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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for a quick-cooking option. If you’re looking for something different, try turkey breast or even shrimp for a seafood twist. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein used!

Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is a classic choice, but you can experiment with meat-filled tortellini or even spinach for a veggie version. If you can’t find tortellini, other pasta shapes like fusilli or penne will work, too. Just cook them al dente!

Sausage: Andouille sausage gives a great smoky flavor, but any smoked sausage will do. For a lighter option, turkey sausage or even chicken sausage can also work. If you’re vegetarian, consider using plant-based sausage or skipping it altogether!

Cajun Seasoning: Store-bought Cajun seasoning is convenient, but you can make your own mix with paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano. Adjust the heat to your taste. If you want milder flavors, you can use Creole seasoning or Italian herbs for a different profile.

How Can I Make Sure My Sauce Is Creamy and Flavorful?

Achieving a creamy sauce that clings to your pasta is key in this dish! Here are some steps to ensure success:

• Start with a good base by cooking the onions and garlic until fragrant; this builds flavor.
• Use heavy cream for richness, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work, though it won’t be as thick.
• Let the sauce simmer to thicken slightly; this step helps it really come together. Stir occasionally!
• Always taste your sauce before adding the pasta. Adjust with salt, pepper, or extra Cajun seasoning if needed.

By following these tips, your Cajun Chicken Tortellini will come out deliciously creamy and packed with flavor every time!

Cajun Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Protein:
  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1-2 sausages (such as andouille or smoked sausage), sliced into rounds
• Pasta:
  • 1 package (9-12 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• Vegetables:
  • 1 cup sliced bell peppers or snap peas
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Liquid Ingredients:
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Seasonings:
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Finishing Touches:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Fresh chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious Cajun Chicken Tortellini will take about 15 minutes to prep and another 20 minutes for cooking, totaling around 35 minutes. Perfect for a weekday dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Tortellini:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 4-5 minutes. Once done, drain and set them aside.

2. Sauté the Sausage:

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned on both sides, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once browned, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil or butter. Then add the diced chicken pieces, seasoning them with Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne (if you want extra heat), salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside as well.

4. Sauté Onions and Garlic:

In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

5. Make the Sauce:

Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

6. Combine Ingredients:

Return the cooked chicken and sausage back into the skillet. Toss in the green vegetables (bell peppers or snap peas) and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

7. Add the Tortellini:

Gently add the cooked tortellini to the skillet, carefully tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is well coated in the creamy Cajun sauce.

8. Final Touches:

Take a moment to taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed with more salt or Cajun seasoning.

9. Serving:

Serve your Cajun Chicken Tortellini immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or green onions. If you like, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra flavor boost!

Enjoy this vibrant, spicy, creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini! Each bite is filled with tender chicken, flavorful sausage, and cheesy tortellini swimming in a deliciously bold sauce.

Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?

Absolutely! While cheese tortellini is traditional, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose!

Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the chicken and sausage. You might want to add more vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added flavor and texture, and consider using a plant-based cream for the sauce.

How Can I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

Can I Adjust the Spice Level?

Definitely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. Alternatively, if you enjoy more heat, feel free to increase the spices to your taste.