Save A vibrant and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy Cajun garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal with a spicy kick.
I’ve been getting a lot of questions about the pot I use for cozy one-pot meals and small-batch recipes, so I wanted to quickly share it here.
This is the Martha Stewart heart-shaped enameled cast iron Dutch oven (2-quart). It’s one of those pieces I reach for constantly when testing soups, stews, baked casseroles, and smaller comfort-food recipes.
- Heats evenly with no hot spots (huge for slow cooking)
- Non-reactive enamel interior — no seasoning required
- Perfect size for small households or side dishes
- Sturdy handles, easy to move from oven to table
It’s also a favorite with home cooks — 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,900 reviews — and Amazon often has a coupon available, depending on color and size.
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I first made this Cajun garlic Parmesan chicken tortellini when craving something comforting but with a lively twist. The balance of spices and creamy sauce instantly made it a weeknight favorite in my kitchen.
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Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 2 large boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cheese tortellini: 500 g (18 oz), refrigerated
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Red bell pepper: 1 small, diced
- Yellow onion: 1 small, diced
- Heavy cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (50 g), freshly grated
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons
- Cajun seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Smoked paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, plus more to taste
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish
- Optional extra Parmesan: For serving
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Instructions
- Cook Tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with half the Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté until browned and cooked through, about 5 7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté onion and bell pepper for 3 4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Seasoning and Cream:
- Sprinkle in remaining Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika. Stir, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
- Add Cheese:
- Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine Chicken and Tortellini:
- Return chicken to the skillet, along with cooked tortellini. Toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.
- Finish and Serve:
- Cook for an additional 2 3 minutes until heated through. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Save My family always gathers around the table for this meal, and it is especially popular on chilly evenings when something hearty and spicy is most welcome.
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Required Tools
Large pot, large skillet, chefs knife, cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons
Notes
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood twist. Serve with crusty bread and pair with crisp white wine.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 620 Protein: 38 g Carbohydrates: 53 g Total Fat: 29 g (per serving)
Save 
Enjoy every spicy, creamy bite with loved ones, and don&t forget extra Parmesan for the perfect finish.
Recipe FAQ
- → What protein can I use besides chicken?
Shrimp makes a great substitute for chicken. Sauté until pink and toss with the tortellini and sauce.
- → How spicy is this dish?
It has a mild Cajun heat. Adjust by adding cayenne or red pepper flakes for more spiciness.
- → Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Dried tortellini works, but follow package instructions for cooking time to ensure tenderness.
- → What sides pair well with this?
Crusty bread complements the creamy sauce, and a crisp salad or steamed vegetables work nicely.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently and add a splash of cream for freshness.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream and Parmesan-style cheese alternatives for a suitable swap.
