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.
I first made this Cajun chicken tortellini after a busy weekday when I craved something comforting but not time-consuming. The bold flavors quickly made it a favorite in our home.
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)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g)
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the 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 to 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 to 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Cajun Sauce:
- Sprinkle in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir, then pour in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Add Cheese and Combine:
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Finish the Dish:
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Final Simmer & Serve:
- Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Pin 
Sharing this meal around the family table always brings smiles and satisfied appetites. It's the perfect recipe for making dinnertime a delicious event everyone looks forward to.
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 tortellini packaging for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 620, Total Fat: 29 g, Carbohydrates: 53 g, Protein: 38 g
Pin Enjoy every spicy, creamy bite—this tortellini will become a weeknight staple you'll crave often.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, shrimp or sausage work well as alternatives, adding their own distinctive flavors while maintaining the dish's creamy Cajun profile.
- → What kind of tortellini is best to use?
Cheese-filled refrigerated tortellini is recommended for a creamy, cheesy texture that blends nicely with the sauce.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Increase heat by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes according to your preference for more kick.
- → Is there a preferred cooking method for the chicken?
Pan-sautéing the bite-sized chicken pieces in olive oil with Cajun seasoning ensures a flavorful, golden crust while keeping them juicy.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the components in advance and reheat gently on the stove to preserve the creamy sauce texture.