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 tried combining Cajun flavors with tortellini on a chilly evening. The whole family asked for seconds, and now it's a regular on our table whenever we crave a creamy, spicy pasta fix.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: 2 large, 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 extra grated Parmesan: for serving
Instructions
- Cook tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare 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 (5) to 7 (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 (3) to 4 (4) minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 (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 Parmesan:
- 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, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Finish and serve:
- Cook for an additional 2 (2) to 3 (3) minutes until heated through. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save The kids always ask for extra cheese on their bowls, which makes dinner feel extra special. This dish brings everyone together with its comforting flavors.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, eggs. Always check tortellini packaging for specific allergens before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 620 calories, 29 g total fat, 53 g carbohydrates, and 38 g protein.
Save Enjoy this zesty Cajun garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini for a bold, creamy twist on pasta night. Quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes, shrimp makes a great alternative, adding a seafood twist that pairs well with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- → How spicy is the Cajun seasoning in this dish?
The Cajun seasoning provides a moderate spicy kick, which can be adjusted with additional cayenne or milder seasoning preferences.
- → What pasta works best for this sauce?
Cheese tortellini is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, but other filled or shaped pastas can also complement the flavors well.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, components like cooked chicken and tortellini can be made in advance, then combined and reheated gently in the sauce before serving.
- → What side dishes pair well with this meal?
Crusty bread to soak up the sauce and a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, enhance the dining experience.