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One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini with steak bites dish

One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

This One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites recipe is a quick, creamy dish perfect for busy weeknights, featuring tender steak and velvety tortellini in a flavorful cowboy butter sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Steak and Tortellini
  • 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & black pepper to taste Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Cowboy Butter Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 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 Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  • 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, then cook the tortellini according to the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Preparing the Steak Bites
  1. Pat the steak dry and season it with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until brown.
  3. Remove from heat and let rest.
Making the Cowboy Butter Sauce
  1. Reduce heat to medium.
  2. Melt the butter in the same skillet, and add the minced garlic, cooking until fragrant.
  3. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, then mix in parsley and chives.
Combining Everything
  1. Return the cooked tortellini and steak bites to the skillet, tossing until everything gets coated in that mouthwatering sauce.
  2. Add reserved pasta water for a silky texture and stir in the Parmesan cheese until it’s melty and creamy.
Serving
  1. Plate up the dish hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan, parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Enjoy!

Notes

Timing is key. Don’t overcook your steak — tender bites are the way to go. Feel free to adjust spices according to your heat tolerance — extra Cajun seasoning is never a bad idea!