One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Season the steak: In a bowl, season the sirloin steak pieces with salt, black pepper, and paprika to ensure the meat is flavorful.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drain and reduce heat: Drain any excess liquid from the skillet and turn the heat down to medium in preparation for making the sauce.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
