Zesty Cajun Garlic Chicken (Printer-friendly)

Tender chicken and cheesy tortellini in creamy Cajun garlic Parmesan sauce with a spicy kick.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta

02 - 18 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 small yellow onion, diced

→ Dairy

06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

→ Oils & Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
15 - Optional: extra grated Parmesan for serving

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with half of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Add remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika to the skillet, stirring to combine. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
05 - Add grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.
06 - Return the cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet. Toss gently to coat evenly with the sauce.
07 - Cook the mixture for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
08 - Plate the dish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Packed with bold Cajun flavors and creamy Parmesan sauce
  • Quick to prepare for busy nights
02 -
  • Tortellini may contain eggs and wheat, check the packaging for allergen details
  • Yields four generous servings packed with protein and flavor
03 -
  • Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat
  • Swap shrimp for chicken to create a Cajun seafood twist
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