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One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini with Steak Bites served on a plate

Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

A creamy and savory one-pan dish featuring tender steak and cheesy tortellini in a rich buttery garlic sauce, perfect for quick family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Steak and Seasonings
  • 1.5 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning or to taste
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
Cooking Essentials
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Pasta
  • 12 oz cheese tortellini fresh or refrigerated
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.5 cup reserved pasta water

Method
 

Cook the Tortellini
  1. 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
  1. Pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
  2. 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
  1. Reduce heat to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
  3. Mix in parsley and chives.
Combine Everything
  1. Return the cooked tortellini and steak bites to the skillet. Toss until everything’s coated in the cowboy butter sauce.
  2. Add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky texture. Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes creamy.
Serve
  1. Plate the dish hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan, freshly chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don't skip toasting the garlic; it makes all the difference! Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to a month.