Parmesan Cajun Chicken Tortellini in Alfredo Cheese
Creamy, spicy, and utterly comforting, this dish features cheese tortellini smothered in a glossy Alfredo sauce with Cajun-spiced chicken strips.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time20 minutesmins
Total Time30 minutesmins
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 4servings
Equipment
Large Pot
Skillet
Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1.5lbsboneless, skinless chicken breastscut into thick strips
1.5tspCajun seasoning
1tspgarlic powder
1tspsalt
1/8tsppepperor to taste
2tbspolive oil
1tbspbutter
20ozcheese tortellinifresh or refrigerated
2tbspbutterfor the sauce
4clovesgarlicminced
1.5cupsheavy cream
1/2cupmilkroom temperature or cold
6ozVelveeta cheesecubed
1cupshredded mozzarella cheese
1/2cupgrated Parmesan cheese
1tspsaltfor sauce (adjust to taste)
1/8tsppepperfor sauce
Fresh parsleyfor garnish, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions (usually 3–5 minutes for fresh/refrigerated tortellini). Drain and set aside.
Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels. Season evenly with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and sear for 6–8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and cover loosely with foil.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring until it comes to a gentle simmer.
Add Velveeta cheese and stir until melted. Then add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until the sauce is glossy and thick.
Add the cooked tortellini to the sauce and gently toss to coat. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk.
Plate the creamy tortellini and arrange the seared Cajun chicken strips on the side. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to revive the sauce.