Zesty Cajun Garlic Chicken Tortellini (Printable)

Tender chicken and cheesy tortellini tossed in a creamy, spicy Cajun garlic Parmesan sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta

02 - 18 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 small yellow onion, diced

→ Dairy

06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

→ Oils & Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# Method:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with half the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Sprinkle remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika into the skillet. Stir to combine, then pour in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently.
05 - Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until fully melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
06 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add cooked tortellini. Toss gently to evenly coat with the sauce.
07 - Cook the mixture for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated thoroughly.
08 - Plate and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick weeknight meal packed with bold flavors
  • Fusion of creamy Parmesan sauce with spicy Cajun seasoning
02 -
  • Tortellini may contain wheat and eggs so check packaging if allergies concern you
  • Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with the creamy Cajun flavors
03 -
  • For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
  • Try substituting shrimp for chicken to change things up
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