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To make Cajun Chicken Tortellini, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups cheese tortellini - 1 pound chicken breast, diced - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced - 1 medium onion, sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish tasty. The cheese tortellini brings a delightful texture. The chicken adds protein and heartiness. Cajun seasoning provides the signature kick. Olive oil is perfect for cooking and flavor. Bell pepper and onion create a sweet base. Garlic adds depth and aroma. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. Diced tomatoes bring freshness and acidity. Parmesan cheese gives a savory touch. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Lastly, fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds color. Having everything ready makes cooking easy. Trust me, you’ll love how these ingredients come together! {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the tortellini, start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a full boil. This adds flavor to the pasta. Once boiling, carefully add 2 cups of cheese tortellini. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 2 to 4 minutes, until it is al dente. Al dente means it is firm but not hard. After cooking, drain the tortellini and set it aside. This will help keep it from getting mushy later. Next, let’s sauté the chicken. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Season 1 pound of diced chicken breast with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. The seasoning adds a nice kick to the chicken. Add the chicken to the hot skillet. Cook it for about 6 to 7 minutes until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Make sure to stir it often for even cooking. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add your sliced bell pepper and onion. Sauté them for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften. This adds color and flavor to your dish. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Garlic brings a wonderful aroma and taste to the mix. Now it’s time to make the sauce. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Gently fold in the drained tortellini. This helps to mix all the flavors together. Sprinkle in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Finally, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more Cajun seasoning as needed. - Avoiding overcooking: Cook tortellini for just a few minutes. Follow the package guide. Al dente means firm, not mushy. Overcooked tortellini loses its shape. - Choosing the right type of tortellini: I love using cheese tortellini. It adds a rich flavor. You can try spinach or meat tortellini too. Each type brings its own taste to the dish. - Experimenting with different Cajun seasonings: Cajun seasoning is key. You can try different brands. Some may be hotter or milder. Adjust to your taste. Don't be afraid to mix spices for a unique kick. - Tips for adding extra flavor: Fresh herbs are great. Add thyme or oregano for depth. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish. You can also toss in some hot sauce for extra heat. - Suggestions for garnishing: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color. Sprinkle it on top before serving. For a touch of elegance, add extra Parmesan. A drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the look. - Serving ideas for guests: Serve in a large bowl for a family-style meal. Provide bowls and utensils for guests to help themselves. Pair with a simple salad or crusty bread for a complete feast. Pro Tips Perfectly Cook Tortellini: Always cook the tortellini in salted water and follow the package instructions closely for the best texture. Season Chicken Generously: Don't be shy with the Cajun seasoning; it enhances the flavor significantly. Adjust to your spice preference. Thicken Your Sauce: If you want a creamier sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. Adding a splash of chicken broth can also help if it becomes too thick. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese not only adds color but also elevates the dish's flavors. {{image_2}} To make this dish meat-free, swap the chicken for plant-based protein. Options like tofu or tempeh work great. You can also use canned chickpeas for added protein. For extra nutrition, add colorful vegetables. Bell peppers, spinach, and zucchini bring flavor and vitamins. Toss in some cherry tomatoes for a sweet burst. If you love heat, spice it up! Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. This gives your meal a nice kick. You can also use spicy sausage instead of chicken. And don't forget to sprinkle in more Cajun seasoning for that bold taste. You can choose between a creamy or tomato-based sauce. If you want a lighter version, use tomato sauce instead of heavy cream. For a creamy feel without heavy cream, use coconut milk or cashew cream. These options keep your dish rich and tasty. Feel free to try different flavors and make this dish your own! To store your Cajun Chicken Tortellini in the fridge, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and safe. I recommend using glass or plastic containers with tight lids. These containers help prevent spills and keep the flavor intact. Your meal will last for about three to four days in the fridge. To freeze Cajun Chicken Tortellini, wait until it cools. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps avoid freezer burn. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw the dish overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if needed. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious. Cajun Chicken Tortellini stays fresh for a short time. In the fridge, it lasts three to four days. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. Look for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or discoloration. If it looks or smells strange, it's best to toss it. Keeping an eye on freshness ensures your meal tastes great every time you enjoy it. Cajun Chicken Tortellini is a tasty one-pan meal. It combines tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and Cajun spices. The dish has a creamy sauce made with heavy cream and tomatoes. You can enjoy it in about 30 minutes. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just cook them according to the package. Frozen tortellini usually takes a bit longer than fresh. Add them to boiling water and cook until they float. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half. You could also use milk with a bit of flour. This will help thicken the sauce. For a vegan choice, try coconut milk or almond milk. To make this dish dairy-free, skip the heavy cream and cheese. Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. It adds a nice taste without dairy. Cajun Chicken Tortellini has a mild to medium spice level. The heat comes from Cajun seasoning. If you prefer less spice, use less seasoning. You can always taste and adjust as you cook. Definitely! You can add veggies like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. These will add flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the bell pepper and onion for the best taste. Cajun Chicken Tortellini combines bold flavors and simple steps for a fantastic meal. You can cook cheese tortellini and sauté chicken, peppers, and onions with ease. Then, mix everything in a creamy sauce for a delicious dish. Remember, you can adjust spices and add veggies to match your taste. This dish is easy to store and reheats well. Try different variations to keep it exciting. Enjoy cooking and savoring this tasty meal!

Cajun Chicken Tortellini

A flavorful dish combining cheese tortellini, seasoned chicken, and a creamy sauce with vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Cajun
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cheese tortellini
  • 1 pound chicken breast, diced
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 bell pepper sliced (red or green)
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the diced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper and onion. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and diced tomatoes, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then gently fold in the drained tortellini. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until everything is well coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
  • Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning, as desired.

Notes

Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta, tortellini