why make this recipe
Cajun Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Three-Cheese Cream is a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and comforting textures. It combines the bold zest of Cajun seasoning with creamy cheeses and tender tortellini, making it perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering. This recipe is relatively easy to make, which is great for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
how to make Cajun Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Three-Cheese Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 10 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Season both sides of chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken until golden-brown and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove chicken and let it rest.
- Cook tortellini in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and stir in cream cheese until melted.
- Add Parmesan and mozzarella; stir until the sauce is smooth.
- Slice rested chicken into strips.
- Fold cooked tortellini into the sauce.
- Add chicken on top and gently mix everything together. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
how to serve Cajun Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Three-Cheese Cream
Serve this dish hot, making sure to spoon some of the creamy sauce over the tortellini. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle additional parsley or red pepper flakes on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.
how to store Cajun Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Three-Cheese Cream
If you have leftovers, let the dish cool down completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Cajun Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Three-Cheese Cream
- For extra spice, feel free to increase the Cajun seasoning or add more red pepper flakes.
- To save time, consider using pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
variation
You can switch out the cheese tortellini for another type of pasta, like penne or fettuccine, if you prefer. Additionally, using grilled shrimp instead of chicken can give it a fresh twist while still keeping the Cajun flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just cook the tortellini fresh before serving to ensure the best texture.
2. Is this dish spicy?
The spiciness can vary depending on the amount of Cajun seasoning you use. You can adjust it to your taste by using less seasoning or omitting the red pepper flakes.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the sauce may separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.
Cajun Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Three-Cheese Cream
A delightful dish combining Cajun spices, creamy cheeses, and tender tortellini, perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 10 ounces cheese tortellini
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season both sides of chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken until golden-brown and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove chicken and let it rest.
- Cook tortellini in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and stir in cream cheese until melted.
- Add Parmesan and mozzarella; stir until the sauce is smooth.
- Slice rested chicken into strips.
- Fold cooked tortellini into the sauce.
- Add chicken on top and gently mix everything together. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Garnish with parsley and red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra spice, increase the Cajun seasoning or add more red pepper flakes. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
- Diet: Poultry
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg