Zesty Cajun Garlic Chicken (Print)

Tender chicken and cheese tortellini in a creamy, spicy Cajun garlic Parmesan sauce.

# Ingredients:

→ Proteins

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

→ Pasta

02 - 500 g (18 oz) 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 - 240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
07 - 50 g (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 (for garnish)

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. 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 pepper. Sauté chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Sprinkle remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika into the skillet. Stir well, then pour in heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring frequently.
05 - Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
06 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat evenly in the sauce.
07 - Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the dish is thoroughly heated.
08 - Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Vibrant spicy creamy flavor from Cajun seasoning and Parmesan
  • Ready in about 40 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner
02 -
  • Contains wheat milk and possibly eggs check tortellini packaging for specific allergens
  • Yields about 4 servings and takes roughly 40 minutes total
03 -
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce
  • Do not overcook the tortellini to keep it tender and prevent it from becoming mushy
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