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Creamy Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

Creamy Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites

Emily
Juicy steak bites with cheese tortellini in a rich, garlicky cowboy butter sauce. This one-pan dinner comes together in 30 minutes for the perfect weeknight meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 685 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Paper towels

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 pound refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 0.5 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  • Pat steak cubes completely dry with paper towels. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, tossing to coat evenly.
  • Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add steak bites in a single layer and sear undisturbed for 2 minutes until golden, then flip and cook 1-2 minutes more for medium-rare. Remove to a plate and let rest.
  • In the same skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up browned bits.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  • Add cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss to coat. Return steak bites with resting juices. Fold gently until evenly coated. Finish with fresh parsley.
  • Serve immediately with grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Use refrigerated fresh tortellini for best texture
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when searing steak for proper browning
  • Let steak rest before returning to pan to keep it juicy
  • Adjust sauce thickness with pasta water or extra cream as needed
Keyword Creamy Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites