Zesty Cajun Garlic Chicken (Printable)

Tender chicken and cheesy tortellini in a creamy Cajun garlic Parmesan sauce with a spicy kick.

# What You 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 (240 ml) heavy cream
07 - ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
10 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - ½ teaspoon ground 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 cheese for serving

# Directions:

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 pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
03 - Add remaining olive oil and butter to the same skillet. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 3-4 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 Parmesan cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning as desired.
06 - Return chicken to the skillet along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
07 - Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
08 - Plate and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Packed with bold Cajun flavor and creamy cheesy sauce
  • Quick and easy for busy weeknights
02 -
  • Check your tortellini ingredients for allergens like wheat and eggs
  • You can adjust the level of spice by adding more or less Cajun seasoning
03 -
  • For extra heat add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes
  • Swap chicken for shrimp to give the dish a seafood twist
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