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 on a chilly Friday evening. Everyone loved how the bold Cajun spices melded with the garlicky Parmesan sauce, making it an instant hit at our dinner table.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: 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
- 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
- Extra grated Parmesan: Optional for serving
Instructions
- Boil pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook 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 vegetables:
- 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 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.
- Finish:
- Cook for an additional 2 to 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 meal, with everyone asking for seconds and even requesting it for birthdays.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat and milk. Check cheese tortellini for egg ingredients and review packaging to ensure safety.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 620 calories, 29 g total fat, 53 g carbohydrates, 38 g protein.
Save This vibrant Cajun garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini brings a lively kick and creamy comfort to your dinner table. Enjoy every bite with loved ones.
Recipe Guide
- → What pasta works best in this dish?
Cheese tortellini offers a rich, creamy texture that complements the spicy sauce perfectly.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness level?
Yes, adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes increases heat, while reducing Cajun seasoning mellows it.
- → Is it possible to substitute the chicken?
Shrimp makes a great alternative, providing a seafood twist that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- → How should I cook the chicken to keep it tender?
Sauté chicken over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through without overcooking to retain juiciness.
- → Any recommendations for serving this dish?
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce and consider pairing with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.