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 remember the first time I made this tortellini after a busy workday& it instantly became a family favorite. The spicy cream sauce brings warmth and excitement to the dinner table.
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)
- 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
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 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 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Spices & Cream:
- 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 Chicken and Tortellini:
- Return chicken to the skillet along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Finish:
- Cook for an additional 2 3 minutes until heated through.
- Serve:
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save My daughter always asks for seconds when I make this & it sparks lively conversations over dinner. It brings everyone together for a fun fusion meal.
Required Tools
You will need a large pot for the pasta a large skillet for the sauce a chefs knife a cutting board a wooden spoon or spatula and measuring cups and spoons.
Allergen Information
This dish contains wheat milk and possibly eggs depending on the tortellini. Always double check packaging for specific allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 620 calories 29 g total fat 53 g carbohydrates and 38 g protein.
Save This creamy spicy pasta is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve with a green salad and crusty bread to complete the meal.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of tortellini works best?
Refrigerated cheese tortellini offers optimal texture and creamy filling that complements the sauce.
- → Can I use other proteins besides chicken?
Absolutely! Try shrimp for a seafood variation or substitute with turkey for a mild twist.
- → How spicy is the Cajun seasoning?
Cajun seasoning brings moderate heat. Adjust with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for extra kick.
- → Is this dish suitable for prepping ahead?
Yes, ingredients can be chopped and proteins cooked in advance. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
- → What sides or beverages pair well?
Crusty bread helps scoop the sauce, while a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc balances the flavors.
- → How do I adjust for dietary restrictions?
Check tortellini for allergens or use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives as needed.