Cajun Chicken Tortellini is a fun and tasty dish! It’s packed with juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy tortellini, all mixed with zesty Cajun spices for a little kick.
This meal is a real crowd-pleaser and comes together in no time! I love whipping it up on busy nights when I want something flavorful without too much fuss. Perfect for leftovers too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken can work too. For a vegetarian version, try using chickpeas or plant-based chicken alternatives.
Cajun Seasoning: This mix brings the dish to life with spices. If you don’t have any, you can create your own with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and oregano. Feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance!
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is the classic choice, but you can substitute it with other pasta like penne or farfalle for a different twist. Just adjust cooking times as needed!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk like almond milk. Just make sure to add a bit of flour to thicken the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor, but pre-grated works too. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Make the Cream Sauce Without It Curdling?
Making a creamy sauce can feel tricky, but with a few simple tips, you’ll nail it every time! Start with medium-low heat, as high heat can easily curdle your cream. Here’s how to do it:
- After sautéing the garlic and peppers, turn down the heat to medium-low before adding the cream.
- Slowly pour in the cream while stirring to help it combine smoothly.
- Let the sauce simmer gently; avoid boiling to keep it creamy.
- Mix in the grated cheese gradually, stirring constantly until melted and combined.
Using these steps will ensure a luscious and creamy sauce for your Cajun Chicken Tortellini! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
How to Make Cajun Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare, which includes cooking the tortellini and preparing the creamy Cajun sauce! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once done, drain the tortellini and set it aside. You’re one step closer to a wonderful meal!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While your tortellini is cooking, take your sliced chicken breasts and season them evenly with Cajun seasoning for that lovely kick of flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the peppers are slightly softened. Then, add in the diced tomatoes and let it cook for another 2 minutes. Now, reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir it well and allow it to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Combine It All:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Season it with a little salt and black pepper to your taste. Next, add the fresh spinach leaves and stir until they are wilted and incorporated into the sauce. Finally, add the tortellini and the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Gently mix everything together to ensure it’s well-coated in that delicious sauce!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Cajun Chicken Tortellini is ready! Serve it hot and feel free to garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen tortellini, just cook them according to the package instructions directly in boiling water. No need to thaw them beforehand.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of flour to thicken it. For a dairy-free option, try coconut milk or a non-dairy cream alternative.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to help restore the creaminess.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus. Just sauté them along with the garlic and bell pepper to ensure they cook through.