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 Zesty Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini on a hectic Wednesday evening, and my family was amazed at how such simple ingredients transformed into an irresistible dinner. The dish has quickly become a favorite, especially when we want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
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 Parmesan: extra grated, for serving
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 from skillet 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.
- Make Sauce:
- Sprinkle in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Add Cheese:
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine:
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Finish Cooking:
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve:
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save This dish has become a regular request at our family table, especially on nights we gather to share stories and laughter. Everyone loves scooping up the leftover sauce with pieces of warm bread.
Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons make preparation smooth and quick.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat, milk, and eggs. Remember to check the tortellini label for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 620 calories, 29 g fat, 53 g carbohydrates, and 38 g protein.
Save Sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for a restaurant-worthy presentation. In just 40 minutes, you will enjoy a bold and comforting meal.