don’t rush here; letting the veggies develop a little caramelization adds an extra layer of flavor you’ll notice in every bite.

Step 3: Prepare and Add the Tortellini

While the veggies cook, bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook the frozen cheese tortellini according to the package directions—usually around 3-5 minutes until they float to the top. Drain well, then add them straight into the skillet with the veggies. This is such a great shortcut to get pasta perfectly tender without all the extra fuss.

Step 4: Finish with Sauce and Cheese

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the Buffalo Wild Wing’s Parmesan Garlic sauce. Stir everything gently to coat the steak, tortellini, and veggies evenly. Slice the rested steaks into strips and nestle them back into the skillet. Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded Parmesan cheese over the top—it melts into that creamy sauce beautifully. Let it all simmer for a minute or two so the flavors marry, but be careful not to overcook the steak at this stage.

How to Serve Holiday Steak & Tortellini Skillet Recipe

This image shows a close-up of two plates filled with a pasta and meat dish on a white marbled surface. The front plate has a black and white checkered pattern and holds one layer of yellow tortellini pasta mixed with browned beef chunks, red cherry tomatoes, and grilled green zucchini slices. The pasta has a slightly shiny, cooked texture with some white grated cheese sprinkled on top. The beef pieces are browned and appear tender with a rough surface. Cherry tomatoes are whole and bright red, scattered evenly throughout. Behind it, there is a plain white rectangular plate filled with a similar mix of the same ingredients, showing a thick layer of beef cubes, tortellini, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini, all mixed closely together. The lighting is natural, coming from the left, highlighting the food’s textures and colors well. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top to add a pop of color and freshness—it really brightens the dish. A drizzle of extra Parmesan Garlic sauce or a few red pepper flakes amps up the flavor if you want more kick. Sometimes I add a little freshly cracked black pepper right before serving for that simple, rustic finish.

Side Dishes

This skillet is a meal in itself, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad—something with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is another favorite here; you’ll want something to soak up that luscious Parmesan Garlic sauce. If you want to go lighter, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts complement the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I sometimes transfer everything to a beautiful cast-iron skillet or an oven-safe dish and finish it under the broiler just to crisp up the cheese a little. Setting the skillet right at the table creates such a cozy and inviting vibe—your guests are always impressed! Adding holiday-themed garnishes like some pomegranate seeds or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds both texture and a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. If you want, you can separate the steak from the tortellini and veggies to keep textures fresher, but in my experience, it holds together pretty well as a whole. Just make sure the skillet is completely cooled before refrigerating to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing this Holiday Steak & Tortellini Skillet Recipe a couple of times—best to freeze it without cheese for longer freshness, then add fresh cheese when reheating. Portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s great to have on hand for busy days when you want a quick meal that tastes homemade.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep things moist. Microwaving works in a pinch, but you might lose some of the fresh deliciousness and texture. If you’ve frozen it, let it thaw completely first, then reheat as above. Adding a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and a quick stir just before serving revives the flavors nicely.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini gives this dish its creamy filling and unique texture, you can substitute with ravioli, gnocchi, or even small pasta shapes like penne or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly and drain well before mixing with the skillet ingredients.
What if I don’t have Heath Rile’s Garlic Butter Seasoning?

No worries! You can make a simple substitute by mixing garlic powder, salt, a pinch of butter flavoring or finely minced fresh garlic, and a little parsley or Italian seasoning. This DIY blend gives you that garlicky buttery punch that’s central to the recipe.
How do I know when the steak is cooked just right?

I rely on a meat thermometer for the best results. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F, and remember to let the steak rest after cooking. If you don’t have a thermometer, the steak should feel slightly springy when pressed but not too firm.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a holiday gathering?

Yes! Prepare the steak and veggies ahead, but wait to combine with the tortellini and sauce until just before serving to keep textures fresh. You can even cook the tortellini a bit underdone and finish cooking everything together at mealtime.
Is this recipe suitable for kids or picky eaters?

Definitely! The cheese tortellini and mild vegetables usually win over picky palates, and you can always leave out or reduce the Parmesan Garlic sauce’s spice level. Cutting the steak into small pieces helps, too, making it manageable for little hands.

Final Thoughts

This Holiday Steak & Tortellini Skillet Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something comforting yet fancy-feeling without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe I’m happy to share with friends because it’s approachable, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Once you try making it, I bet it’ll become a staple in your recipe lineup too––perfect for holidays, weeknight dinners, or whenever you’re craving that cozy, delicious satisfaction on a plate.