Description
A creamy and filling Cajun Garlic Chicken Tortellini dish that’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz cheese-filled tortellini
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thick strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions until tender and plump, usually about 3-4 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Season the chicken strips evenly with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken and cook until golden on the outside and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, letting it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth followed by the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine. Allow it to warm and thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Velveeta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt into a smooth, rich sauce.
- Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and mix until the sauce becomes glossy and well blended. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently fold it into the sauce, ensuring each piece is fully coated.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and gently mix so the creamy sauce clings to both the pasta and the chicken.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
Notes
This dish is versatile; you can substitute shrimp for chicken or add greens like spinach.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Cajun, pasta, chicken, creamy, weeknight meal, comfort food