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One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

Enjoy a buttery, savory dish that combines creamy tortellini with juicy steak bites for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Steak
  • 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
  • to taste Salt & black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce and Garnish
  • 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
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
  • 0.5 cup reserved pasta water Reserved from cooking tortellini

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package directions until tender but still firm to the bite. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Pat the steak pieces dry. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked to your liking. Remove and let rest.
  2. Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Stir in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, and mix in parsley and chives.
  4. Toss the cooked tortellini and steak bites back into the skillet, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Serving
  1. Plate while hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for that extra flair. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If freezing, note that the tortellini may lose some texture.