Description
A creamy and zesty Cajun chicken tortellini dish that strikes the perfect balance of comfort and spice, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1.5 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Sliced green onions for garnish
- Red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Once done, remove and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium, and melt the remaining butter. Add in the diced red bell pepper and cook for about 2 minutes until it softens. Stir in the minced garlic and cayenne pepper, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld.
- Add the softened cream cheese and stir until the mixture is smooth. Gradually mix in the grated Parmesan and mozzarella, stirring until the sauce is thick, glossy, and creamy.
- Gently fold in the cooked tortellini until every piece is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and fold everything together to combine all flavors.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and red pepper flakes before serving hot.
Notes
For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add in chopped jalapeños. You can also make this dish with shrimp for a seafood version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Cajun, Tortellini, Creamy, Chicken, Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food