Description
This One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe combines seared steak bites with cheese tortellini in a rich cowboy butter sauce for a flavorful weeknight meal.
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Reduce 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, mixing well.
- 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 hot garnished with extra Parmesan, freshly chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for color and spice.
Notes
For perfect results, heat the skillet well before searing and work in batches to avoid steaming the steak. Add the pasta water slowly to control sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American