Discover the perfect blend of hearty and comforting in this One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites dish. Juicy steak cubes are seared to perfection and tossed with cheesy tortellini, all smothered in a rich, zesty butter sauce bursting with garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh herbs. This meal is designed to satisfy your cravings while keeping dinner prep simple and quick.
Whether you’re enjoying a cozy weeknight dinner or welcoming guests with an impressive meal that requires minimal cleanup, this dish delivers bold flavors and creamy textures that will keep everyone coming back for more.
- Combines tender steak and cheesy pasta in one skillet for easy cleanup.
- The cowboy butter sauce offers a delicious balance of garlic, lemon, and smoky spices.
- A perfect weeknight meal that feels indulgent but comes together quickly.
- Fresh herbs add brightness that enhances the rich flavors.
Ingredients
- Sirloin or ribeye steak (1 ½ lbs): Cut into bite-sized cubes for quick, even searing and tender bites of juicy beef.
- Cajun seasoning (1 tsp): Adds a smoky, spicy kick that complements the steak and cowboy butter sauce.
- Smoked paprika (½ tsp): Provides mild smokiness and depth to enhance the savory flavor.
- Garlic powder (½ tsp): Delivers subtle garlic warmth that layers well with fresh garlic in the sauce.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the steak’s natural flavors.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used for searing steak bites, providing a high smoke point and rich flavor.
- Unsalted butter (6 tbsp): The base of the cowboy butter sauce, creating a creamy, luscious coating.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic intensity and sweetness.
- Red pepper flakes (½ tsp, optional): Adds subtle heat and a touch of complexity to the sauce.
- Dijon mustard (1 tsp): Introduces a tangy depth that balances the butter’s richness.
- Lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon): Brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness with fresh acidity.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Adds color and a fresh, herbal note to the sauce.
- Fresh chives (1 tbsp, chopped): Offers a mild onion flavor that complements the herbs and butter.
- Cheese tortellini (12 oz, fresh or refrigerated): Tender, cheesy pasta that soaks up the cowboy butter sauce beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Adds a savory, salty finish that melts into the sauce for extra creaminess.
- Reserved pasta water (½ cup): Used to adjust sauce consistency and ensure a silky texture.
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the tortellini until al dente, usually following package directions. Reserving some pasta water before draining allows you to create a silky sauce and bind the flavors perfectly later.
- Prepare the Steak Bites
Pat steak cubes dry to ensure a nice sear. Season evenly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for bold flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear steak for 2 to 3 minutes per side until browned but still juicy. Resting the steak bites keeps them tender and flavorful.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
Lower heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet used for steak to retain flavor bits. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant to build aroma, about one minute. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice for balanced heat, tang, and freshness. Fold in fresh parsley and chives to brighten the sauce visually and taste-wise.
- Combine Everything
Return cooked tortellini and steak bites to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat in the cowboy butter sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to a creamy, velvety consistency. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and silky for a cheesy finish.
- Serve
Plate while hot and garnish with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for an inviting presentation. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect texture and flavor of this hearty one-pan dish.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your taste preferences.
- Using fresh herbs is key to add brightness and elevate the flavor profile.
- Reserving pasta water helps achieve the perfect sauce texture and keeps it silky and smooth.
- Serving right away ensures the best texture, as the sauce thickens upon cooling.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness. A chilled glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay, complements the buttery and citrus flavors beautifully.
- Patting the steak dry is essential for a perfect sear and caramelized crust.
- Cook the steak bites in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan and steaming the meat.
- Fresh herbs added last keep their vibrant color and bright flavor intact.
- Using a mix of fresh and dried seasonings creates a layered and complex flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while cheese tortellini works best for its creaminess, you can substitute with other stuffed pastas or even cooked gnocchi.
- How do I know when the steak bites are cooked perfectly?
Sear steaks until browned on the outside but still juicy inside, about 2-3 minutes per side. Adjust time for desired doneness.
- Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta tortellini and ensure your seasonings and mustard are gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
- Is the red pepper flakes heat necessary?
No, it is optional. You can omit it if you prefer a milder sauce without spiciness.
- Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare and marinate the steak bites in advance and cook the tortellini ahead, but combine and serve fresh for best results.
- What can I substitute for fresh herbs if unavailable?
Dried herbs can be used, but use about half the amount and add earlier in the cooking to release flavors.
Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 large skillet
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 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
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook tortellini until tender but firm; reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Pat steak cubes dry and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until browned; set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium; melt butter in skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, and chives; mix well.
- Return tortellini and steak bites to the skillet and toss with the cowboy butter sauce.
- Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth sauce and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.
Notes
- Adjust the heat by varying Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
- Use fresh herbs for better flavor and color.
- Reserve pasta water to create a silky sauce.
- Serve immediately for best texture and taste.
