One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe

One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe is a delightful fusion of savory steak, rich butter, and tender tortellini that’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a weekend gathering. Picture this: juicy steak bites seared to perfection, then tossed with a luxurious buttery sauce and cheesy tortellini. This dish is not just about great flavor; it’s about how quickly and effortlessly it comes together, making it a true crowd-pleaser. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma wafted through my kitchen, bringing friends and family rushing to the table. Let me take you through why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation.

What Makes This Recipe Special

You’ll soon discover that the One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe is more than just another meal; it’s a blend of flavors and convenience that will win over even the pickiest of eaters. The combination of perfectly seasoned steak and creamy tortellini enveloped in a decadent butter sauce creates a luxurious dish that’s surprisingly simple and quick to make. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or looking for something easy yet impressive for a family meal, this recipe fits the bill.

“Every bite is an explosion of flavor! This one pan dish quickly became a family favorite!” – A Happy Home Cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Before diving into the ingredients and exact steps, here’s a quick overview of how to make this dish. First, you’ll want to cook your tortellini to ensure it’s ready for that rich cowboy butter sauce. Then, sear your steak bites until they’re beautifully browned. The secret lies in creating your cowboy butter sauce in the same skillet to capture all those lovely flavors before tossing the tortellini and steak together. It’s an effortless process from start to finish!

Everything You Need for This Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this robust meal:

• 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

Feel free to customize by using your favorite type of cheese tortellini, or even a mix of different pasta shapes!

Step-by-Step Directions

Now, let’s transform those ingredients into a mouthwatering dish:

1. Cook the Tortellini: 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. Prepare the Steak Bites: Pat your steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest.

3. Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Toss in parsley and chives.

4. Combine Everything: Return the cooked tortellini and steak bites to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the cowboy butter sauce. Use reserved pasta water to create a silky smooth sauce if needed. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

5. Serve: Plate the dish while it’s hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan, freshly chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.

Tips for Serving

To elevate your dining experience, serve the Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. A side of crusty bread can be perfect for soaking up the leftover sauce. Pair this dish with a robust red wine, like a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, to complement the rich flavors of the beef and butter.

Best Way to Store One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to bring back that creamy butter sauce. While I wouldn’t recommend freezing this dish, if you must, store it without the tortellini and freeze the sauce separately.

Pro Chef Tips

• To ensure your steak bites are restaurant-quality, let your meat rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making for a more tender bite.
• If you’re a fan of heat, feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes according to your taste. You might even want to add a dash of hot sauce to the cowboy butter sauce for an extra kick.
• Incorporate seasonal veggies like bell peppers or asparagus for added nutrition and color!

Creative Twists

Don’t be afraid to play around with this recipe. Substitute chicken or shrimp if you prefer a lighter protein. For a vegetarian option, consider tossing in some sautéed mushrooms or zucchini instead of the steak. You can also experiment with different herbs, like basil or thyme, to give it an entirely new character.

Your Questions Answered

Q: How long does it take to make this dish?
A: The entire process takes about 30 minutes, from start to finish, making it an ideal weeknight dinner.

Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes! Frozen tortellini works well; just be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times.

Q: How can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and omit the Parmesan cheese, or use a dairy-free cheese.

With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe is bound to become a staple in your home. Enjoy every savory mouthful!

One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A delightful fusion of savory steak, rich butter, and tender tortellini, perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Cook the tortellini: 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. Prepare the steak bites: Pat your steak pieces dry with paper towels. Season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to rest.
3. Make the cowboy butter sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Toss in parsley and chives.
4. Combine everything: Return the cooked tortellini and steak bites to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the cowboy butter sauce. Use reserved pasta water to create a silky smooth sauce if needed. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Serve: Plate the dish while it’s hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan, freshly chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.

Notes

Serve alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. Pair with a robust red wine for added flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: steak bites, tortellini, cowboy butter, quick dinner, one-pan meal