Description
Delight your taste buds with this indulgent Cajun Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini in a creamy cheese sauce. Juicy chicken bites seasoned with Cajun spices, paired with cheese-filled tortellini, and smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce – a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tortellini and Cheese Sauce:
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 6 ounces creamy melting cheese cubes
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for several minutes until golden.
- Season the Chicken: Turn the chicken pieces and add the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and coated in the garlic butter seasoning. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Base: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently. Allow it to warm for a few minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Melt the Cheeses: Add the creamy cheese cubes and cream cheese. Stir continuously until both cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and glossy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked tortellini and Cajun chicken to the skillet. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add the Topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 27g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
