One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe

Ever craved a dish that wraps you in warmth with every bite?

This One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe is your answer! It combines perfectly seared steak bites, tender cheese tortellini, and a decadent cowboy butter sauce that will make you swoon. Best of all, this beauty cooks in a single pan, meaning fewer dishes to wash and more time to enjoy the goodness.

Why make this recipe

Thinking about why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table? Here’s the scoop:

• Easy cleanup! Who doesn’t love whipping up something delicious without a mountain of dishes waiting to be scrubbed?
• Quick to cook! For those busy weeknight dinners or unexpected gatherings, this dish serves up goodness in a flash.
• Family-approved! Packed with flavor and creamy richness, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds (or thirds… no judgment here!).

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 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
• 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
• 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

Directions

Ready to whip this up? Follow these simple steps:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

How to make One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe (Overview)

So here’s the rundown: start off by cooking the tortellini, which is just the right way to give it a chance to soak up that buttery goodness later. Once that’s done, you’ll sear the steak — golden brown perfection! Then, you’ll melt some butter, toss in those fragrant ingredients, and introduce everything back into the pan. Mix, melt, and voilà! Dinner is served!

Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference!

How to serve One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe

Dazzle your dinner guests by serving this dish with a fresh side salad drizzled in a light vinaigrette or some crusty bread to soak up the cowboy butter sauce. Imagine the crunch of greens complemented by that soft, creamy tortellini and succulent steak bites. The aroma will have everyone flocking to the table!

How to store One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe

Leftovers? You lucky duck! You can keep this dish in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing it — it’ll stay good for about 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth, and warm it gently to maintain that creamy texture.

Tips to make One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe

• Timing is everything: Ensure you have all your ingredients prepped before you cook to keep things flowing smoothly.
• Ingredient swaps: If you’re not a fan of steak, chicken or even shrimp work beautifully in this recipe!
• Make it pop: Adding a splash of cream to the sauce takes it to the next level of richness.
• Adjust the heat: Feel free to leave out or add more red pepper flakes to tailor the spice level to your liking.

Variation

Want to switch things up? Go for a vegan twist! Replace the steak with mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein, and swap out butter for olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. The same creamy goodness awaits!

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the tortellini and steak separately and combine them when you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for cheese tortellini?

Feel free to use any type of pasta you like — farfalle or penne work great too!

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! Just make sure you cool it down completely before transferring to an airtight container.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

This One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe features perfectly seared steak bites and tender cheese tortellini, all enveloped in a rich cowboy butter sauce, making for a cozy and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and clean up.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Steak Bites

• 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes Choose a cut that suits your preference for tenderness.
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste.
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• to taste Salt & black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter Use more for extra richness.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes Optional, for heat.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 Juice of 1 lemon Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Add more if desired.
• 0.5 cup reserved pasta water

For the Tortellini

• 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)

Method

 

Cook the Tortellini

1. 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.

Prepare the Steak Bites

1. 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.
2. 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

1. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet used for the steak. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Add parsley and chives, mixing well.

Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked tortellini and steak bites to the skillet. Toss until coated in the cowboy butter sauce.
2. Add reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky, smooth sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Serve

1. 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

For best flavor, don’t skip toasting the garlic. This dish is versatile; consider using chicken or shrimp instead of steak for a different twist.