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- 2 cups cheese tortellini - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - 1 medium onion - 1 red bell pepper - 3 cloves garlic - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste This dish starts with three main ingredients. Cheese tortellini brings a soft and cheesy base. Boneless, skinless chicken breast adds protein and heartiness. Cajun seasoning gives a spicy kick. Next, we have vegetables and aromatics. A medium onion adds sweetness and depth. A chopped red bell pepper brings color and crunch. Minced garlic adds a strong flavor that ties it all together. For sauces and seasonings, heavy cream makes the dish rich and smooth. Diced tomatoes add freshness and acidity. Olive oil helps sauté the chicken and veggies. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Together, these ingredients create a tasty and filling meal. You can easily adjust them to your taste. Want more spice? Add more Cajun seasoning. Prefer more creaminess? Use extra heavy cream. Enjoy making this dish your own! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add 2 cups of cheese tortellini. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the tortellini is al dente. Drain the tortellini in a colander and set it aside. This step ensures your pasta has the perfect texture. Next, take 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized cubes. In a mixing bowl, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning over the chicken. Toss the chicken pieces until they are evenly coated. This seasoning adds a spicy kick to your dish. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This step locks in the flavors and gives the chicken a nice color. Using the same skillet, add 1 medium onion, finely diced, and 1 red bell pepper, chopped. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables soften. Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. This adds layers of flavor to the dish. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in 1 cup of diced tomatoes and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes. This step melds the flavors and creates a creamy sauce. Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir carefully to coat the tortellini well with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, adjusting salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. This ensures every bite is flavorful. Finally, transfer the Cajun chicken tortellini to serving bowls or plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright finish. This final touch adds color and freshness to your meal. Enjoy your delicious creation! To get perfect tortellini texture, cook them in salted water. Bring the water to a boil first. Toss the tortellini in and let them cook for about 3-5 minutes. They should be tender but still firm, or al dente. Drain them well and set aside. For crispy chicken, coat your chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning. Use a hot skillet with olive oil. Spread the chicken in a single layer. This helps it brown nicely on all sides. Cook it for 5-7 minutes, turning it often. The goal is a tasty golden crust. You can add more spices to boost the flavor. Try a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for heat. These spices complement the Cajun seasoning well. Using fresh herbs can brighten up the dish. Parsley is a great choice for garnish. It adds color and a fresh taste. You can also use basil or cilantro, depending on your taste. Cajun chicken tortellini pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette works great. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. When plating, aim for a colorful presentation. Use a large bowl for serving. Pile the tortellini high and sprinkle parsley on top. This makes it look appetizing and inviting. Serve in portions of one to one and a half cups for a great meal size. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs whenever possible. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish and enhance its overall taste. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild version. Conversely, for a spicier kick, add extra seasoning or a dash of hot sauce. Perfectly Cook Tortellini: Be careful not to overcook the tortellini; they should be al dente. This ensures they maintain their shape and texture when combined with the creamy sauce. Add Protein Variations: Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp or sausage for a different flavor profile. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through. {{image_4}} You can easily make Cajun chicken tortellini vegetarian. Simply swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas. Tofu will soak up the Cajun seasoning well. Use firm tofu for the best texture. Just press it to remove extra water, then cut it into cubes. If you're using chickpeas, canned ones work great. Rinse and drain them before adding. Both options give a nice protein boost. You can switch up the creamy sauce too. Instead of heavy cream, try half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter feel. Cream cheese can also add a tangy twist. If you want a cheesy finish, mix in some parmesan or mozzarella. Each option will change the flavor and richness of the dish. Choose what suits your taste best! Adjusting the spice level is simple. To make it milder, use less Cajun seasoning. You can also add a splash of cream to tone it down. If you want more heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Taste as you go, and find your perfect balance of flavors. You can enjoy it just how you like! To store leftovers safely, let the dish cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it into an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain flavor and prevents spoilage. When you're ready to eat, you can easily reheat it. You can freeze Cajun chicken tortellini for later use. To do this, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. Make sure it is sealed tightly. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the best reheating, use the stovetop. Place the tortellini in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Stir frequently until it is heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be cautious. Heat it in short bursts, stirring often to prevent hot spots. Cajun Chicken Tortellini is a creamy pasta dish. It mixes cheese tortellini with seasoned chicken and vegetables. The dish has roots in Cajun cuisine, known for its bold flavors. Cajun cooking comes from Louisiana and blends French, African, and Spanish influences. This recipe gives a twist to classic tortellini by adding spice and warmth. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Frozen tortellini cooks quickly and is easy to use. Just follow the package instructions to boil them. It saves time and still tastes great. Use frozen tortellini to make this dish even easier on busy nights. To make Cajun Chicken Tortellini gluten-free, choose gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer this option made from rice or corn. Also, check your Cajun seasoning for gluten. Most spices are safe, but it's best to verify. This way, you can enjoy the dish without worry. Yes, you can prepare Cajun Chicken Tortellini ahead of time. Cook the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to three days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. This is a great option for meal prep. Several sides pair well with Cajun Chicken Tortellini. A simple green salad adds freshness. Garlic bread also complements the creamy sauce nicely. For a heartier option, serve it with roasted vegetables. These sides enhance the meal without overpowering the flavors. In this blog post, we explored the delicious recipe for Cajun chicken tortellini. We discussed the main ingredients, like cheese tortellini, chicken, and Cajun seasoning. You learned how to cook everything step by step, from boiling the tortellini to serving your dish. I shared handy tips, variations for dietary needs, and storage advice. Now, you have the knowledge to create this flavorful meal at home. Enjoy your cooking, and don't hesitate to experiment with your own twists!

Cajun Chicken Tortellini

A creamy and spicy dish featuring cheese tortellini, seasoned chicken, and sautéed 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 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes, until al dente. Drain the tortellini in a colander and set them aside.
  • Place the cubed chicken breast in a mixing bowl. Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the chicken and toss until the pieces are evenly coated with the spices, ensuring every piece is flavorful.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet, spreading it out in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion and chopped red bell pepper. Sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute, until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the diced tomatoes and heavy cream, stirring everything together. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors blend beautifully.
  • Carefully fold the cooked tortellini into the creamy chicken and vegetable mixture. Stir gently, ensuring that the tortellini is well-coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, and taste to adjust seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed.
  • Transfer the Cajun chicken tortellini into serving bowls or plates. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
Keyword Cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta, tortellini