One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites
Ever dreamed of a dish that commands your taste buds while keeping kitchen cleanup easy-peasy? Say hello to one-pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites! This creamy, savory dish melds tender steak with cheesy tortellini and a buttery garlic sauce so rich, you’ll want to dive right in. Trust me; your dinner routine won’t be the same after this!
Why Make This Recipe
Why do you need to whip up this culinary masterpiece? Well, for starters, it’s a one-pan wonder—hello, minimal cleanup! Who wants to scrub a mountain of dishes after a long day? Plus, it’s an affordable meal that does not skimp on flavor, making it perfect for family dinners or surprise guests. And did I mention the whole thing is done in under 30 minutes? Sign me up!
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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
Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering dish:
Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until tender but still firm. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Steak Bites: Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet and let rest.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: 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. Mix in parsley and chives.
Combine Everything: Return the cooked tortellini and steak bites to the skillet. Toss until everything’s coated in the cowboy butter sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky texture. Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes creamy.
Serve: Plate the dish hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan, freshly chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Serve immediately.
How to Make One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites (Overview)
Let’s break it down, shall we? First, you’ll want to get that tortellini dancing in boiling water. While that’s bubbling away, season and sear the steak bites till they’re beautifully browned. Once the meat is resting, melt butter and sauté some garlic to make your Cowboy Butter Sauce shine. Toss everything together in the skillet, add some pasta water to make it saucy, and voilà! Dinner is served.
Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference!
How to Serve One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites
Plate this masterpiece up and watch the colors bloom on your table. The vibrant green of the herbs pops against the creamy, dreamy tortellini and juicy steak bites. Pair with a side salad to balance out the richness, or just dive right in — who’s judging? The aroma will have everyone flocking to the kitchen, ready to dig in!
How to Store One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites
Got leftovers? (Who are we kidding, you probably won’t!) This dish stays delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep the flavors intact. For those who like to meal prep, you can freeze the dish for up to a month. When it’s time to enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Just add a splash of water to keep it creamy!
Tips to Make One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites
- Timing is everything: Make sure your tortellini is cooked before the steak so you can toss everything together while still hot.
- Swap steak with chicken or shrimp! Why limit yourself to just one protein?
- If you like it spicy, crank up the red pepper flakes or add some chopped jalapeños.
Variation
Want to shake things up a bit? Consider using vegan cheese tortellini and swap out the steak for mushrooms or tofu for a delicious vegan twist! Add some seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for an extra nutritional punch.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cook time according to the package instructions. Frozen works like a charm!
2. How do I make this gluten-free?
Opt for gluten-free tortellini and ensure your seasonings are gluten-free too.
3. What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?
No problem! You can use Italian seasoning or make your own blend with classic herbs and spices for a different flair.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until tender but still firm. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet and let 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.
- Mix in parsley and chives.
- Return the cooked tortellini and steak bites to the skillet. Toss until everything’s coated in the cowboy butter sauce.
- Add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky texture. Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes creamy.
- Plate the dish hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan, freshly chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Serve immediately.
