Save to Pinterest A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy Cajun garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal with a spicy kick.
I first made this Cajun chicken tortellini when my family was craving something hearty and exciting without spending hours in the kitchen. The cheesy tortellini and punchy sauce brought everyone to the table with big appetites.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 large, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cheese tortellini: 500 g (18 oz), refrigerated
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Red bell pepper: 1 small, diced
- Yellow onion: 1 small, diced
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g), freshly grated
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Cajun seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional extra grated Parmesan: For serving
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with half the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables and aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce:
- Sprinkle in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Add Parmesan and combine:
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Return chicken and tortellini:
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Finish and serve:
- Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save to Pinterest This dish has become a family favorite, bringing everyone together for a comforting but exciting dinner with plenty of laughs and conversation around the table.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (in tortellini), milk (cream, Parmesan, butter), eggs (tortellini may contain eggs)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 620, Total Fat: 29 g, Carbohydrates: 53 g, Protein: 38 g
Save to Pinterest A sprinkle of extra Parmesan and parsley is the perfect way to finish this dish. Serve right away for the best creamy texture and flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I add more heat to this dish?
Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes during the sauce preparation to intensify the spiciness.
- → What can I substitute for chicken?
Swap chicken with shrimp for a delightful seafood variation that complements the creamy Cajun sauce.
- → What type of cheese works best with this dish?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, adding a nutty, sharp flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- → How should I cook the tortellini?
Boil tortellini in salted water according to package instructions, then drain and set aside before adding to the sauce.
- → Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy Cajun garlic sauce ahead and reheat gently before combining with freshly cooked chicken and tortellini.