Pin It 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 hectic work night and the spicy creaminess won rave reviews from my family. The quick cooking tortellini and saucy chicken make it an instant favorite for anyone craving comfort with a bold twist.
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 grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook 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 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:
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Finish:
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve:
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Pin It Last weekend, my kids helped stir the sauce and sprinkle parsley, making dinner a fun, spicy family event!
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (tortellini), Milk (cream, Parmesan, butter), Eggs (tortellini may contain eggs). Always double-check tortellini packaging for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 620 Protein: 38 g Total Fat: 29 g Carbohydrates: 53 g (per serving)
Pin It With bold Cajun flavor and cheesy comfort, this tortellini dinner delivers both speed and satisfaction in one dish.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cook chicken pieces over medium-high heat just until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, to keep them juicy and tender.
- → Can I use a different pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes, cheese-filled tortellini can be substituted with ravioli or other stuffed pasta varieties to maintain similar texture and flavor.
- → What adds the spicy kick to this dish?
Cajun seasoning combined with smoked paprika gives a vibrant spice. You can also add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- → Is there a recommended wine pairing?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements this dish well, balancing the creamy sauce and spices.
- → Can I replace chicken with seafood?
Yes, shrimp works nicely as a substitute, offering a seafood twist that pairs well with the creamy, spicy sauce.