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 cozy Friday night when everyone was craving something comforting yet a little different. The combination of spices and creamy cheese sauce won over the entire family—from the very first forkful!
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: 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.
- Cook 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.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings everyone together at our table — the creamy sauce and bold flavors mean there are rarely any leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta dish with a crisp green salad and slices of toasted garlic bread for a balanced meal.
Allergen Info
This dish contains wheat (tortellini), milk (cream, Parmesan, butter), and eggs (in the tortellini). Always check ingredient packaging for additional allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 620 calories, 29 g fat, 53 g carbohydrates, and 38 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Serve hot for the creamiest texture and don’t forget to enjoy with your favorite wine. Leftovers reheat beautifully for quick lunches the next day!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prevent chicken from drying out?
Cook chicken pieces over medium-high heat just until browned and cooked through, avoiding overcooking to retain juiciness.
- → Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used but may require slightly longer boiling time; cook until tender and float to the surface.
- → What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?
A blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano works well as a homemade alternative.
- → Is there a way to lighten the creamy sauce?
Using half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese can reduce heaviness while maintaining creaminess.
- → How can I add more heat to the dish?
Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when adding the Cajun seasoning for an extra spicy kick.