Pin 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
This dish perfectly balances spicy and creamy elements I often make it when I need a comforting yet exciting dinner
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
- Tortellini: 500 g (18 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 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
- Butter: 2 tablespoons unsalted
- 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 grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook tortellini according to package instructions Drain and set aside
- Step 2:
- 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
- Step 3:
- 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
- Step 4:
- Sprinkle in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika Stir then pour in the heavy cream Bring to a gentle simmer stirring frequently
- Step 5:
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
- Step 6:
- Return chicken to the skillet along with cooked tortellini Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce
- Step 7:
- Cook for an additional 2 3 minutes until heated through
- Step 8:
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired
Pin My family loves gathering around this meal especially on busy weeknights when a quick flavorful dish is a blessing
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce and pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a complete meal
Variations
Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood twist or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove or microwave
Pin This recipe delivers bold flavors fast and always satisfies hungry appetites
Recipe Questions
- → How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook the chicken over medium-high heat just until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes, to keep it tender and juicy.
- → Can I substitute different pasta for tortellini?
Yes, other stuffed or shaped pastas like ravioli or gnocchi work well, maintaining the dish’s creamy coating and texture.
- → What adds the spicy kick to this dish?
The Cajun seasoning combined with smoked paprika provides a balanced spicy and smoky flavor profile.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, replacing chicken with sautéed mushrooms or plant-based proteins maintains flavor and texture variations.
- → How can I enhance the creamy sauce texture?
Using fresh Parmesan and heavy cream melted slowly while stirring results in a smooth and luscious sauce consistency.