Pin this 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 served this Zesty Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini to my family on a busy weeknight and it quickly became a favorite for its bold flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
- Pasta: 500 g (18 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 3 cloves garlic minced 1 small red bell pepper diced 1 small yellow onion diced
- Dairy: 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Spices & Seasonings: 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- Oils & Garnish: 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) Optional extra grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2:
- 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.
- Step 3:
- 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.
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir then pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer stirring frequently.
- Step 5:
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 6:
- Return chicken to the skillet along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Step 7:
- Cook for an additional 2 3 minutes until heated through.
- Step 8:
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Pin this This meal always brings the family together as we savor each bite and enjoy the spicy creamy flavors, making even busy nights special.
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) Double check tortellini packaging for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 620 Total Fat 29 g Carbohydrates 53 g Protein 38 g per serving
Pin this This dish comes together quickly and delivers a satisfying taste that will have you coming back for more.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Sear the chicken pieces over medium-high heat until just cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, then remove from heat to finish cooking with the sauce to keep them juicy.
- → Can I use a different pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes, cheese-filled tortellini complements the creamy sauce, but substitutes like gnocchi or ravioli also work well.
- → What can I add for extra heat?
A pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes can be added when seasoning for a spicier kick.
- → How should I reheat leftovers to maintain sauce creaminess?
Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of cream or milk to restore smoothness if needed.
- → Is it possible to substitute shrimp for chicken?
Absolutely, shrimp provides a seafood variation and cooks quickly; add it after the aromatics and sauté until just opaque.