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