Cajun Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Introduction
Cajun Chicken Tortellini is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy garlic sauce with a spicy Cajun kick. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 package (about 9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, add a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 3: Add the cooked chicken and Cajun seasoning to the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and cook for 2–3 minutes to warm through and release the spices’ aroma.
- Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the chicken and garlic. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3–4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy Cajun sauce. Heat for another minute if needed.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut and extra flavor.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but reduce simmering time to avoid curdling.
- Adjust the Cajun seasoning amount to control the heat level according to your taste.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra vegetables.
Storage
Store leftover Cajun Chicken Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding to the sauce.
Is this dish spicy?
The level of spiciness depends on the amount and brand of Cajun seasoning used. You can adjust it to be milder or hotter based on your preference.
PrintCajun Chicken Tortellini Recipe
A creamy and flavorful Cajun Chicken Tortellini dish featuring tender chicken breast and cheesy tortellini tossed in a rich garlic cream sauce with a spicy Cajun kick. Perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
Pasta
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with half of the Cajun seasoning. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the tortellini: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and add the remaining Cajun seasoning. Stir and let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss everything together: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce, then add the drained tortellini. Toss gently to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy Cajun garlic sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Frozen tortellini does not need to be thawed before cooking.
- Add some sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra veggies and color.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Cajun chicken tortellini, creamy pasta, spicy chicken pasta, easy dinner, garlic cream sauce
