Cajun Chicken Tortellini in Velveeta Garlic Cheese Sauce
Cajun Chicken Tortellini in Velveeta Garlic Cheese Sauce is a flavorful and comforting dish that combines tender, spice-coated chicken with cheesy tortellini smothered in a creamy Velveeta and garlic sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot meal offers a bold flavor profile, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual weekend meals, satisfying both kids and adults with its perfect balance of spice and richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free tortellini)
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Garnish
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them generously with Cajun seasoning. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter. Sauté the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Tortellini: In the same skillet or a separate pot, cook the tortellini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep the pasta firm and ready to absorb the sauce.
- Make the Velveeta Garlic Cheese Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in the cream and gradually add cubed Velveeta, stirring constantly until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked chicken and tortellini back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat every piece with the rich, garlicky cheese mixture. Let the flavors meld together over low heat for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or chives on top before serving to add freshness and a hint of sharpness that complements the dish.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor instead of garlic powder.
- Do not overcook tortellini; keep it al dente for optimal texture.
- Be generous with the Cajun seasoning to ensure the chicken has a bold flavor.
- Melt Velveeta cheese slowly over low heat to keep the sauce silky smooth.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream to customize the sauce thickness to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Cajun chicken, tortellini, Velveeta cheese sauce, garlic cheese sauce, creamy pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, one-pot meal
