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 pasta on a busy evening when I craved comfort food with a little kick. The cheesy tortellini and Cajun sauce won everyone over instantly. It's now a family favorite for hectic nights!
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 large boneless skinless, 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, plus extra for serving if desired
- 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
- Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh, for garnish
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 and season with half the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5 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 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. Simmer gently, stirring frequently.
- Add Parmesan and combine:
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine tortellini and chicken:
- Return chicken to the skillet with cooked tortellini. Toss gently so everything is coated in the sauce.
- Finish and serve:
- Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save Gathering around the table for this dish instantly sparks lively conversation. The aroma alone promises a comforting meal everyone will dig into together.
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). Double-check tortellini packaging for specifics.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 620, total fat 29 g, carbohydrates 53 g, protein 38 g.
Save This creamy Cajun chicken tortellini delivers dinner satisfaction every time. The combo of cheesy pasta and zesty sauce makes it irresistible.
Kitchen Questions
- → Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?
Yes, shrimp works well as a substitute and pairs nicely with the creamy Cajun garlic Parmesan sauce for a seafood variation.
- → What type of pasta works best here?
Cheese tortellini is ideal for absorbing the rich sauce, but other filled or short pasta shapes can also be used.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes will increase heat; reduce Cajun seasoning for a milder flavor.
- → Is this dish suitable for a quick meal?
Yes, it combines quick-cooking chicken and pasta with a fast-prepared sauce, ready in about 40 minutes total.
- → What sides complement this dish?
Crusty bread helps soak up the sauce, and a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc enhances the flavors.