Description
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.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 pound ground Italian sausage
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup cream cheese
9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup diced tomatoes (drained)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Instructions
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Reduce heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add Parmesan cheese and cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
4. Stir in the tortellini and chicken broth. Simmer on low for 4–6 minutes, or until tortellini is tender and sauce has thickened.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir in diced tomatoes and half the parsley. Top with crumbled bacon and remaining parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce or crushed red pepper.
If your sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of broth or milk.
Try swapping in cooked chicken or shrimp for a fun variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 655
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: skillet dinner, alfredo pasta, Cajun tortellini, sausage Alfredo