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 made this for a busy Tuesday evening when my family was craving something comforting but exciting. The fusion of Cajun spice and creamy cheese became an instant favorite at our table.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: 2 large, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini: 500 g (18 oz)
- 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.
- Prepare 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 (to 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 (to 4) minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add spices and cream:
- Sprinkle in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Add cheese and finish sauce:
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Toss chicken and pasta:
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Final heat through:
- Cook for an additional 2 (to 3) minutes until heated through.
- Serve:
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save One evening my kids surprised me by wanting seconds, and we ended up laughing around the dinner table while soaking up the sauce with slices of bread. It became one of our most requested meals for family nights.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with crusty bread or garlic rolls to soak up every bit of the creamy Cajun sauce. A crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the flavors perfectly.
Variations
Try substituting shrimp for chicken for a seafood twist, or add sautéed mushrooms for extra earthiness. If you prefer less heat, reduce the Cajun seasoning slightly, and skip the optional red pepper flakes.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 620, Total Fat: 29 g, Carbohydrates: 53 g, Protein: 38 g. These values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and substitutions.
Save Enjoy the bold flavors and creamy sauce, and let this vibrant Cajun garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini liven up your weeknight dinner rotation. This dish is sure to make even the busiest evenings special!
Recipe Help & Answers
- → Can I substitute shrimp for the chicken?
Yes, shrimp can be used instead of chicken for a seafood variation that pairs well with the creamy Cajun sauce.
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Cheese tortellini is ideal for its tender, filled texture that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- → How can I increase the spice level?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.
- → Is this dish suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Absolutely, it takes about 40 minutes total, making it a flavorful yet convenient choice for busy evenings.
- → What garnishes complement the flavors best?
Freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan provide a bright and savory finishing touch.
- → Can this dish be paired with any beverages?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely, balancing the creamy and spicy elements.