Pin Discover the bold and creamy flavors of Zesty Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini, a dish that brings together tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a robust Cajun-spiced cream sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights, this recipe combines American zest with Italian comfort, creating a satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Pin This creamy Cajun garlic Parmesan sauce coats every bite of tortellini and tender chicken, creating a dish that’s rich and comforting, yet full of zest. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a dinner that feels indulgent without the fuss.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Pasta: 500 g (18 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small red bell pepper, diced; 1 small yellow onion, diced
- Dairy: 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream; 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Spices & Seasonings: 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- Oils & Garnish: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish); Optional: extra grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- 1. Cook tortellini
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 2. Cook 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.
- 3. 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.
- 4. Make sauce
- Sprinkle in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- 5. Add cheese
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 6. Combine
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- 7. Finish cooking
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- 8. Serve
- Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For an added layer of flavor, consider using freshly ground Cajun seasoning or make your own blend. When sautéing vegetables, avoid overcooking to retain their slight crunch and vibrancy. Using refrigerated tortellini reduces cooking time and keeps the pasta tender.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra heat, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes during sauce preparation. Substitute shrimp for chicken to create a delicious seafood variant. This dish can also be made vegetarian by using sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead of meat.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this creamy and spicy tortellini with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, enhancing the Cajun spices and creamy texture.
Pin This Zesty Cajun Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini combines ease and depth of flavor in a dish that’s as vibrant as it is comforting. Enjoy this creamy, spicy meal for your next dinner and savor every rich, flavorful bite.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook the chicken over medium-high heat just until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcooking by stirring occasionally and removing from heat once no longer pink inside.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, shrimp is a great alternative that cooks quickly and pairs well with the creamy Cajun garlic sauce.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
Crusty bread works perfectly to soak up the sauce, and a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors nicely.
- → How spicy is the dish and can I adjust the heat?
The dish has a mild to moderate spice level from Cajun seasoning. For extra heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- → Does the creamy sauce thicken during cooking?
Yes, simmering the sauce allows the heavy cream and Parmesan to meld and thicken slightly, coating the chicken and tortellini smoothly.