Zesty Cajun Garlic Chicken (Printable Version)

Tender chicken and cheesy tortellini in a creamy Cajun garlic Parmesan sauce with a spicy kick.

# Ingredient List:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Pasta

02 - 18 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 small yellow onion, diced

→ Dairy

06 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

→ Oils & Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# How to Make:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with half the Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
03 - Add remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Sprinkle in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir to combine, then pour in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
05 - Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.
06 - Return cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet. Toss gently to coat everything evenly in the sauce.
07 - Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
08 - Plate the dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional extra Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to prepare with bold flavors
  • Crowd-pleasing comfort food for any occasion
02 -
  • This dish contains wheat milk and eggs; check tortellini packaging for allergen details.
  • For a seafood twist substitute shrimp for chicken and adjust cooking time as needed.
03 -
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.
  • Add extra Cajun seasoning or a pinch of cayenne for more heat to taste.
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