Zesty Cajun Garlic Chicken (Printable)

Tender chicken and tortellini in a creamy, spicy Cajun garlic Parmesan sauce with fresh parsley garnish.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

→ Pasta

02 - 18 ounces 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 - 1 cup heavy cream
07 - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
10 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
12 - ½ teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste

→ Oils & Garnish

13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions, then 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. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 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 until softened, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Sprinkle remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika over vegetables. Stir well, then pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
05 - Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and sauce becomes smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - Return cooked chicken and tortellini to the skillet. Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly with the sauce.
07 - Simmer the combined ingredients for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through completely.
08 - Plate the dish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-pot meal
  • Freezer-friendly
02 -
  • For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
  • Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood twist
03 -
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor
  • Do not overcook the tortellini to keep it tender
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