Cajun Chicken Tortellini

$- Cajun Chicken Ingredients - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning - Tortellini Ingredients - 2 cups cheese tortellini - Seasoning and Garnishes - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) When I make Cajun chicken tortellini, I love using fresh ingredients. They bring out the best flavors. You need chicken, of course. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into cubes. This way, they cook quickly and soak up all the spices. The Cajun seasoning is key to this dish. It adds a warm, spicy kick. You can buy it or make your own blend if you like. Next, I always use cheese tortellini. The cheese adds a nice creaminess to the dish. You can find it in the pasta aisle, and it cooks quickly. For the veggies, I add a medium onion and a red bell pepper. They add sweetness and color. Garlic is a must too. It gives a lovely aroma and flavor. The creamy sauce comes from heavy cream and diced tomatoes. You can use canned or fresh tomatoes. Both work great! Finally, I like to finish with fresh parsley. It adds a pop of color and freshness. Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to create a delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, boil a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add the cheese tortellini. Cook it according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. When done, drain the tortellini and set it aside. Next, take the cubed chicken breast. Toss it with the Cajun seasoning. Make sure each piece is well coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook it until golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it smells great. Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add in the diced tomatoes and heavy cream. Stir everything together well. Let this mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend nicely. Finally, gently fold the cooked tortellini into the skillet. Make sure the tortellini is covered in the creamy sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy your meal! To make great Cajun seasoning, start with two tablespoons. You can use store-bought seasoning or make your own. A mix of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme works well. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne. Taste the seasoning before adding it to the chicken. This step makes sure it meets your flavor needs. A creamy sauce makes this dish special. Use heavy cream for the best results. When you add the cream, lower the heat. Simmer gently for a few minutes. This helps blend the flavors without boiling away the cream. If you like it thicker, add a bit of cheese. Cream cheese or shredded cheese can work wonders, too. Timing is key for a perfect Cajun chicken tortellini. Cook the tortellini first, so it’s ready when you need it. After cooking the chicken, don’t let it sit too long. Add the veggies right away. Keep an eye on the sautéed veggies; they should be soft, not mushy. Finally, when you combine everything, stir gently. This way, the tortellini stays intact and soaks up the tasty sauce. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will enhance the flavor of your Cajun chicken tortellini. Opt for fresh vegetables and good-quality chicken for the best results. Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or substitute it with a milder blend. Taste as you go to achieve your desired heat level. Make it Creamy: For an extra creamy sauce, consider adding a bit more heavy cream or a splash of cream cheese. This will give the dish a richer texture. Garnish for Freshness: Don’t skip the fresh parsley! It not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the dish with its fresh flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in Cajun chicken tortellini. Try shrimp for a seafood twist. Shrimp cooks fast, so add it after the veggies. You can also use sausage. Andouille sausage works well for that smoky flavor. Just slice it and sauté it with the onions and peppers. If you prefer turkey, use ground turkey for a leaner option. Each protein adds its own taste, making the dish new each time. If you want a vegetarian version, skip the chicken. Instead, add mushrooms and zucchini. They both soak up the Cajun spices well. Use the same cooking steps as you would for chicken. For protein, add chickpeas or lentils. They make the meal filling and healthy. Don't forget to keep the heavy cream for that rich taste. You can even swap it for a plant-based cream if you prefer. While the heavy cream sauce is rich and creamy, you can try other sauces. A tomato-based sauce gives a different flavor. Use the canned tomatoes but skip the cream. Add Italian herbs for fun. You can also use a pesto sauce for a fresh twist. Mix it in with the tortellini for a bright taste. Each sauce changes the meal, keeping it exciting and new. You can store leftover Cajun chicken tortellini in an airtight container. Let it cool first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to keep it fresh. This keeps the creamy sauce from drying out. To reheat, place the tortellini in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or cream to help it stay moist. Stir it often until it heats through. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This prevents it from getting too hot in spots. If you want to freeze it, do so right after cooking. Let it cool completely, then portion it out. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This way, the flavors stay vibrant and delicious. You can use milk mixed with butter for a lighter option. Use 3/4 cup of milk and add 1/4 cup of melted butter. This mix gives a similar richness. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or cashew cream. Both add creaminess without dairy. Cajun seasoning brings some heat, but spice levels can vary. If you like it milder, use less seasoning. You can also add more cream to tone down the spice. Adjust it to match your taste by adding sweetness or acidity. Absolutely! Homemade tortellini adds a special touch. Just make sure it's cooked before adding it to the dish. Fresh tortellini cooks faster than store-bought, so keep an eye on it. Add it to the skillet gently for the best result. Cooking time for tortellini is usually about 3 to 5 minutes. Follow the package instructions for best results. If using fresh tortellini, check after 2 minutes. It should be soft but still firm to the bite. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Cajun chicken tortellini dish. We looked at the ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips to enhance flavor and texture. I shared variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. Cooking can be fun and creative. With the right choices, you can make this dish your own. Enjoy your cooking journey and the delicious meal that follows!$

A creamy and spicy dish featuring cheese tortellini and seasoned chicken.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Cajun

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups cheese tortellini
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Toss the cubed chicken breast with the Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the diced tomatoes and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 3-4 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the skillet, ensuring they are coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Divide the Cajun chicken tortellini among serving plates, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Adjust the Cajun seasoning to taste for more or less spice.

Keyword cajun, chicken, creamy, pasta, tortellini