Cajun Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Three-Cheese Cream

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Golden, pan-seared Cajun chicken meets tender cheese-filled tortellini in this comfort-packed meal bathed in a rich three-cheese garlic cream sauce. It’s a dish that walks the line between bold Southern spice and decadent Italian indulgence, and it does so flawlessly.

Each forkful brings the perfect bite of juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and delicate pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that tastes like it came from your favorite bistro.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To master this dish, start by organizing a few kitchen essentials:

• Cast Iron or Heavy Skillet: This helps develop the perfect crust on the Cajun chicken, sealing in flavor and juices.
• Large Pot: Needed for boiling the tortellini without overcrowding.
• Fine Mesh Strainer or Colander: Useful for draining pasta while preserving its delicate shape.
• Whisk: Essential for combining the cheeses smoothly into the cream sauce.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked to juicy perfection without drying out.

Having the right tools simplifies the process and ensures your results are restaurant-quality.

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Ingredients for the Cajun Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Three-Cheese Cream

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the juicy protein base that gets infused with Cajun seasoning.
• Cajun Seasoning: The star of the show. Adds heat, depth, and bold southern flavor to both chicken and sauce.
• Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini: Pillowy pasta stuffed with cheese that cooks quickly and pairs beautifully with the cream sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Forms the luscious base for the sauce and balances the heat with richness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty, it gives body and sharp flavor to the sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts smoothly for creaminess.
• Cream Cheese: Adds tang and thickness to the three-cheese blend.
• Garlic (minced): Fragrant and essential for depth of flavor.
• Olive Oil & Butter: Used to sear the chicken and sauté the garlic for richness and aroma.
• Fresh Parsley & Crushed Red Pepper (optional): For garnish and a final flavor pop.

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How To Make the Cajun Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Three-Cheese Cream

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Generously coat both sides of the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. In a hot skillet with olive oil and butter, sear chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F). Set aside to rest, then slice.

Step 2: Boil the Tortellini

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Base

In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a bit more butter and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Step 4: Build the Three-Cheese Cream Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Slowly whisk in cream cheese, followed by shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan. Stir until melted and smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Fold in the cooked tortellini, gently stirring to coat. Add sliced chicken on top. Garnish with chopped parsley and crushed red pepper if desired.

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How to Serve and Store Cajun Garlic Chicken Tortellini in Three-Cheese Cream

Serve this dish hot, right out of the skillet, for the best texture and flavor. Plate the creamy tortellini first, then layer the Cajun chicken slices over the top for visual appeal. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of red pepper flakes adds color and a fresh kick. Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

For leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet on low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce without breaking it. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the sauce may separate slightly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of tortellini works best for this recipe?

Refrigerated cheese tortellini is ideal because it cooks quickly and has a soft, rich texture that soaks up the cream sauce beautifully.

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely. Shrimp, salmon, or even spicy sausage work well and bring their own personality to the dish.

Is this dish spicy?

The spice level is moderate with standard Cajun seasoning. If you’re sensitive to heat, use less Cajun seasoning or choose a mild blend.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and chicken ahead, but for best results, cook the tortellini fresh when serving to avoid it getting mushy.

What’s the best way to make the sauce creamier?

Add a bit more cream cheese or mozzarella if you prefer a thicker, creamier sauce. Stir gently to avoid over-thickening.

Does this freeze well?

It’s not the best candidate for freezing due to the dairy-based sauce, which may separate when thawed. Stick to refrigerating and enjoying it within a few days.

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Want More Pasta Ideas with a Bold Twist?

If you loved this Cajun Garlic Chicken Tortellini, you’ll definitely want to try these other satisfying favorites:

• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for cozy garlic-forward flavor.
• Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta if you’re craving a veggie-packed comfort meal.
• Sweet & Spicy Garlic Honey BBQ Chicken Pasta for a bolder, saucier twist.
• Spicy Cajun Garlic Butter Sausage Pasta when you want to dial up the Cajun.
• One Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta for easy cleanup and loads of flavor.

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Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: https://www.pinterest.com/scherer29/

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you add mushrooms? A dash of hot sauce? Did you use shrimp instead?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Share your tips, swaps, or questions—let’s make dinner amazing together.

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