If you love big flavor and easy cleanup, this One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe is about to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Tender steak bites, cheesy tortellini, and a rich, zesty cowboy butter sauce come together in under 30 minutes for a meal that’s bold, comforting, and impossible to resist. It’s the perfect combination of hearty, saucy, and satisfying—all cooked in a single skillet.
Why You’ll Love This Cowboy Butter Tortellini Dish
This recipe brings steak-night energy without the fuss. The steak bites sear beautifully in just minutes, and the cheesy tortellini soaks up every drop of buttery garlic goodness. The cowboy butter sauce—made with melted butter, garlic, lemon, herbs, and a touch of Dijon—adds the perfect zing. It feels indulgent, but it’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Whether you’re feeding the family, hosting casual guests, or just craving a comforting one-pan dinner, this dish delivers major flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the 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
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, 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
For the Pasta
- 12 oz cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
How to Make One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites
Step 1: Season the Steak
In a bowl, season the steak bites with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Tortellini
Boil the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes and Dijon mustard, then squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. Add parsley and chives, stirring to combine.
Step 5: Combine Tortellini and Sauce
Add the cooked tortellini to the cowboy butter sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Toss gently until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the pasta.
Step 6: Add the Steak Back In
Return the steak bites to the skillet and toss everything together. Serve warm with extra herbs or Parmesan if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Make it mild: Skip the red pepper flakes and reduce Cajun seasoning for a more kid-friendly version.
- Swap the protein: Chicken breast, turkey strips, or shrimp work beautifully.
- Use another pasta: Ravioli, gnocchi, or even standard pasta shapes will work.
- Add veggies: Spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or broccoli are great additions.
- Make it lemony: Add extra lemon juice or zest for a brighter, fresher flavor.
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve this dish right out of the skillet with a side of garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Storage:
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Not recommended for freezing because tortellini may become mushy.
One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites recipe combines juicy seared steak, cheesy tortellini, and a bold garlic-herb cowboy butter sauce. It’s rich, zesty, and comforting, all made in a single skillet for an easy, impressive dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Steak Bites
1 1/2 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
For the Pasta
12 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Season the steak bites with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the meat is evenly coated.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak bites in a single layer and sear until browned on all sides, about 3–4 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions in a pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the tortellini and set aside.
4. In the same skillet used for the steak, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
5. Add the red pepper flakes (if using) and Dijon mustard, then pour in the lemon juice. Stir to combine, then add the chopped parsley and chives to create the cowboy butter sauce.
6. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet with the cowboy butter sauce. Pour in the reserved pasta water and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss gently until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the tortellini.
7. Return the seared steak bites to the skillet and toss everything together until warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon if needed.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh herbs and Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and use a lighter hand with the Cajun seasoning.
You can substitute the steak with chicken breast, turkey strips, or shrimp for a different protein option.
Add veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or broccoli to make the meal even heartier and more colorful.
This recipe is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge and reheated with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 620
- Fat: 38
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Unsaturated Fat: 18
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 38
- Cholesterol: 140
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~620 |
| Protein | ~38g |
| Carbs | ~35g |
| Fat | ~38g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Sodium | ~620mg |
Final Thoughts
This One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites recipe brings bold flavor and weeknight convenience together in the most delicious way. With juicy steak, buttery garlic sauce, and cheesy pasta, it’s a comforting meal that feels special but takes very little effort. It’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your home!