Description
A delicious and quick one-pan meal featuring tender steak bites in a buttery sauce tossed with cheesy tortellini, ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Prepare the Steak Bites: Pat the steak cubes 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. Sear the steak bites for 2–3 minutes on each side until browned and cooked to your preferred level. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest.
- Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: Turn the heat down to medium. Melt butter in the same skillet. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Mix in red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir in parsley and chives.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked tortellini and steak bites into the skillet. Toss everything together in the cowboy butter sauce. Use the reserved pasta water to create a silky finish. Mix in Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and creamy.
- Serve: Plate while hot and garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for a pop of flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh with a crisp salad or garlic bread to soak up the sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: steak, tortellini, one-pan, quick dinner, buttery sauce