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Homemade Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini with Roasted Peppers photo

Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini with Roasted Peppers

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini with Roasted Peppers is packed with bold flavors and rich, spicy cream sauce—perfect for an easy, satisfying weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cheese tortellini
  • 1 lb chicken breast diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup Cajun seasoning
  • 1 cup roasted red bell peppers sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Pot for boiling tortellini
  • Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh or frozen tortellini. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce if needed.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and 1 cup of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the sliced roasted red bell peppers and stir to combine.
  4. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and infuse with all the spices.
  5. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Cajun sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and serve immediately while warm and creamy.

Notes

  • Use a milder or hotter Cajun seasoning blend to adjust the spice level to your preference.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a milk and cream cheese blend.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently to prevent sauce curdling.
  • Freeze cooked chicken and tortellini separately before combining with fresh sauce to maintain texture.
  • Substitute cheese tortellini with other stuffed pasta or plain pasta like penne or farfalle if needed.