Description
Cajun chicken tortellini delivers a spicy symphony of flavors dancing through tender pasta and robust seasonings. Hearty comfort meets zesty southern charm, inviting passionate cooks to savor each creamy, peppered bite with pure culinary delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (20 ounces / 566 grams) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Spices:
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Fats and Optional Toppings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by coating it generously with Cajun seasoning, ensuring each piece is evenly covered with the spicy blend.
- Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, carefully placing the seasoned chicken pieces to create a golden, crispy exterior.
- Cook the chicken thoroughly, rotating occasionally to prevent burning, until the meat achieves a rich, caramel-colored surface and is completely cooked.
- Transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a separate plate, allowing it to rest while preparing the sauce.
- In the same skillet, melt butter until it becomes fragrant and slightly bubbling, creating a luxurious base for the sauce.
- Introduce minced garlic to the butter, gently sautéing until its aroma fills the kitchen and it becomes translucent.
- Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking smoothly to create a harmonious liquid foundation.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, additional Cajun seasoning, and smoked paprika into the liquid, stirring consistently to develop a rich, creamy consistency.
- Allow the sauce to simmer gently, reducing and thickening while developing complex flavor layers.
- Carefully fold tortellini into the sauce, ensuring each pasta pillow is completely enveloped in the creamy mixture.
- Cover the skillet and let the tortellini absorb the sauce, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and promote even heating.
- Reintroduce the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently mixing to integrate all components and warm the meat.
- Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra flavor burst.
- Serve immediately, presenting a vibrant, steaming plate of Cajun-inspired comfort.
Notes
- Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing the amount to match your spice tolerance.
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time and simplify meal preparation.
- Select fresh or frozen tortellini based on availability and personal preference, ensuring even cooking by stirring gently.
- Balance the cream sauce’s richness by adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness and cutting through the heaviness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg