why make this recipe

This dish brings steak, cheese tortellini, and a rich cowboy butter sauce together in one pan. It cooks fast and cleans up fast. You get a filling meal with bold flavors. If you want a simple side or snack idea, try this easy snack for later: easy snack idea.

introduction

This One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites recipe is simple and tasty. Steak bites get a quick sear and then mix with tortellini in a buttery garlic sauce. The lemon and herbs brighten the dish. It works for weeknights or a quick dinner for guests. For a light dessert after the meal, see this quick dessert.

how to make One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

Follow the steps below. Cook the pasta first, then sear the steak, make the sauce in the same pan, and toss everything together. Keep heat moderate so the butter does not burn. Use the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

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.
Prepare the steak bites: Pat the 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 heat. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness. Remove steak and set aside.
Make the cowboy butter sauce: Reduce heat to medium, melt butter in the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice; add parsley and chives.
Combine everything: Return cooked tortellini and steak to the skillet. Toss until coated in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency. Stir in Parmesan until melted.
Serve: Plate hot, garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley, and serve immediately, optionally with a side salad or garlic bread.

how to serve One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

Serve hot from the pan. Add extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. Pair with a green salad or steamed vegetables. Garlic bread or a crusty roll works well to soak up the sauce.

how to store One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

Cool the dish to room temperature within two hours. Put in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Do not freeze the dish — the creaminess may change.

tips to make One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

Pat the steak dry so it browns well.
Do not overcrowd the pan when searing. Work in batches if needed.
Use fresh tortellini for best texture. If using frozen, add a minute or two to cook.
Save the pasta water — it helps the sauce stick to the tortellini.
For a balanced meal, serve with a light salad or try an easy side like this kid-friendly treat.

variation (if any)

Swap sirloin with ribeye for more fat and flavor.
Use chicken bites instead of steak for a milder dish.
Add mushrooms or spinach to the skillet when you make the sauce.
Make it spicy by increasing red pepper flakes or adding hot sauce.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes. Cook frozen tortellini per package directions. Drain and use as directed.

Q: How do I know when the steak is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium. Or cut a small piece to check.

Q: Can I make the sauce without butter?
A: You can use olive oil, but the flavor will change. Butter gives the cowboy butter its rich taste.

Q: What if the sauce is too thick?
A: Add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach the right texture.

Q: Can I prepare parts ahead?
A: Yes. Cook tortellini and refrigerate separately. Sear steak just before serving and make the sauce fresh.

Conclusion

This one-pan recipe gives a quick, rich meal you can make any night. For a similar cowboy butter idea focused on steak bites, see Cowboy Butter Steak Bites – I Am Homesteader for more tips and a related take on the sauce: Cowboy Butter Steak Bites – I Am Homesteader.

One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

Author: kaoucheegmail-com
Total Time: 35
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and delicious one-pan dish featuring steak bites, cheese tortellini, and a rich cowboy butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cook the tortellini according to package directions in salted boiling water. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Pat steak dry and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sear in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side. Remove steak and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, then stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Add parsley and chives.
Return tortellini and steak to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed for consistency and stir in Parmesan until melted.
Plate hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve immediately with sides if desired.

Notes

For best texture, use fresh tortellini. Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the steak.

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 20
Category: Main Course
Method: Searing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: steak bites, tortellini, cowboy butter sauce, one-pan meals