This recipe makes a hearty, quick weeknight meal. The steak bites and cheese tortellini cook fast and mix with a buttery garlic sauce. If you like simple steak dishes, try the garlic steak bites with buttery perfection for another easy option.
Why make this recipe
- It cooks in one pan for fewer dishes.
- It is rich and filling with a bright lemon finish.
- You can make it in about 30 minutes.
- Kids and adults both like the cheesy tortellini and tender steak.
How to make One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini until tender but firm to the bite. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set pasta aside.
- Prepare the steak bites: Pat steak pieces dry. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear steak bites 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked how you like. Remove steak and let rest.
- Make the cowboy butter sauce: Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Add parsley and chives and mix.
- Combine everything: Return tortellini and steak bites to the skillet. Toss to coat in the cowboy butter. Add reserved pasta water as needed to make a smooth sauce. Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley or Cajun seasoning.
Ingredients :
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 :
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 serve One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe
Serve hot straight from the pan. Add extra grated Parmesan and fresh parsley on top. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables pair well. Offer lemon wedges if someone wants extra brightness.
How to store One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe
Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Tips to make One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe
- Pat steak dry so it browns well.
- Do not overcook tortellini; slightly firm is best.
- Use the reserved pasta water little by little to get a smooth sauce.
- Let steak rest a few minutes before adding back to keep it juicy.
- For a lighter version, use less butter or swap some butter for olive oil.
- For a different protein try the easy air fryer chicken bites and follow the same sauce steps.
Variation
- Swap steak for cooked chicken or shrimp.
- Add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veg.
- Use spicy Cajun seasoning or mild seasoning to fit your taste.
- Try different cheese-filled pastas like ravioli instead of tortellini.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes. Follow package instructions and do not overcook. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
Q: How do I know when steak bites are done?
A: Cook 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare depending on cube size. Use a meat thermometer if unsure (about 135°F for medium-rare).
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can cook components ahead, but combine and reheat just before serving for best texture.
Q: Can I make it less spicy?
A: Yes. Omit red pepper flakes and use less Cajun seasoning.
Q: Is this freezer friendly?
A: The sauce and pasta may change texture after freezing. It’s best refrigerated and eaten within 3 days.
Conclusion
For a similar creamy one-pot take with step-by-step notes, see this one-pot creamy cowboy butter steak and tortellini cooking steps. You can also compare variations and saved recipes at this one-pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites – Cooked.wiki.
One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites
Ingredients
Steak and Seasoning
- 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes Sirloin or ribeye works best for tenderness.
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning Adjust according to taste.
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- to taste Salt & black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cowboy Butter Sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced Freshly minced for best flavor.
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Juice of lemon Adds freshness.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Pasta
- 12 oz cheese tortellini Can be fresh or refrigerated.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese For a creamy finish.
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water Use as needed for sauce consistency.
Instructions
Cook the Tortellini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini until tender but firm to the bite. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Prepare the Steak Bites
- Pat steak pieces dry. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Remove steak and let rest.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
- Lower heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Add parsley and chives and mix well.
Combine Everything
- Return tortellini and steak bites to the skillet. Toss to coat in the cowboy butter. Add reserved pasta water as needed to make a smooth sauce. Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Serve
- Plate the dish while hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.