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Delicious one-pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini with steak bites meal.
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Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

A delightful one-pan dish that combines succulent steak and creamy cheese tortellini in a rich, buttery sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: comfort food, Cowboy Butter, One-Pan Meal, Steak Bites, Tortellini
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550kcal

Ingredients

Steak Preparation

  • 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes Use your preferred cut of steak.
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning Adjust to taste.
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & black pepper To taste.
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Sauce and Tossing

  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes Optional, for heat.
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 Juice of lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  • 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup reserved pasta water Save before draining tortellini.

Instructions

Cook the Tortellini

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Prepare the Steak Bites

  • Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned steak bites and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness.
  • Remove steak from skillet and let it rest.

Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

  • In the same skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat until foamy.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
  • Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
  • Mix in chopped parsley and chives.

Combine Everything

  • Return the cooked tortellini and steak to the skillet. Toss until well-coated in the sauce.
  • If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is achieved.
  • Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Serve

  • Plate the dish while hot and garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Serve immediately.

Notes

Consider marinating the steak for a couple of hours for enhanced flavor. Add vegetables like bell peppers during the sauce stage, or swap steak for chicken or shrimp if desired.