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 evening when I wanted something satisfying but fast. The spicy kick with creamy sauce instantly became a family favorite.
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: extra grated Parmesan for serving
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown 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 (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 (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 ingredients:
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Heat through:
- Cook for an additional 2 (2) 3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve:
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save One night we all sat around the table, passing the crusty bread and fighting over the last bite. Everyone loved the creamy sauce with a hint of spice.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, and eggs. Double-check tortellini packaging for specific allergens before serving.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 620, Total Fat: 29 g, Carbohydrates: 53 g, Protein: 38 g.
Save Serve hot and enjoy the rich, spicy flavors. It makes a fantastic main dish for any busy night.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute shrimp for chicken?
Yes, try using peeled shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist. Sauté shrimp until pink and just cooked through.
- → How do I make it spicier?
For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce according to your taste preference.
- → What type of tortellini should I use?
Cheese tortellini works best for its creamy texture, but feel free to use your favorite filling as desired.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead?
You can prep the ingredients and cook the chicken ahead, but combine everything just before serving for best texture.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Enjoy with crusty bread to soak up the sauce and serve alongside a crisp white wine or fresh salad.
- → Is it suitable for vegetarians?
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use extra vegetables or meatless tortellini if preferred.
