Save A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish combining tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy Cajun garlic Parmesan sauce. This meal is perfect for those looking for a quick weeknight dinner with a spicy kick and comforting twist.
I first made this for a busy Wednesday night when everyone wanted something hearty but with a little zing. The combination of Cajun seasoning and Parmesan was a hit with my family and has become a much-requested meal ever since.
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 grated Parmesan: extra 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.
- Sauté 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 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In the same skillet add remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3 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.
- Melt Parmesan:
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine chicken and pasta:
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat in the sauce.
- Heat through and serve:
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save This dish quickly became a family favorite, especially on chilly nights when a creamy spicy pasta brings everyone together at the dinner 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). Double check tortellini packaging for specifics.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 620. Total fat: 29 g. Carbohydrates: 53 g. Protein: 38 g.
Save Enjoy this bold fusion of flavors for dinner tonight. It makes fantastic leftovers, reheating beautifully in a skillet the next day.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What pasta works best in this dish?
Cheese tortellini is ideal, as its filled texture complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes increases heat, while reducing Cajun seasoning tones it down.
- → Is there a seafood alternative?
Substituting shrimp for chicken offers a delicious seafood variation with similar cooking times.
- → How can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer the sauce gently, allowing cream and Parmesan to meld and thicken naturally without overcooking.
- → What side pairs well with this dish?
Crusty bread soaks up the sauce nicely and a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors.