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 this Cajun Parmesan chicken tortellini on a hectic weeknight. With only one skillet and a pot, it came together fast and my family loved the spicy kick blended into the creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 large, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: 500 g (18 oz)
- Minced garlic: 3 cloves
- Diced red bell pepper: 1 small
- Diced yellow onion: 1 small
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g)
- 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
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, 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.
- 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 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 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 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 Cheese:
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine Chicken & Tortellini:
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Heat Through:
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve:
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save Sharing this meal with my kids is special because they love assembling their own bowls and sprinkling on extra cheese. It brings everyone to the table for a comforting night in.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with crusty bread to scoop up the sauce and pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Substitution Ideas
For a seafood twist, swap the chicken for shrimp, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Nutrition Information
Per serving: Calories 620, Fat 29 g, Carbohydrates 53 g, Protein 38 g
Save 
This zesty Cajun tortellini will spice up your dinner rotation and wow your family with creamy comfort. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Recipe Guide
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and sauté over medium-high heat until just cooked through to retain juiciness and tenderness.
- → Can I use fresh pasta instead of refrigerated tortellini?
Yes, fresh tortellini can be used; adjust cooking time as fresh pasta cooks faster than refrigerated versions.
- → What can I use to add more heat to the dish?
For extra spice, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce during cooking.
- → Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative while maintaining similar flavors.
- → What sides pair well with this creamy, spicy dish?
Serve with crusty bread to soak up sauce or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the flavors.