Save 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 for my family after a busy workday, and everyone devoured it. The speedy cooking and rich, spicy sauce made it an instant favorite in our weeknight rotation.
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 tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown 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 7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make sauce:
- Sprinkle in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Add cheese:
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine:
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Heat through:
- Cook for an additional 2 3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve:
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save This dish quickly became our go-to comfort food after my kids gave it two thumbs up and asked for seconds. Sharing it together at the dinner table is something we all look forward to enjoying as a family.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, and eggs. Always check tortellini packaging for specific allergen information before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 620 calories, 29 g total fat, 53 g carbohydrates, 38 g protein.
Save This zesty pasta recipe brings family together with its bold flavor and creamy sauce. Don't forget to serve with crusty bread for the ultimate experience.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook chicken pieces over medium-high heat just until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcooking to keep them tender.
- → Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well; cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain before adding to the sauce.
- → How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?
The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate level of heat and smokiness, which can be adjusted by adding cayenne pepper or reducing seasoning amount.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
- → Is it possible to swap chicken for seafood?
Yes, shrimp can be used instead of chicken for a seafood variation; sauté shrimp briefly until just cooked before combining with the sauce.