One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites is a simple, hearty dish that is both flavorful and satisfying. It combines juicy steak bites with cheesy tortellini in a rich butter sauce. The best part? It cooks in just one pan, making clean-up easy! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress without too much fuss. The blend of spices brings a wonderful depth to the dish, making every bite irresistible.

How to Make One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

Directions:

1. Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions until tender but still firm to the bite. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. Cooking the pasta first ensures it’s ready to soak up the rich cowboy butter sauce once the steak is seared.

2. Prepare the Steak Bites: Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season the steak with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest.

3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet used for the steak. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Add parsley and chives, mixing well.

4. Combine Everything: Return the cooked tortellini and steak bites to the skillet. Toss until coated in the cowboy butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky, smooth sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

5. Serve: Plate the dish while hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan, freshly chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for color and spice. Serve immediately.

How to Serve One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

This dish is best served warm. It’s great on its own or with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad. You can also pair it with a glass of red wine for a delicious dinner experience.

How to Store One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat. You may add a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce.

Tips to Make One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

• Make sure to pat the steak dry before seasoning to get a good sear.
• Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to fit your spice preference.
• Adding more veggies, like spinach or bell peppers, can enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition.

Variation

You can replace the steak with chicken or shrimp for a different protein choice. Using different types of cheese tortellini, like spinach or mushroom, can also give this dish a new twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package.

2. What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
You can use yellow mustard or simply skip it if you prefer a milder flavor.

3. Is the sauce too spicy?
If you’re concerned about spice, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. The dish will still be delicious!

One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

A simple, hearty dish combining juicy steak bites and cheesy tortellini in a rich butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 590

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Steak Bites

• 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning or to taste
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• Salt Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

For the Tortellini

• 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 cup reserved pasta water

Method

 

Cooking the Tortellini

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions until tender but still firm to the bite. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Preparing the Steak Bites

1. Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season the steak with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
3. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest.

Making the Cowboy Butter Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet used for the steak.
2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Add parsley and chives, mixing well.

Combining Everything

1. Return the cooked tortellini and steak bites to the skillet. Toss until coated in the cowboy butter sauce.
2. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky, smooth sauce.
3. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Serving

1. Plate the dish while hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan, freshly chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for color and spice.
2. Serve immediately.

Notes

This dish is best served warm. It’s great on its own or with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad. You can also pair it with a glass of red wine for a delicious dinner experience. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.