Pin It 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.
When I first made this Cajun garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini for my family, they couldn't stop raving about the rich flavors and creamy sauce. It’s become our go-to recipe whenever we crave something hearty and comforting with just the right amount of spice.
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 Parmesan: For serving
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the 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 and garlic:
- 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.
- Prepare 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.
- Finish the dish:
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Warm through and serve:
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Pin It This dish is such a hit at our dinner table that even the picky eaters ask for seconds. It’s the kind of recipe we pull out for both family gatherings and casual weeknight meals.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with crusty bread to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce or serve alongside a crisp green salad. A glass of Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the bold Cajun flavors.
Variations
Make it spicier by adding red pepper flakes, or keep it milder by using less Cajun seasoning. Swap in other favorite proteins like sausage or shrimp to suit your taste.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
Pin It Enjoy this Zesty Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini for an easy weeknight dinner. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and packed with irresistible bold flavor.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute shrimp for chicken?
Yes, shrimp makes a wonderful alternative, offering a seafood twist that pairs well with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
- → How do I add extra heat to the dish?
Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes when adding the Cajun seasoning to boost the spiciness.
- → What type of pasta works best here?
Cheese tortellini is recommended for its rich filling that complements the creamy sauce, but other filled pastas can also be used.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the components separately and combine them quickly when ready to serve.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Crusty bread or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc enhance the flavors and help soak up the creamy sauce.