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 on a busy night when everyone wanted something comforting but not the usual. The combo of Cajun spice with Parmesan was a hit—now it&squot;s the dish my friends request most.
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)
- Extra grated Parmesan: Optional, 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 7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- 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 Cajun 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 Pasta and Chicken:
- 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 This is always a favorite for a movie night at our house—a big bowl shared around the table brings everyone together.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with crusty bread and a refreshing green salad. A crisp white wine complements the spicy creamy sauce beautifully.
Variations
Try substituting shrimp for chicken or using a spinach tortellini for a twist. For extra heat, sprinkle cayenne or red pepper flakes over each serving.
Leftover Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream to keep the sauce smooth.
Save This Cajun chicken tortellini is a weeknight winner that&squot;s sure to become a family favorite.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes! Shrimp makes a delicious alternative, adding a seafood twist that pairs well with the Cajun flavors.
- → How do I add extra heat to this dish?
Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for additional spiciness. Adjust to your taste preference.
- → What type of tortellini works best?
Refrigerated cheese tortellini offers great texture and flavor, but you can use frozen or homemade as well.
- → Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes, you can make in advance. Reheat gently with a splash of cream to preserve smoothness in the sauce.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, and a fresh green salad or crisp white wine for balance.
- → Are there dairy-free options for the sauce?
Substitute coconut cream and a vegan Parmesan to make the sauce dairy-free, though flavor will vary slightly.