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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
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
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.