This Cajun Chicken Tortellini is a delicious mix of spicy chicken and cheesy tortellini, all in a creamy sauce. It’s both quick to make and packed with flavor, perfect for a cozy dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for this dish. If you want a quicker option, cooked rotisserie chicken works well too. Just add it at the end to warm it through.
Cajun Seasoning: This blend gives the dish its signature kick. If you’re out or want to change it up, try a mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano as a substitute.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini adds a creamy texture. You can swap it for any pasta you like, though tortellini’s shape really holds onto the sauce. Look for whole wheat or spinach varieties for added nutrition.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the sauce luscious. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even almond milk, but the sauce may be thinner.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice sharpness. If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without the creaminess.
How Do I Successfully Sauté Chicken Without Overcooking It?
Sautéing chicken to perfect doneness can be tricky, but here are some tips: Start with evenly cut pieces for consistent cooking. Add them to a hot skillet with oil to create a sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this steams the chicken instead of browning it.
- Cook at medium-high heat, letting the chicken sit untouched for a few minutes before flipping. This develops a golden crust.
- Check for doneness by cutting into a piece; it should be no longer pink in the center.
With these tips, your chicken will be juicy and flavorful! Enjoy making your Cajun Chicken Tortellini!
Cajun Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Paprika, for garnish
For the Pasta:
- 1 package (about 9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Cajun Chicken Tortellini recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of around 35 minutes. It’s a quick and tasty meal that brings vibrant flavors with minimal fuss!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Season the Chicken:
While the tortellini is cooking, take your chicken pieces and season them evenly with Cajun seasoning. This will give your chicken that zesty flavor!
3. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken to the pan. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Prepare the Veggies:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic, diced red bell pepper, and half of the chopped green onions. Sauté everything for about 2-3 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the bell pepper is slightly softened.
5. Make the Sauce:
Now pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to mix everything well. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes so it can thicken up a bit.
6. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and create a creamy consistency. Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
7. Combine Everything:
Time to bring it all together! Add the cooked tortellini and the sautéed chicken back to the skillet. Toss everything gently to make sure the tortellini and chicken are well coated in the creamy sauce.
8. Final Heating:
Let everything cook together for another 1-2 minutes so it’s heated through.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Cajun Chicken Tortellini immediately, garnished with the remaining green onions, a sprinkle of paprika, and more Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your deliciously spicy and creamy dish!
This dish is sure to please! Happy cooking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is perfect for this recipe, you can substitute it with other pasta varieties such as fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove and toss in the cooked tortellini to warm through.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of Cajun seasoning and add more gradually as you taste. Alternatively, you can use a mild Cajun blend or substitute with smoked paprika for flavor without the heat.
What Are the Best Leftover Storage Tips?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce is too thick.