This Cajun Chicken Tortellini is a fun and tasty dish! With juicy chicken, tasty tortellini, and zesty Cajun spices, it brings a delightful kick to your dinner.
Cooking this dish feels like frying up some deliciousness in my kitchen! I love how quickly it comes together; it’s perfect for busy nights when you still want something special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for alternatives, boneless thighs add juiciness, or you could use shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Cajun Seasoning: This gives the dish its unique flavor. If you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper works nicely! You can adjust the spice level based on your taste.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is fantastic in this recipe. If you can’t find it, any type of pasta will do! Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta type. Gluten-free pasta is also a good substitute.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like almond milk, but it may alter the creaminess. You can also use yogurt for a tangy twist!
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the chicken just right is crucial for this dish! Here are some tips:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps achieve a nice sear.
- Wait until the chicken is golden brown on one side before flipping to prevent it from sticking.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C) when fully cooked.
By following these steps, your chicken will be juicy and flavorful in your Cajun Chicken Tortellini!
How Do I Make the Sauce Extra Creamy?
A creamy sauce is what makes this dish special. Here’s how to achieve that perfect consistency:
- After adding the heavy cream and broth, allow the mixture to simmer, helping it thicken.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese finely for easy melting into the sauce.
- Be sure to stir regularly to combine everything fully and prevent sticking.
With these techniques, your sauce will turn out rich and delightful!
Cajun Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 (9 oz/250g) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cajun Chicken Tortellini takes about 25 minutes in total to prepare and cook. You will spend roughly 10 minutes prepping and about 15 minutes cooking, making it a quick meal for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Tortellini:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This usually takes around 3-5 minutes. After they are done, drain the tortellini and set them aside for later.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While it heats up, toss the chicken cubes with the Cajun seasoning until they are well-coated. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until it is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and the peppers are slightly softened. This adds great flavor to your dish!
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now it’s time to make the creamy sauce! Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer. After a minute, add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a smooth and creamy sauce. Season it with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little spice!
5. Combine Everything:
Once your sauce is creamy, return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained tortellini and fresh spinach. Gently stir everything together until the spinach wilts and everything is well-coated in the sauce. This will take just a couple of minutes!
6. Serve Your Dish:
Remove the skillet from heat and serve your Cajun Chicken Tortellini immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor.
Enjoy your flavorful, creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini! It’s perfect for impressing friends or enjoying a cozy night in.
Can I Use Shrimp Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! Shrimp works wonderfully in this dish. Just sauté the shrimp until they are pink and cooked through, typically 3-4 minutes, before adding them back into the sauce with the tortellini. Adjust the cooking time accordingly for perfectly tender shrimp.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the dish completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like almond or cashew milk, though the dish won’t be as creamy. You can also use Greek yogurt for a tangy option—just add it at the end and warm it through to avoid curdling.
