One Pan Steak Bite & Tortellini With Cilantro Lime Butter Swirl

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both impressive and incredibly easy? Look no further! This One-Pan Steak Bite & Tortellini with Cilantro Lime Butter Swirl is a flavor explosion that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender steak bites, perfectly cooked cheese tortellini, and a vibrant cilantro-lime butter sauce – all made in a single pan for minimal cleanup. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s perfect for anyone who loves a little zest in their life. We’ve used halal-certified tortellini to make this recipe accessible to everyone, but feel free to use your favorite brand. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 400g (14oz) Beef Sirloin: We recommend sirloin for its tenderness and flavor, but ribeye or tenderloin would also work beautifully. Cut into 1-inch bite-size cubes for quick and even cooking.
• 300g (10oz) Cheese Tortellini (Halal-Certified): Using cheese tortellini provides a comforting base for the dish. Halal-certified ensures it’s suitable for a wider range of dietary needs. Fresh or frozen tortellini can be used; if using frozen, ensure it’s thawed before adding to the pan.
• 2 Tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for its flavor and health benefits. It’s used for searing the steak, creating a lovely crust.
• 3 Tbsp (45g) Unsalted Butter, Divided: Butter adds richness and flavor to the sauce. We’ll be using it in two stages – some for sautéing aromatics and the rest for creating the luscious butter sauce.
• 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Freshly minced garlic is essential for a fragrant and flavorful base. Don’t skimp on the garlic!
• 1 tsp (5g) Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth to the steak and sauce. It’s a key ingredient for building complexity.
• ½ tsp (1g) Chili Flakes: A pinch of chili flakes provides a gentle heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference.
• ½ cup (120ml) Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich and velvety sauce that coats the tortellini and steak.
• ¼ cup (60ml) Fresh Cilantro Leaves, Finely Chopped, Plus Extra for Garnish: Fresh cilantro is the star of the sauce, providing a bright, herbaceous flavor. Make sure to chop it finely for even distribution.
• Zest of 1 Lime: Lime zest adds a vibrant citrus aroma and flavor. Use a microplane to zest the lime, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• 2 Tbsp (30ml) Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice balances the richness of the cream and butter, adding a tangy kick.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to Taste: Seasoning is crucial! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking throughout the cooking process.
• 2 Tbsp (20g) Toasted Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) for Garnish: Toasted pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting them enhances their flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few easy substitutions:

• Beef Sirloin: You can substitute with ribeye, tenderloin, or even chicken thighs.
• Cheese Tortellini: Spinach and ricotta tortellini or mushroom tortellini would also be delicious.
• Heavy Cream: Half-and-half can be used, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.
• Cilantro: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley can be used as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be different.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect One-Pan Steak Bites & Tortellini

1. Prepare the Steak: Begin by patting the beef sirloin cubes completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – steak benefits from a robust flavor base. Set aside while you prepare the other components.
2. Sear the Steak Bites: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal!) over medium-high heat. Ensure the oil is shimmering before adding the steak. Add the steak bites in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, aiming for a beautiful brown crust while keeping the inside slightly pink. Remove the seared steak to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
3. Build the Flavor Base: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! This step infuses the oil with a smoky, spicy aroma that will permeate the entire dish.
4. Cook the Tortellini: Pour in 1 ½ cups of water and increase the heat to bring to a gentle boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 3-4 minutes) until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Al dente means the tortellini should be firm to the bite, not mushy.
5. Create the Cilantro-Lime Butter Swirl: Once the tortellini are cooked, lower the heat to low. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, heavy cream, lime zest, lime juice, and the chopped cilantro. Stir gently but thoroughly to create a smooth, vibrant green butter sauce. The sauce should coat the pasta and absorb any remaining cooking liquid, creating a luscious emulsion.
6. Combine and Finish: Return the seared steak bites to the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the steak is reheated and evenly coated with the cilantro-lime butter swirl. Avoid overmixing, as this can break up the tortellini.
7. Season and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed. Remember that the tortellini already contains some salt, so taste before adding more. Plate immediately in shallow bowls, drizzle a thin extra spoonful of the cilantro-lime butter around the edge for visual appeal, and sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh cilantro leaves.

