Save to Pinterest 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 recipe on a night when we were craving something comforting with a little heat. The cheesy tortellini combined with spicy Cajun chicken quickly turned into a family favorite that everyone requests often.
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: extra grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté 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 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 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the 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 ingredients:
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Heat through:
- Cook for an additional 2 3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve:
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save to Pinterest We love making this recipe together on Sunday evenings. Everyone gets involved with chopping, stirring, and sprinkling on that extra cheese at the end.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains wheat from tortellini, milk from cream and Parmesan, and eggs that may be present in tortellini. Always confirm with packaging for dietary restrictions.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 620, Total Fat 29 g, Carbohydrates 53 g, Protein 38 g
Save to Pinterest This dish comes together beautifully in one pan and never fails to impress at dinner. Enjoy every zesty, cheesy bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the chicken with seafood?
Yes, shrimp makes a great alternative, providing a seafood twist while complementing the creamy Cajun garlic sauce.
- → How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes gradually to increase heat according to your preference.
- → What type of pasta works best with this sauce?
Cheese tortellini is ideal due to its shape and creamy filling that pairs well with the rich Cajun Parmesan sauce.
- → Is fresh Parmesan recommended or can pre-grated be used?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and adds a richer flavor, but pre-grated can be used in a pinch.
- → What sides complement this dish?
Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce, and a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely.