Description
A comforting and flavorful Cajun garlic chicken tortellini dish that is quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 9 oz cheese tortellini
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp cream cheese
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps achieve a nice golden crust when searing. Once dried, season both sides generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. The Cajun seasoning is your flavor powerhouse, so make sure each piece of chicken is well-coated.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Allow the chicken to sear without moving it for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. After searing, remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tortellini. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and drain the rest. Set the tortellini aside while you prepare the sauce.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to heat through while stirring.
- Now it’s time to introduce the cheese to the sauce! Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cream cheese to the skillet. Whisk everything together until the cheeses melt and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust the consistency if needed using the reserved pasta water; it should be thick yet pourable.
- With the cheese sauce ready, add the cooked tortellini to the skillet. Gently toss the tortellini in the rich sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. This step allows the tortellini to soak up the delicious flavors of the sauce while maintaining its texture.
- Slice the rested chicken into strips and arrange it on top of the creamy tortellini. For added color and freshness, sprinkle with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired for a kick of heat. Serve the dish hot and watch it disappear under the delight of your family or guests!
Notes
Ensure that the tortellini is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approx. 600 per serving
- Sodium: Approx. 800 mg
- Protein: Approx. 35 g