Why One-Pan Cooking Works Wonders

This recipe leverages the efficiency of one-pan cooking, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. By searing the steak in the same pan you cook the tortellini, you build layers of flavor from the fond (browned bits) left behind by the steak. The sauce then incorporates these flavorful remnants, creating a depth that would be difficult to achieve with separate cooking methods. The quick cooking time of tortellini also makes this a perfect weeknight meal.

Choosing the Right Steak for Bite-Sized Perfection

Sirloin is an excellent choice for this recipe due to its balance of flavor and tenderness. However, you can also use other cuts like ribeye (for a richer flavor) or tenderloin (for maximum tenderness). The key is to cut the steak into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Avoid tougher cuts like round steak, as they may require longer cooking times and won’t be as tender when cut into small pieces.

The Magic of Cilantro-Lime Butter

The cilantro-lime butter is the star of this dish, providing a bright, fresh counterpoint to the richness of the steak and cheese tortellini. The lime zest adds a fragrant citrus note, while the lime juice provides acidity that cuts through the fat. Fresh cilantro is essential – don’t substitute with dried cilantro, as the flavor will be significantly different. The butter emulsifies the sauce, creating a silky smooth texture.

Customizing Your Tortellini Experience

While cheese tortellini is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other flavors! Spinach and ricotta tortellini would add a lovely earthy note, while mushroom tortellini would complement the smoky paprika. Just be mindful of the overall flavor profile and choose a tortellini that will harmonize with the steak and cilantro-lime butter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make this ahead of time? While best served immediately, you can prepare the steak and sauce separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and combine just before serving.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? No, traditional tortellini contains gluten. However, you can use gluten-free tortellini as a substitute.
• What can I substitute for heavy cream? Half-and-half can be used, but the sauce will be slightly less rich.

This One-Pan Steak Bite & Tortellini with Cilantro Lime Butter Swirl is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later inspiration!

One Pan Steak Bite & Tortellini With Cilantro Lime Butter Swirl

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• Author: Jusmira Rayne
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: General

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Description

This recipe delivers a flavorful and easy One-Pan Steak Bite & Tortellini with a vibrant Cilantro Lime Butter Swirl, ready in under 30 minutes. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 400g (14oz) Beef Sirloin: Cut into 1-inch cubes
• 300g (10oz) Cheese Tortellini (Halal-Certified)
• 2 Tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil
• 3 Tbsp (45g) Unsalted Butter, Divided
• 3 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 tsp (5g) Smoked Paprika
• ½ tsp (1g) Chili Flakes
• ½ cup (120ml) Heavy Cream
• ¼ cup (60ml) Fresh Cilantro Leaves, Finely Chopped
• Zest of 1 Lime
• 2 Tbsp (30ml) Lime Juice
• Salt and Pepper to Taste
• 2 Tbsp (20g) Toasted Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) for Garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Steak: Pat steak dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Steak Bites: Sear steak in hot oil for 2-3 minutes per side.
3. Build the Flavor Base: Sauté garlic, paprika, and chili flakes in butter.
4. Cook the Tortellini: Cook tortellini in water until al dente.
5. Create the Sauce: Combine butter, cream, lime zest, lime juice, and cilantro.
6. Combine and Finish: Return steak to pan and toss with sauce.
7. Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning and garnish with pumpkin seeds and cilantro.

Notes

For optimal searing, ensure the steak is completely dry. Using a cast iron skillet is ideal for even cooking and flavor development.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Pan Fry
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 650 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg

Keywords: steak,tortellini,one-pan,cilantro lime,easy dinner,weeknight meal,beef,pasta