Save to Pinterest 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 Tuesday night when I wanted something both comforting and bold. The Cajun spices added a lively flavor that made the whole family clean their plates.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 large, 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: 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 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Cook 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 & Heat:
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Finish & Serve:
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save to Pinterest My kids loved swirling the cheesy tortellini in the creamy sauce with their forks, and it was fun to watch everyone sprinkle on a little extra Parmesan at the table.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, and eggs. Double-check tortellini packaging for details.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 620 calories, 29 g total fat, 53 g carbohydrates, 38 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Serve your Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini hot, topped with fresh parsley for a flavorful finish.