Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, offers comforting creaminess, and comes together in under 30 minutes, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini is exactly what your weeknight needs. Tender diced chicken breast is seasoned with robust Cajun spices, then tossed with cheese tortellini and sautéed bell peppers and onions. The magic happens when everything gets enveloped in a luscious, Parmesan-infused cream sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish satisfies with bold flavors and a velvety finish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavor-packed: The Cajun seasoning adds the perfect amount of spicy kick balanced by a creamy sauce.
• Comfort food elevated: Cheese tortellini brings a delightful twist to traditional pasta dishes.
• One-pan wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to cooking everything in one skillet.
• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to fit your pantry or dietary preferences.

What Goes Into Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini

• 8 oz cheese tortellini: The star pasta that delivers cheesy goodness in every bite.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing and building flavor.
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced: Tender protein that soaks up the Cajun spices perfectly.
• 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning: A bold blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs.
• 1 bell pepper, sliced: Adds color and a mild sweetness.
• 1 onion, chopped: Builds the savory base of the dish.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic powerhouse that elevates every component.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and thins the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Brings a nutty, salty finish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, herbal note and pretty pop of green.

Gear Up: What to Grab

• Large skillet or sauté pan: For cooking chicken, veggies, and sauce all in one.
• Sharp knife: To dice the chicken and chop vegetables.
• Cutting board: A clean workspace for prepping ingredients.
• Measuring spoons and cups: To keep your flavors balanced.
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring without scratching your pan.
• Grater: To freshly grate the Parmesan cheese.

Build Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini Step by Step

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by tossing the diced chicken breast with the Cajun seasoning until every piece is well coated. Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken in a single layer. Sear it for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful golden crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sliced bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 3: Cook the Tortellini

While the veggies are cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions (usually 3-5 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet with the veggies. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained tortellini. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir everything together until the cheese melts and the sauce coats the pasta and chicken evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, spicy goodness!

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps

• Swap bell pepper for zucchini or asparagus tips in spring and summer for a fresh twist.
• Use baby spinach or kale instead of bell peppers for an extra nutrient boost.
• Try smoked paprika in place of Cajun seasoning for a milder, smoky flavor.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version (omit chicken or substitute with plant-based protein).

Recipe Notes & Chef’s Commentary

• Cajun seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount to your spice preference. If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Chicken breast: Dicing the chicken small ensures it cooks quickly and evenly.
• Tortellini: Fresh cheese tortellini works best for tenderness, but frozen or refrigerated are great too.
• Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and adds a richer flavor than pre-grated varieties.
• Make it extra creamy: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone at the end.

Cooling, Storing & Rewarming

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini makes excellent leftovers. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Ask the Chef

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is ideal for its cheesy pockets, you can swap it for other stuffed pastas like ravioli or even a short pasta like penne or rotini. For a similar creamy, comforting vibe, try our Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Penne Chicken Sausage for inspiration.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk, and use low-fat Parmesan cheese. You can also increase the vegetables to make the dish more filling without extra calories.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Definitely. You can cook the chicken and veggies ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to eat, cook the tortellini fresh and combine everything with the sauce for the best texture and flavor.

What if I don’t have Cajun seasoning?

No worries! Mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to create your own Cajun blend. Or try the flavorful seasoning in our Smoky Paprika Chicken Rotini Skillet recipe for a similar taste profile.

Quick Weeknight Wins

• Creamy Cajun Shrimp And Sausage Penne Chicken Sausage – Another creamy Cajun pasta with a twist of seafood and sausage.
• Smoky Paprika Chicken Rotini Skillet – A smoky, paprika-infused chicken pasta skillet perfect for busy nights.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – Garlic and butter make this shrimp pasta a quick and flavorful dinner option.
• One-Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta – Creamy, cheesy Alfredo with minimal cleanup.

Let’s Eat

Gather your skillet, a few simple ingredients, and about 30 minutes, and you’ll have a plate of Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini that’s hearty, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. The spicy Cajun seasoning paired with creamy Parmesan sauce makes every bite a treat, while the cheese tortellini adds a luxurious texture that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend feast, this recipe hits all the right notes—comfort, speed, and bold taste. Serve it with a crisp side salad or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce. You’re going to love how easy and delicious this dish is!

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