One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe
This One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites recipe combines tender, perfectly seared steak bites with cheesy tortellini, all coated in a rich, flavorful cowboy butter sauce. Infused with bold Cajun spices, garlic, and fresh herbs, this hearty dish is cooked entirely in one skillet for an easy and satisfying meal in just 35 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Steak
- 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
Pasta
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package directions until tender but still firm to the bite. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the tortellini and set aside. This ensures the pasta is ready to absorb the cowboy butter sauce.
- Prepare the Steak Bites: Pat the steak cubes dry with paper towels. Season them 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 doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and melt the butter in the same pan. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, then add the chopped parsley and chives. Mix everything well to combine.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked tortellini and steak bites to the skillet. Toss them until well coated with the cowboy butter sauce. Add the reserved pasta water gradually as needed to create a silky, smooth sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Plate the dish immediately while hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, freshly chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of additional Cajun seasoning for color and spice. Serve right away to enjoy the rich flavors at their best.
Notes
- You can substitute sirloin or ribeye with other tender steak cuts like strip steak or filet mignon.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level or omit them for a milder dish.
- Fresh herbs add brightness; if unavailable, you can use dried parsley and chives but use sparingly.
- Reserve the pasta water carefully—it helps to loosen the sauce and bring creaminess without adding extra fat.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tortellini.
Keywords: cowboy butter, steak bites, tortellini, one-pan meal, easy dinner, Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, quick skillet recipe