The Best Loaded Cajun Alfredo Tortellini Skillet Recipe

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This Loaded Cajun Alfredo Tortellini Skillet is the ultimate comfort food with a spicy Southern twist. It’s everything you love about rich, creamy Alfredo sauce — with bold Cajun spices, pillowy cheese-stuffed tortellini, and savory crumbled sausage. One skillet, a handful of pantry staples, and just 30 minutes stand between you and a satisfying, flavor-packed dinner.

Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe delivers serious flavor with minimal cleanup. Each bite bursts with smoky, garlicky, cheesy goodness, with pops of freshness from diced tomatoes and herbs. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a restaurant treat but is totally doable at home.

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Why You’ll Love This Loaded Cajun Alfredo Tortellini Skillet

• Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal prep.
• One-skillet magic: Fewer dishes, more flavor.
• Ultra-creamy sauce: Rich Alfredo meets smoky Cajun seasoning.
• Comfort food heaven: Cheesy tortellini, sausage, and bacon in every bite.
• Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry family or impressing dinner guests.

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What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

Refrigerated cheese tortellini is the way to go for this dish. It cooks quickly, holds its shape, and blends beautifully with the Alfredo sauce. If you’re using frozen tortellini, thaw it first and adjust the cooking time slightly. Homemade is also an option, but for quick dinners, store-bought fresh tortellini is unbeatable.

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Ingredients for the Loaded Cajun Alfredo Tortellini Skillet

Each ingredient in this dish serves a flavorful purpose, building the layers of creamy, smoky, cheesy goodness.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing and adding richness.
• 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage: Adds savory, meaty depth.
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper: Brightens the dish with sweetness and color.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: A fragrant base for the Alfredo.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the Cajun profile with smoky warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: For subtle background flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: To season the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A mild bite.
• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning: The heart of the flavor.
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream: Makes the Alfredo sauce rich and silky.
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For umami and cheesy creaminess.
• 1/4 cup cream cheese: Adds tang and thickens the sauce.
• 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini: The perfect pasta pillow.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps loosen the sauce and cook the pasta.
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes (drained): For color and freshness.
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: A fresh finishing touch.
• 2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled: Crunch and smoky flavor.

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How To Make the Loaded Cajun Alfredo Tortellini Skillet

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Use a spoon to break it into crumbles. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add diced bell pepper and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese and cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Add the Tortellini

Stir in the tortellini and chicken broth. Simmer on low for 4–6 minutes, or until tortellini is tender and sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Finish with Toppings

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir in diced tomatoes and half the parsley. Top with crumbled bacon and remaining parsley before serving.

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How to Serve and Store This Creamy Cajun Tortellini Skillet

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings and is best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet. The creamy sauce thickens as it sits, making leftovers just as delicious the next day.

To store: Let the dish cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

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What to Serve With Loaded Cajun Alfredo Tortellini

Garlic Bread

Perfect for scooping up every last drop of Alfredo sauce.

Simple Side Salad

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the richness.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds texture and a touch of bitterness that complements the creamy sauce.

Cornbread Muffins

Southern-inspired and great for sopping up sauce.

Grilled Asparagus

Fresh, slightly charred, and fast to make.

Creamy Cucumber Salad

Cool and crunchy, a nice contrast to the warm skillet.

Apple Slaw

A refreshing and tangy side with crunch and sweetness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook everything up to the point before adding the tortellini. Store the sauce and sausage separately, then finish cooking the pasta and assemble before serving.

Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild kick from the Cajun seasoning. You can reduce it to 1/4 teaspoon for a milder version or add hot sauce if you want extra heat.

Can I use chicken instead of sausage?

Absolutely. Shredded rotisserie chicken or diced cooked chicken breast works great here.

Is there a dairy-free version?

You can use dairy-free cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan alternatives. The flavor will differ, but it still works.

Can I freeze leftovers?

It’s not recommended due to the dairy-based sauce, which can separate when reheated from frozen.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try a spicy sausage or stick with mild? Add a sprinkle of Cajun shrimp on top? I love hearing your creative twists. Questions welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

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Conclusion

This Loaded Cajun Alfredo Tortellini Skillet is a rich, creamy, hearty meal you can whip up in no time. With just one skillet and under 30 minutes, it’s the kind of dinner that satisfies your cravings without complicating your evening. For more inspiration, check out dishes like Cheesy Bowtie Pasta with Cajun Beef, Maple Garlic Chicken Bites, and Sticky Honey Mustard Sausage Skillet.

For even more delicious meal ideas, visit my Pinterest at Meals We Share.

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