Description

A creamy and flavorful Zesty Cajun Garlic Chicken with cheese tortellini, featuring tender sautéed chicken, sautéed bell peppers and onions, all tossed in a rich Cajun-spiced Parmesan cream sauce. This one-pan skillet meal delivers a comforting, quick, and satisfying dinner with a delightful blend of spicy and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
18 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini

Vegetables and Aromatics

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
1 small yellow onion, diced

Dairy and Fats

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil

Spices and Seasoning

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until tender. Drain well and set aside for later use.
Sauté chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with half of the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté the chicken until it is browned on the outside and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Cook vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the diced onion and red bell pepper, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Prepare sauce: Add the remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir well to combine the spices with the vegetables. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Add cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
Combine ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained tortellini. Gently toss everything together to coat the chicken and pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce.
Heat through: Continue cooking the combined mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing it to heat thoroughly and meld the flavors.
Serve: Plate the Zesty Cajun Garlic Chicken Tortellini and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Enjoy your flavorful meal!

Notes

Use refrigerated cheese tortellini for the best texture and shorter cooking time.
Adjust Cajun seasoning amount to your desired spice level.
For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but sauce will be less rich.
Fresh parsley adds a nice pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
Ensure chicken is fully cooked before combining to maintain food safety.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, but sauce may thicken; add a splash of milk or cream when reheating if needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cajun chicken, garlic chicken, creamy tortellini, Cajun pasta, skillet chicken recipe, quick dinner, creamy Cajun sauce