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.
What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
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
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
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.
