One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe
A hearty and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender sirloin or ribeye steak bites seared and tossed with cheesy tortellini in a zesty cowboy butter sauce infused with garlic, Cajun spices, lemon, and fresh herbs. This easy-to-make recipe combines rich, savory flavors with a creamy sauce perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Steak Bites
- 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
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 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
Pasta
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions until tender but still firm to the bite. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. This ensures the pasta is ready to absorb the rich cowboy butter sauce after the steak is seared.
- Prepare the Steak Bites: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season evenly 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 doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet used for the steak. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Mix in the chopped fresh parsley and chives to enhance the sauce’s vibrant flavor.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked tortellini and steak bites to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to create a smooth, silky texture. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Plate the dish while hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, freshly chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for added color and spice. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye for the best flavor and tenderness, but you can substitute with other steak cuts if needed.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Fresh tortellini works best but refrigerated cheese tortellini is a convenient alternative.
- Reserve pasta water to help create a luscious sauce that clings to the tortellini and steak bites.
- For a richer taste, use unsalted butter and add salt gradually to control seasoning.
Keywords: cowboy butter, steak bites, tortellini, one-pan meal, Cajun seasoning, quick dinner, easy pasta
