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 recipe on a busy weeknight when I wanted something exciting but effortless, and it was an instant hit with my family. The blend of Cajun spices and creamy Parmesan sauce quickly became our go-to for satisfying pasta cravings.
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 extra Parmesan: For serving
Instructions
- Prepare 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:
- 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.
- Add Parmesan:
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine chicken & tortellini:
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Final heat-through:
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve:
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save This pasta dinner brings everyone to the table with its creamy, aromatic sauce and satisfying bite. My kids love to sprinkle on extra Parmesan while we chat about our day.
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). Always check packaging for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 620, Total Fat 29 g, Carbohydrates 53 g, Protein 38 g
Save Enjoy your Cajun garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini hot from the skillet, garnished to taste. It makes leftovers that are just as flavorful the next day.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use a different pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes, cheese-filled tortellini adds creaminess, but other pasta like penne or farfalle will work well too.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Increase Cajun seasoning or add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for more heat, or reduce seasoning for milder taste.
- → Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the sauce will be less creamy and rich.
- → Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, cook and assemble, then refrigerate. Reheat gently to maintain sauce creaminess.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Crusty bread to soak sauce and a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complement the flavors nicely.