One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe

Introduction

This one-pan cowboy butter tortellini steak bites recipe is a decadent dinner that combines juicy, medium-rare sirloin with tender cheese tortellini. All tossed together in a rich garlic butter sauce brightened with lemon and a kick of cayenne, it’s a bold and creamy meal perfect for a comforting night in.

Ingredients

• 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into small pieces
• 12 ounces cheese tortellini
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the sirloin steak pieces with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Add the steak pieces and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until browned but still medium-rare, then transfer to a plate.
4. Step 4: Pour ½ cup water into the skillet and bring to a simmer, then add the tortellini.
5. Step 5: Cover the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the tortellini is al dente.
6. Step 6: Drain any excess liquid from the skillet and reduce heat to medium.
7. Step 7: Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet and stir until the butter is melted.
8. Step 8: Stir in the parsley, chives, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper to create the cowboy butter sauce.
9. Step 9: Return the steak pieces to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
10. Step 10: Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, let the steak marinate briefly with the paprika, salt, and pepper before cooking.
• Swap the cheese tortellini for spinach or mushroom tortellini for a different twist.
• Add a splash of white wine when simmering the tortellini for deeper richness in the sauce.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened. Avoid microwaving directly to maintain the texture of the steak and tortellini.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of steak?

Yes, sirloin is great for this recipe, but you can also use ribeye or strip steak. Just adjust the cooking time to avoid overcooking thinner cuts.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free tortellini or substitute with gluten-free pasta shapes. Double-check that other ingredients like broth or seasonings are also gluten-free.

One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe

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4.4 from 147 reviews

This One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites recipe features juicy sirloin steak pieces seared to medium-rare, combined with pillowy cheese tortellini in a rich garlic-butter sauce laced with fresh herbs, lemon, and a touch of cayenne for a bold and creamy flavor. Perfect for an impressive yet simple dinner, it comes together quickly in a single skillet for easy cleanup.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Steak and Seasoning

• 1 pound sirloin steak, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Pasta

• 12 ounces cheese tortellini
• 1/2 cup water

Cooking and Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Season the steak: In a bowl, season the sirloin steak pieces with salt, black pepper, and paprika to ensure the meat is flavorful.
2. Sear the steak: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak pieces and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes, until browned on the outside but still medium rare on the inside. Then, transfer the steak to a plate to rest.
3. Cook the tortellini: Pour 1/2 cup water into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Add the cheese tortellini and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the tortellini is tender but still has a slight bite.
4. Drain and reduce heat: Drain any excess liquid from the skillet and turn the heat down to medium in preparation for making the sauce.
5. Make the cowboy butter sauce: Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously until the butter is melted and combined with the garlic, releasing fragrant aromas.
6. Add herbs and spices: Stir in chopped parsley, chives, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper into the skillet to create a vibrant, slightly spicy cowboy butter sauce that coats the tortellini perfectly.
7. Combine steak and sauce: Return the cooked steak pieces to the skillet. Toss everything well to evenly coat the steak and tortellini with the garlic butter sauce.
8. Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the dish hot right from the skillet for a comforting and hearty meal.

Notes

• Use sirloin steak for its tenderness and flavor, but other tender cuts like ribeye or tenderloin can also work.
• Be careful not to overcook the steak; medium rare ensures juiciness and tenderness.
• Covering the skillet while cooking the tortellini helps steam it evenly.
• Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference or omit for a milder sauce.
• Fresh herbs add brightness; substitute with dried herbs if fresh aren’t available but reduce quantities accordingly.
• This recipe is best served immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

Keywords: steak bites, cowboy butter, tortellini, one-pan meal, garlic butter sauce, skillet dinner