A Flavorful, Creamy Skillet Dish With Spicy Cajun Sausage, Tender Tortellini, And A Rich, Creamy Sauce – A Perfect Weeknight Dinner That’s Easy To Make And Full Of Bold Flavors!
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Tortellini Skillet is a family favorite because it’s packed with rich flavors and comes together quickly for a satisfying meal. I decided to make it because I wanted a one-pan dinner that combines the bold, spicy flavors of Cajun sausage with the creamy comfort of tortellini.
The sausage adds just the right amount of heat, while the creaminess of the sauce brings everything together perfectly. My family loves it because it’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor – plus, the one-pan aspect makes cleanup a breeze!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A: Yes! While Cajun sausage is what gives this dish its spicy kick, you can substitute it with any sausage you like, such as Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even turkey sausage for a lighter version. If you want to keep the spice, just add some extra Cajun seasoning.
Q: Can I make this dish without cream?
A: Yes! You can use a lighter option, like half-and-half or even a dairy-free cream substitute if you want to make this dish dairy-free. The sauce will be a bit thinner, but it will still be delicious.
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Absolutely! Frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just cook it according to the package instructions before adding it to the skillet.
Q: How can I adjust the spice level?
A: To make this dish milder, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild sausage. You can also add a dollop of sour cream to tone down the heat after cooking.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the sausage and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the sauce and toss in the cooked tortellini.
What You Need to Make Creamy Cajun Sausage Tortellini Skillet
For the Dish:
- 1 lb Cajun sausage (or any sausage of your choice), sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (9 oz) package of cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (more if desired)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Cajun Sausage Tortellini Skillet
1. Cook the tortellini:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions (usually about 3-4 minutes for fresh, or 7-9 minutes for frozen). Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the sausage:
While the tortellini cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Cajun sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the creamy sauce:
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine the sausage, tortellini, and sauce:
Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, followed by the drained tortellini. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tortellini to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
5. Add the Parmesan cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning, if needed.
6. Serve:
Serve the creamy Cajun sausage tortellini hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish!
Tips
- For extra creaminess: Add more heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce for a richer, thicker texture.
- Add veggies: Throw in some spinach or bell peppers to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.
- Make it spicier: If you like a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan L. – “This Creamy Cajun Sausage Tortellini Skillet is amazing! The sausage is so flavorful, and the creamy sauce is rich and satisfying. A huge hit with my family – we’ll definitely make this again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel S. – “I loved this recipe! The Cajun sausage adds so much flavor, and the creamy sauce is perfect with the tortellini. It’s a delicious, comforting dish!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie W. – “This is one of the best skillet dinners I’ve made! The creamy sauce is so delicious, and the sausage gives it just the right amount of spice. My family devoured it!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma B. – “This Creamy Cajun Sausage Tortellini Skillet is so easy to make and full of flavor! The tortellini is so creamy and comforting, and the sausage is the perfect spicy addition.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica H. – “I made this for dinner, and it was a huge hit! The sausage is so flavorful, and the creamy sauce is just perfect with the tortellini. Definitely a new family favorite!”
Printable Recipe
Creamy Cajun Sausage Tortellini Skillet
This Creamy Cajun Sausage Tortellini Skillet combines spicy Cajun sausage, tender tortellini, and a rich, creamy sauce – a flavorful, comforting meal that’s easy to make and full of bold flavors!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Cajun sausage (or any sausage of your choice), sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (9 oz) package of cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (more if desired)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the tortellini:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package instructions (usually about 3-4 minutes for fresh, or 7-9 minutes for frozen). Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the sausage:
- While the tortellini cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced Cajun sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the creamy sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine the sausage, tortellini, and sauce:
- Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, followed by the drained tortellini. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the tortellini to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
5. Add the Parmesan cheese:
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun seasoning, if needed.
6. Serve:
- Serve the creamy Cajun sausage tortellini hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Creamy Cajun Sausage Tortellini Skillet, please share it with your friends and family! It’s a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your skillet turns out!
