This Cajun Chicken Tortellini is a fun and zesty dish that combines tender chicken with delicious cheese-filled pasta. The spicy Cajun flavors make each bite a treat!
It’s super easy to whip up—just a quick cook and stir, and you’re ready to enjoy. I love to serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. It brightens up the dish! 🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless skinless chicken breasts for this dish. They’re easy to cook and soak up all the delicious Cajun spices. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use turkey breast instead.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is fantastic here, but you can swap it for any pasta you love. Fresh or frozen tortellini work great, and if you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free pasta alternatives.
Cajun Seasoning: The seasoning gives that signature kick! If you don’t have it, you can mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and thyme to make your own. Just adjust the spice to your preference.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, substitute with half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk like almond milk, though it may change the creaminess a bit. I find heavy cream gives the best texture!
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly in This Dish?
Cooking chicken thoroughly while keeping it juicy is key! Start on medium-high heat and follow these steps:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding oil and butter; this helps seal in moisture.
- Add the chicken in a single layer, giving it space to cook properly.
- Season well to enhance flavor and avoid stirring too much—let it brown on each side for about 3-4 minutes before flipping.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
These tips helped me get perfectly tender chicken every time!
Cajun Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 package (about 9 oz/250g) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun Chicken Tortellini takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 20 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying a flavorful meal in about 35 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Sprinkle them with 1½ teaspoons of Cajun seasoning, along with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for now.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds, just until it’s fragrant.
3. Build the Sauce:
Now it’s time to add the diced tomatoes to the pan. Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning and the smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Stir everything together and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld nicely.
4. Combine Cream and Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and stir well to combine. This creamy base is what makes the dish irresistible!
5. Add the Tortellini:
Add the refrigerated tortellini straight into the skillet. Cover it and cook for about 5 minutes or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Bring it All Together:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together until nicely combined and heated through. This is where the magic happens!
7. Final Touches:
Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s melted and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if you’d like.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve your Cajun Chicken Tortellini hot, and enjoy every creamy, spicy bite!
This dish is perfect on its own or served alongside a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Can I Use Any Type of Tortellini?
Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is delicious, you can use any variety, including spinach or meat-filled tortellini. If you have gluten-free options, they work great too!
What if I Don’t Have Cajun Seasoning?
No problem! You can easily make your own by mixing spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, and thyme. Adjust the spices based on your heat preference.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to refresh the sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat when ready to serve. Just cook the tortellini fresh, as they are best when made right before serving!
