Description

This One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites recipe combines tender, juicy steak bites with cheesy tortellini, all coated in a rich, buttery cowboy butter sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a kick of Cajun seasoning. Perfect for a hearty and flavorful dinner, this skillet meal is quick to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

Steak Bites

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

Tortellini & Garnish

12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

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 to prepare for mixing with the sauce and steak bites.
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 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 to combine all the flavors.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked tortellini and steak bites to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything until coated well in the cowboy butter sauce. Add the reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky, smooth sauce that evenly coats the tortellini and steak. Stir in the grated 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 added color and spice. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

You can use either sirloin or ribeye steak depending on your preference for tenderness and flavor.
Adjust Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes according to your heat tolerance.
Fresh tortellini works best but refrigerated cheese tortellini is fine as well.
Reserve pasta water to help make the sauce smooth and silky without thinning it out too much.
For a stronger herb flavor, add more parsley and chives or garnish with extra fresh herbs.
Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture of the steak bites and cheesy tortellini.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: steak bites, tortellini, cowboy butter sauce, one-pan meal, skillet dinner, Cajun seasoning, easy steak recipe