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 when I was craving something comforting with a little heat—the combination of creamy Parmesan and Cajun spices made it an instant favorite at my house.
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
- Chopped fresh parsley (garnish): 2 tablespoons
- 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.
- Prepare 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 the sauce:
- Sprinkle in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir, then pour in 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 pasta and chicken:
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Finish and serve:
- Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish:
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save This pasta has turned into a go to family dinner—everyone gathers around the table for seconds whenever it is served.
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 product labels for updates.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 620 Protein: 38 g Carbohydrates: 53 g Total Fat: 29 g
Save In just 40 minutes, you have a bold, restaurant style pasta that will wake up any dinner routine. Serve with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best with this dish?
Cheese tortellini is ideal as its filled, tender texture complements the creamy and spicy sauce perfectly.
- → Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?
Yes, shrimp or sausage can be swapped in for chicken to create different flavor profiles.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
To increase heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes; for milder tastes, reduce the Cajun seasoning.
- → What cooking tools do I need for this dish?
A large pot for boiling pasta, a skillet for sautéing, and standard kitchen tools like a chef’s knife and cutting board are essential.
- → Is this dish suitable for weeknight dinners?
Absolutely—prepared in just about 40 minutes, it’s quick, flavorful, and simple enough for busy evenings.