Description
This One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish combining tender steak cubes, cheesy tortellini, and a rich, garlicky cowboy butter sauce. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a hearty weeknight meal that packs bold Cajun-inspired flavors with the convenience of a single skillet.
Ingredients
Scale
Steak and Seasonings
- 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
Tortellini and Finishings
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye steak for the best tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps to create a smooth sauce texture.
- For a lower-fat version, reduce butter or substitute with a lighter fat, but flavor will vary.
- Fresh herbs like parsley and chives add brightness, but you can substitute dried herbs if needed, adjusting quantities.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: steak bites, tortellini, cowboy butter, one-pan meal, skillet dinner, Cajun seasoning, easy dinner, weeknight recipe
