Why Make This One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a delightful meal that is easy to prepare and packed with flavors, look no further than this One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites recipe. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and rich taste. With juicy steak bites tossed in a garlic-infused cowboy butter sauce, combined with cheesy tortellini, it’s comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it all cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!
How to Make One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe
Making this One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Start by cooking the tortellini, which serves as the perfect base to soak up the flavorful cowboy butter sauce. Next, sear the seasoned steak bites until they’re beautifully browned. The real magic happens when you melt the butter, mix in the aromatic garlic, and combine everything for a luscious, savory dish that brings everything together in harmony.
Ingredients:
- 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
Directions:
Cook the Tortellini
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions until tender but still firm to the bite. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. After cooking, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the tortellini and set aside. Cooking the tortellini first ensures it’s primed to soak up the rich cowboy butter sauce after the steak is seared.
Prepare the Steak Bites
While the tortellini cooks, pat the steak pieces dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season the steak with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the steak bites in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a plate.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet used for the steak, add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the optional red pepper flakes, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Add the parsley and chives, mixing everything well.
Combine Everything
Return the cooked tortellini and steak bites back to the skillet. Toss everything until the tortellini and steak are coated in the flavorful cowboy butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve a silky, smooth consistency. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes creamy.
Serve
Plate the dish hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan, freshly chopped parsley, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning for an extra pop of color and spice. Serve immediately and watch this dish disappear!
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 570
- Total Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 32g
How to Serve One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe
This delightful dish can serve up as a hearty dinner option or an impressive dish at gatherings. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the cowboy butter sauce. You might also consider serving it alongside a glass of red wine to complement the flavors of the steak and spices perfectly.
How to Store One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe
To store any leftovers, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Expert Tips for Perfect One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites Recipe
- Meat Matters: Choose a good cut of steak for optimum flavor and tenderness. Ribeye offers more fat, while sirloin is leaner.
- Timing is Key: Ensure the steak rests after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, leading to a more succulent bite.
- Custom Spice: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to fit your spice preference. You can also try replacing it with Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Sauce Control: Don’t hesitate to add more butter for a richer sauce or more pasta water if you prefer a saucier dish.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the steak with grilled mushrooms or sautéed veggies for a vegetarian twist.
- Creamy Spin: For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream just before combining everything.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like basil or thyme to change up the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly! Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for best results.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
To turn up the heat, add more red pepper flakes, or even sliced jalapeños when making the cowboy butter sauce.
3. What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Conclusion
With its hearty ingredients and approachable cooking method, this One-Pan Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites recipe stands out as a fantastic choice for any weeknight dinner or special occasion. The delightful combination of steak, tortellini, and rich cowboy butter sauce will surely steal the show. Try it out, and don’t forget to share your results! We’d love to hear how it turned out for you—happy cooking!