I have to tell you, making this One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites recipe was an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners. I love how everything cooks in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
The combination of tender steak, cheesy tortellini, and a rich, garlicky cowboy butter sauce is just irresistible. I found myself sneaking bites straight from the pan before plating!
If you enjoy simple one-pan meals, you might also like the Easy One-Pan Maple Glazed Salmon Recipe for a similarly effortless weeknight dinner. This dish feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Here’s everything I used to make this dish perfect. I’ll also share a few tips so your version comes out even better.
- 1½ lbs sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes – I prefer ribeye for extra juiciness. Pat dry to get a nice sear.
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning – adds a smoky, spicy kick.
- ½ tsp smoked paprika – deepens flavor without heat.
- ½ tsp garlic powder – enhances the fresh garlic in the sauce.
- Salt & black pepper, to taste – always season the steak generously.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – for searing the steak evenly.
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter – forms the base of the rich cowboy butter sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – use fresh garlic; it makes a huge difference.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes – optional, for a little heat.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard – adds tanginess to the sauce.
- Juice of 1 lemon – brightens the rich flavors.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – fresh herbs make the dish pop.
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped – adds a mild oniony note.
- 12 oz cheese tortellini – fresh tortellini works best; frozen can get soggy.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – freshly grated melts better and tastes richer.
- ½ cup reserved pasta water – helps create a silky sauce.
Note: several servings
Variations
You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
- Dairy-free: Substitute butter with vegan butter and Parmesan with a plant-based alternative.
- Spice level: Add more red pepper flakes or swap Cajun seasoning for chipotle powder.
- Protein swap: Chicken or shrimp works perfectly instead of steak. If you want a different chicken twist, the Baked Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe is a delicious alternative.
- Cheese swap: Try a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a gooey twist.
Cooking Time
This is a fast and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy evenings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Equipment You Need
Here’s what helped me cook this recipe effortlessly:
- Large skillet – essential for searing steak and tossing everything together.
- Pot – to boil the tortellini.
- Tongs – perfect for flipping steak bites without breaking them.
- Wooden spoon – for mixing the sauce gently.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping herbs and steak.
How to Make One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe
Cook the Tortellini
I started by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it was bubbling, I cooked the tortellini according to the package instructions until tender. Before draining, I reserved half a cup of pasta water—it helps make the sauce silky.
Season and Sear the Steak
I patted the steak cubes dry and seasoned them with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heating olive oil in a skillet, I seared the steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until they were browned and cooked to my liking. Then I removed them to rest.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, I reduced the heat to medium and melted butter. I added minced garlic and cooked it until fragrant, about a minute. Then I stirred in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, followed by chopped parsley and chives.
Combine Steak and Tortellini
Next, I added the cooked tortellini and steak back into the skillet. I tossed everything to coat it in the buttery sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to make the sauce silky. I stirred in Parmesan cheese last for a rich finish.
Plate and Garnish
I plated the dish while hot and garnished with extra Parmesan, parsley, and a light sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for color and spice. It looked restaurant-worthy and tasted even better!
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
From my experience, a few small tweaks make this dish shine:
- I always pat the steak dry; it helps get a perfect sear.
- Let the steak rest for a couple of minutes before adding it back to the skillet.
- I use fresh herbs instead of dried—they brighten the flavor beautifully.
- Adding pasta water gradually helps you control the sauce’s consistency.
- Don’t overcook the tortellini; it should be tender but not mushy.
How to Serve One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe
I love serving this dish straight from the skillet for a rustic feel. For a visually appealing plate:
- Garnish with extra parsley and Parmesan for a pop of color.
- Serve with a lemon wedge on the side for added brightness.
- Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for balance.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of what you’re getting per serving:
- Calories: ~550 per serving – rich but balanced.
- Protein: 35g – thanks to steak and cheese.
- Carbohydrates: 38g – mostly from the tortellini.
- Fat: 28g – from butter, olive oil, and cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storage
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Make sure to cool before sealing.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save it for later. I portioned mine into freezer-safe containers and froze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warmed it in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of pasta water to revive the sauce. Microwave works in a pinch, but the skillet keeps the texture better.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe quickly became a favorite, and here’s why:
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare – one pan and minimal cleanup.
- Flavorful and hearty – the cowboy butter sauce is rich, tangy, and garlicky.
- Versatile – you can swap proteins, make it dairy-free, or adjust spices.
- Perfect for weeknights or entertaining – impressive but simple.
- Comfort food with a twist – cheesy tortellini meets juicy steak in a buttery sauce.
One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- I started by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it was bubbling, I cooked the tortellini according to the package instructions until tender. Before draining, I reserved half a cup of pasta water—it helps make the sauce silky.
- I patted the steak cubes dry and seasoned them with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Heating olive oil in a skillet, I seared the steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side until they were browned and cooked to my liking. Then I removed them to rest.
- In the same skillet, I reduced the heat to medium and melted butter. I added minced garlic and cooked it until fragrant, about a minute. Then I stirred in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, followed by chopped parsley and chives.
- Next, I added the cooked tortellini and steak back into the skillet. I tossed everything to coat it in the buttery sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to make the sauce silky. I stirred in Parmesan cheese last for a rich finish.
- I plated the dish while hot and garnished with extra Parmesan, parsley, and a light sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for color and spice. It looked restaurant-worthy and tasted even better!
Notes
- I always pat the steak dry; it helps get a perfect sear.
- Let the steak rest for a couple of minutes before adding it back to the skillet.
- I use fresh herbs instead of dried—they brighten the flavor beautifully.
- Adding pasta water gradually helps you control the sauce’s consistency.
- Don’t overcook the tortellini; it should be tender but not mushy.
