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 hectic Tuesday night and it brought so much excitement to our dinner routine. The spicy, cheesy combination quickly became one of our favorite comfort foods, especially when we crave something rich but with a punch of flavor.
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 Parmesan: extra grated, 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.
- Sauté 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.
- Cook the 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 the sauce:
- Sprinkle in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Melt Parmesan:
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine everything:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save This dish instantly reminds me of lively family gatherings when everyone fights for the last spoonful of sauce. It&s the kind of meal that brings people together and sparks laughter around the table.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (tortellini), milk (cream, Parmesan, butter), eggs (tortellini may contain eggs). Double-check tortellini packaging for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 620. Total Fat: 29 g. Carbohydrates: 53 g. Protein: 38 g (per serving)
Save Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and serve alongside crusty bread. This colorful pasta is sure to wow your taste buds and brighten up any meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook chicken over medium-high heat until browned but still juicy, about 5-7 minutes, and avoid overcooking. Removing it temporarily while making the sauce helps retain moisture.
- → Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Just cook according to package instructions and ensure it's fully drained before adding to the sauce.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream in this dish?
For a lighter option, try half-and-half or whole milk combined with a tablespoon of flour to thicken, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
- → How spicy is the dish and can I adjust the heat level?
The Cajun seasoning provides a moderate spicy kick. Adjust heat by adding more or less seasoning or including cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- → What side dishes pair well with this main course?
Crusty bread is great to soak up the sauce, and a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables balance the flavors. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements it well.
- → Is this dish suitable for dairy-sensitive diets?
No, it contains heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese, which are dairy products. Consider dairy-free substitutes if needed, though flavor and texture may change.