Creamy Cajun Chicken with Cheese Tortellini Recipe
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.
- 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
