Zesty Cajun Garlic Chicken (Printer View)

Tender chicken and tortellini in a creamy, zesty Cajun garlic Parmesan sauce with fresh herbs.

# 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 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
10 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
12 - ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

→ Oils & Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
15 - Optional: extra grated Parmesan for serving

# 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. Add chicken pieces, season with half the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté diced onion and red bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Sprinkle in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir to combine, then pour in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
05 - Add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
06 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with drained tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
07 - Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
08 - Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick preparation for busy nights
  • Creamy, spicy, and cheesy in every bite
02 -
  • Tortellini may contain egg and wheat so check packaging if you have allergies
  • Cajun seasoning varies in heat level so adjust amount to taste
03 -
  • Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for extra heat
  • Substitute shrimp for chicken for a delicious seafood variation
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