Go Back

Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini

A rich, spicy pasta dinner that comes together fast, featuring juicy chicken, cheese tortellini, and a thick, spicy cream sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Calories: 720
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.25 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 12 oz cheese tortellini
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (only if needed for consistency)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Extra Cajun seasoning for garnish
  • More Parmesan for garnish
Seasoning
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1–1.5 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional for heat)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil the tortellini according to package instructions (usually 3–4 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed, and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 1 minute. Add heavy cream and cream cheese, whisk until smooth.
  4. Reduce heat and add mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and velvety, seasoning with extra Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes.
  5. Add the cooked tortellini into the sauce and fold in the chicken. If the sauce is too thick, loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water. If you want it extra thick, let it simmer for 2–3 more minutes.
Serving
  1. Serve hot in shallow bowls, topped with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning.

Notes

Cool to room temperature before storing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Can be frozen for up to 2 months, but texture may change.