Zesty Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken (Printer-Friendly)

Tender chicken and cheesy tortellini in a creamy, spicy Cajun garlic Parmesan sauce with fresh parsley garnish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta

02 - 18 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 small yellow onion, diced

→ Dairy

06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
10 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
12 - ½ teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste

→ Oils & Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
15 - Optional: extra grated Parmesan for serving

# Method:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with half the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté diced onion and red bell pepper for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Sprinkle in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir to combine, then pour in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently.
05 - Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if necessary.
06 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
07 - Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated throughout.
08 - Plate and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional extra Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • One pot meal
  • Freezer friendly
02 -
  • For extra heat add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
  • Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood twist
03 -
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor
  • Do not overcook the tortellini to maintain texture
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