One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites (Easy 30-Minute Meal)

If you’re craving bold flavor without the fuss, these One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites check every box. Tender seared steak, pillowy tortellini, and a rich cowboy butter sauce loaded with garlic, lemon, paprika, and fresh herbs come together in a sizzling, satisfying dish ready in just 30 minutes. This recipe is the perfect mix of comfort food and steakhouse flair, all made in a single pan for easy cleanup and weeknight practicality.

One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Servings:

4

Calories:

730 per serving

Ingredients

• 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch bites
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
• 4 tbsp butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Season the steak: Pat the steak bites dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and half the smoked paprika.
2. Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Sear the steak bites in a single layer for 2–3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer to a plate.
3. Cook the tortellini: In the same skillet, add 1 cup of water, 1 tbsp butter, and the tortellini. Cover and steam-cook for 4–5 minutes until tender.
4. Make the cowboy butter: Push the tortellini aside and melt the remaining 3 tbsp butter. Add garlic, chili flakes, mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and chives. Stir to combine.
5. Combine: Return the steak bites to the pan and toss gently in the cowboy butter until glossy and coated.
6. Finish: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with extra herbs on top.

Substitutions & Dietary Swaps

Swap sirloin for ribeye or New York strip for a richer bite. For a lighter option, use chicken breast or shrimp, adjusting cooking time accordingly. Cheese tortellini may be substituted with spinach tortellini or gluten-free filled pasta. To reduce spice, skip the chili flakes and use sweet paprika.

Chef’s Pro Tips

• Patting steak dry ensures maximum browning and flavor.
• Don’t crowd the pan work in batches if needed for a proper sear.
• Fresh lemon zest brings brightness to balance the buttery richness.
• Use fresh tortellini for best texture and fastest cooking time.

Make Ahead, Storage & Reheating

This dish can be prepped ahead by cutting and seasoning the steak and chopping the herbs. Once cooked, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Steak too tough? It was likely overcooked. Stick to quick, high-heat searing.
• Tortellini mushy? Fresh tortellini cooks fast watch closely.
• Butter splitting? Reduce heat slightly before adding lemon juice.

Flavor Pairings & Serving Suggestions

7-Step Creamy Sausage & Potato Chowder Recipe

One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

These One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites combine juicy seared steak, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a bold, garlicky cowboy butter sauce for a complete 30-minute dinner made in a single skillet.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 730

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Steak Bites

• 1 lb sirloin steak, cut into 1-inch bites
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika divided use (half for steak, half for sauce if desired)
• 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper plus more to taste

Cowboy Butter Tortellini

• 1 lb cheese tortellini fresh or refrigerated
• 1 cup water
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp chili flakes adjust to taste
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• extra salt and black pepper to taste, for finishing

Equipment

• Large skillet
• Tongs

Method

 

1. Pat the steak bites dry with paper towels. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, tossing until evenly coated. Let sit while you heat the pan.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the steak bites in a single layer without crowding the pan.
3. Sear the steak bites for 2–3 minutes per side, until deeply browned on the outside and cooked to your preferred doneness. Transfer the steak to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
4. In the same skillet (do not wipe it out), add the water, 1 tablespoon of the butter, and the cheese tortellini. Stir to coat, then cover and cook over medium heat for 4–5 minutes, stirring once, until the tortellini are tender and most of the liquid has reduced.
5. Push the tortellini to one side of the pan. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons butter to the empty side and let it melt over low to medium-low heat. Stir in the minced garlic, chili flakes, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant, then stir in the chopped parsley and chives.
6. Gently toss the tortellini in the cowboy butter sauce until well coated, then return the seared steak bites and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Toss everything together until the steak is warmed through and glossy with sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon if needed.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh herbs and a pinch of chili flakes if you like extra heat.

Notes

For extra richness, use ribeye or strip steak instead of sirloin. You can swap cheese tortellini for spinach tortellini or use gluten-free filled pasta if needed. To reduce heat, reduce or omit the chili flakes and rely on the smoked paprika for gentle warmth.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes! add 1–2 extra minutes of cook time.
2. Can I make this less spicy? Omit chili flakes or use mild paprika.
3. What steak cut works best? Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak.
4. Is this good for meal prep? Yes, but keep sauce separate for best texture.
5. Can I make the cowboy butter ahead? Absolutely! store chilled for up to 5 days.
6. Can I add vegetables? Spinach, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes work well.

Conclusion

These One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites deliver buttery heat, rich steakhouse flavor, and weeknight convenience in every bite. Make it once, and it’ll quickly become your go-to “impress everyone” dinner. If you enjoyed this recipe, explore more bold and comforting dishes in our full collection!