Pin it 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 tried this Cajun chicken tortellini on a chilly evening when I wanted something comforting but with a punch of flavor. The blend of Cajun seasoning and Parmesan sauce quickly became a family favorite, and now it makes regular appearances on our dinner table.
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.
- Cook 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 skillet and set aside.
- Sauté 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 sauce:
- Sprinkle in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir, then pour in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Add Parmesan:
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine ingredients:
- 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.
Pin it Our kids love twirling tortellini with their forks and declaring whose bite has the most sauce. This dish always results in requests for seconds at our weekend dinners.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (tortellini), milk (cream, Parmesan, butter), eggs (tortellini may contain eggs). Always double-check tortellini packaging for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 620 calories, 29 g total fat, 53 g carbohydrates, 38 g protein.
Pin it This zesty Cajun chicken tortellini is best enjoyed hot with a sprinkle of fresh parmesan. Enjoy with crusty bread and a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best in this dish?
Cheese-filled tortellini is ideal as it complements the creamy Cajun garlic Parmesan sauce, but other filled pastas like ravioli can also work.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes increases the heat, while reducing Cajun seasoning will mellow the spice.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with seafood?
Yes, shrimp makes a great alternative offering a seafood twist that pairs well with the creamy, spicy sauce.
- → What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this dish?
Sauté bite-sized chicken pieces in olive oil and seasoning until browned and cooked through for juicy and flavorful meat.
- → How do I achieve a smooth and creamy sauce?
Simmer heavy cream with garlic and Cajun spices, then stir in freshly grated Parmesan until fully melted for a rich texture.