Introduction

This Creamy Cajun Chicken recipe brings together tender chicken seasoned with bold spices and a rich, cheesy sauce. Tossed with delicate tortellini, it’s a comforting meal that’s quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

The image shows a white bowl filled with two main parts: on the left, several pieces of cooked chicken with a golden-brown crispy texture and light seasoning, and on the right, creamy tortellini pasta coated in a rich, white sauce with herbs sprinkled on top. The sauce looks thick and smooth, with small green herb bits scattered around both the chicken and pasta. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
9 oz cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season with Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully combined and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
Step 6: Meanwhile, cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and add to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 7: Cook together for another 1-2 minutes to heat through. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Use smoked sausage or shrimp instead of chicken for a tasty twist.
If Velveeta isn’t available, substitute with cream cheese and extra mozzarella for similar creaminess.
Fresh herbs like basil or chives make great garnish alternatives to parsley.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of cream or milk if the sauce thickens too much when reheated.

How to Serve

A white bowl contains a creamy dish split into two sections: on the left, there are six pieces of golden-brown grilled chicken with a slightly crispy texture and visible herbs on top, resting in a rich, light-colored creamy sauce with green herb flecks; on the right, there is a serving of tortellini pasta coated in the same creamy sauce, showing a soft texture and sprinkled with chopped herbs. The creamy sauce surrounds both the chicken and pasta, creating a smooth and rich visual contrast, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh or refrigerated?

Yes, just cook the frozen tortellini according to package instructions before adding it to the sauce and chicken.

Is this dish spicy?

The Cajun seasoning adds a mild to moderate heat, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less seasoning or incorporating cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.

Creamy Cajun Chicken with Cheese Tortellini Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews

A rich and flavorful Creamy Cajun Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed with Cajun spices and simmered in a luscious creamy cheese sauce, served over cheesy tortellini for a comforting and indulgent meal.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Seasoning

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta & Cheese Sauce

9 oz cheese tortellini, fresh or refrigerated
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup reserved pasta water (if needed)

Garnish

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly on both sides to infuse the meat with bold flavors.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
Cook the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
Cook the Tortellini: While preparing the sauce, cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve ¼ cup of the pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency if needed.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and bring to a gentle simmer. Add cubed Velveeta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce appears too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired creamy consistency is achieved.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked tortellini into the skillet with the creamy Cajun sauce and gently stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Slice and Add Chicken: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces, then place them on top of the saucy tortellini.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor, then serve hot for a hearty, comforting meal.

Notes

Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level for more or less heat.
Use fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini for best texture and taste.
Reserved pasta water helps thin the sauce without compromising flavor.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk alternative, though the sauce may be less rich.
This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner.

Keywords: Creamy Cajun Chicken, Cajun chicken recipe, creamy pasta, cheesy tortellini, one-pan chicken dish, comfort food, spicy chicken pasta