This Cajun Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is a creamy, spicy, and ultra-satisfying meal that combines juicy garlic Parmesan chicken bites with cheesy tortellini, all tossed in a rich Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce. It’s the kind of dish I turn to when I want bold flavors and hearty comfort on one plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy this recipe comes together while still feeling restaurant-worthy. The tortellini brings cheesy goodness, the chicken bites add a crispy, savory punch, and the Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce ties everything together beautifully. It’s a meal that impresses without a lot of fuss, perfect for busy weeknights or when I feel like treating myself.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
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Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
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Cajun seasoning
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Garlic powder
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Grated Parmesan cheese
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All-purpose flour
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Heavy cream
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Chicken broth
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Olive oil
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Butter
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
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I season the diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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I coat the chicken in a mixture of flour and Parmesan cheese for a flavorful crust.
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In a skillet over medium heat, I cook the chicken in olive oil and butter until golden and cooked through, then set it aside.
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I cook the tortellini according to package instructions, drain, and keep warm.
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Using the same skillet, I deglaze it with chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits for extra flavor.
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I stir in heavy cream and a touch more Cajun seasoning, letting the sauce simmer and thicken.
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I add the cooked tortellini to the sauce, stirring to coat every piece.
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I return the chicken bites to the pan, tossing gently to combine everything.
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I garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Sometimes, I swap in shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
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When I want to lighten it up, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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I love adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach to sneak in some veggies.
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For extra spice, I sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce.
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I sometimes mix in shredded mozzarella or provolone for an even richer cheese pull.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works too, but I stir often to keep the sauce creamy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, I often use frozen tortellini — I just make sure to cook it according to the package directions before adding it to the sauce.
How can I make it gluten-free?
I use gluten-free flour for the chicken coating and substitute regular tortellini with a gluten-free pasta option.
Can I double the sauce?
Absolutely, when I want it extra saucy, I just double the cream and broth amounts and adjust the seasoning.
What kind of Cajun seasoning should I use?
I like using a store-bought Cajun blend, but I sometimes make my own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, cayenne, and black pepper.
Is there a lighter version of this dish?
When I want a lighter version, I swap heavy cream for evaporated milk or a blend of milk and Greek yogurt.
Conclusion
Cajun Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is one of those meals that feels like pure comfort in every bite. I love the spicy creaminess paired with cheesy pasta and crispy garlic Parmesan chicken. It’s a dish I find myself craving often, and once I made it, it quickly became a household favorite.
Print
Cajun Chicken Tortellini Alfredo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cajun Chicken Tortellini Alfredo recipe is a creamy, spicy, and comforting meal packed with juicy garlic Parmesan chicken bites, cheesy tortellini, and a rich Cajun Alfredo sauce. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this easy dish delivers bold flavors with minimal fuss. Keywords: Cajun Chicken Tortellini Alfredo, Cajun Alfredo sauce, creamy Cajun pasta, spicy tortellini recipe.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- Cajun seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- All-purpose flour
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Season diced chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Coat chicken pieces in a mixture of flour and grated Parmesan cheese.
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken in olive oil and butter until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
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Cook tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and keep warm.
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Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits.
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Stir in heavy cream and a little more Cajun seasoning; simmer until sauce thickens.
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Add cooked tortellini to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
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Return cooked chicken to the pan and gently toss to combine.
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Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Swap shrimp for chicken for a seafood version.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Increase the spice level with crushed red pepper flakes.
- Mix in extra cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for a richer, cheesier sauce.
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