Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites: Rich, Savory Bites

Cowboy Butter Tortellini Steak Bites: Rich, Savory Bites

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz cheese tortellini
• 8 oz sirloin steak, cut into 1‑inch cubes
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Seasonings & Flavors

• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Optional

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Crumbled blue cheese
• Drizzle of hot honey
• Shaved Parmesan

Instructions

1. 1Prep Steak: Season steak cubes with salt, pepper, and paprika. Pat dry with paper towels; this ensures a good sear.
2. 2Sear Steak Bites: Heat a heavy skillet over medium‑high (about 400°F). Add butter, melt, then add steak. Sear 2–3 minutes, turning once, until dark brown crust forms. Watch for smoke; reduce heat if flames appear.
3. 3Cook Tortellini: Boil water, add tortellini, cook 2–3 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside; reserve a splash of cooking water.
4. 4Make Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream, simmer 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan, whisk until melted. If sauce looks too thick, add reserved pasta water.
5. 5Combine: Return steak and add tortellini to the sauce. Toss gently over medium heat 2 minutes until everything is glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
6. 6Finish & Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle fresh parsley or optional toppings. Serve immediately while butter‑glaze is shiny.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: Finish sauce with a knob of butter for extra gloss and richness.
• Best substitution: Use ribeye cubes for more marbling, but adjust cooking time to avoid over‑fat.
• Make-ahead: Sauce can be made a day ahead; reheat gently and add fresh cream before tossing.
• Scaling: Double all ingredients for 8 servings; use a larger skillet to avoid crowding.
• Troubleshooting: If steak is tough, it was overcooked; slice thinly against the grain and drizzle a little extra butter to add moisture.

Nutrition Per Serving