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 for a busy Tuesday night, and everyone at my table loved the creamy, spicy flavors mixed with the cheesy tortellini. Now it is requested again and again when we want comfort with a kick.
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
- 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 Parmesan: Extra, 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.
- Add seasoning and cream:
- 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.
- Garnish and serve:
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save I love sharing this dish with my family because it brings everyone to the table for seconds, and there is always laughter over who gets the last bite of tortellini coated in the creamy Cajun sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, and serve with crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.
Nutritional Facts
Each serving provides around 620 calories, 29 g total fat, 53 g carbohydrates, and 38 g protein.
Tool Checklist
You will need a large pot, large skillet, chef's knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, and measuring cups and spoons for this recipe.
Save This tortellini is super satisfying and effortless. Whip it up when you want something cozy and full of punchy flavor.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What pasta works best with this dish?
Cheese tortellini is ideal as it complements the creamy, spicy sauce and adds a rich texture.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce excess liquid, or stir in a small amount of grated Parmesan to help thicken it.
- → Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Yes, shrimp makes a delicious alternative, offering a seafood twist that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
- → What side dishes pair well with this entree?
Crusty bread to soak up the sauce and a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complement the flavors nicely.
- → How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?
The Cajun seasoning adds a moderate spicy kick. For more heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- → Is it necessary to use fresh Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides a richer, creamier flavor which enhances the sauce significantly.