If you’re in the mood for something rich, creamy, and just a little bit spicy, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini in Velveeta Garlic Cheese Sauce is exactly what you need. It combines tender, seasoned chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a luscious garlic-infused Velveeta sauce that’s irresistibly smooth. The Cajun seasoning gives it that perfect Southern kick while the Velveeta keeps everything silky and indulgent. I tried this once with a touch of smoked paprika and a splash of cream, and it turned out even more luxurious. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights—it’s fast, flavorful, and comes together in a single skillet. Whether you’re serving it to guests or treating yourself to some comfort food, it’s guaranteed to impress with its bold flavors and creamy texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is comfort food at its finest—hearty, flavorful, and perfectly creamy. The combination of Cajun spices, garlic cheese sauce, and tortellini creates a rich balance of spice and creaminess in every bite. Plus, it’s easy to make and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for anyone who loves pasta with a Southern twist.
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Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini in Velveeta Garlic Cheese Sauce – A Bold and Comforting One-Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and indulgent pasta dish featuring tender Cajun-seasoned chicken and cheese tortellini coated in a creamy Velveeta garlic cheese sauce — a perfect fusion of spice, creaminess, and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or cubed
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Whisk in milk and heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Velveeta cubes and stir until completely melted and smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and smoked paprika. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked tortellini and chicken to the sauce, stirring until well coated.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through and thickened slightly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Use shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for variation.
- Thin the sauce with extra milk if it becomes too thick.
- Best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts – Tender and juicy, chicken breasts soak up the Cajun seasoning beautifully. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor.
Cheese tortellini – Fresh or refrigerated tortellini work best for this recipe. The cheese-filled pasta perfectly complements the creamy Velveeta sauce.
Velveeta cheese – The star of the dish, Velveeta melts smoothly to create a velvety sauce that coats every bite.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and depth.
Heavy cream – Adds richness and body to the sauce, balancing the spice of the Cajun seasoning.
Cajun seasoning – A bold blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and herbs that gives the dish its signature flavor and a little heat.
Olive oil – Used for cooking the chicken, it helps lock in flavor and moisture.
Butter – Adds extra richness and smoothness to the garlic cheese sauce.
Chicken broth – Thins out the sauce slightly while enhancing the savory taste.
Parmesan cheese – Grated Parmesan adds a touch of sharpness that balances the creamy Velveeta perfectly.
Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings that help highlight the other flavors in the dish.
Parsley – A fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of brightness to the final dish.
Directions
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
Next, stir in the Parmesan cheese and a pinch more Cajun seasoning to intensify the flavor. Add the cooked tortellini directly to the sauce, tossing gently to coat every piece. Slice the cooked chicken into strips and return it to the skillet, letting it warm through for 2–3 minutes.
Once the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the cheese sauce to separate. This dish is not ideal for freezing due to the creamy sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Extra Spicy Version – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce for extra heat.
Seafood Twist – Replace chicken with shrimp or crawfish for a Cajun-inspired seafood pasta.
Smoky Flavor – Add smoked paprika or use smoked sausage for an added depth of flavor.
Vegetable Boost – Toss in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for color and nutrition.
Lighter Version – Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use less Velveeta for a lighter sauce.
Cheese Lovers’ Dream – Mix in shredded mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra cheesy punch.
Garlic Explosion – Double the garlic for a bolder, aromatic taste.
One-Pot Method – Cook the tortellini directly in the sauce with extra broth for fewer dishes.
Bacon Twist – Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, salty crunch.
Herb Infusion – Stir in fresh thyme or basil at the end for a fragrant finish.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just cook it according to package instructions before adding it to the sauce.
2. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Simply warm it in the sauce for a few minutes before serving.
3. What can I substitute for Velveeta?
Use shredded cheddar or American cheese, though the texture may be slightly less smooth.
4. How can I make it less spicy?
Use mild Cajun seasoning or reduce the amount by half.
5. Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
6. What type of tortellini works best?
Cheese-filled or spinach-ricotta tortellini are excellent choices for this recipe.
7. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Simmer it longer or add a few more cubes of Velveeta cheese.
8. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, but store the sauce separately from the pasta to maintain the best texture.
9. What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad.
10. Can I use leftover sauce?
Yes, it makes a great topping for baked potatoes or steamed vegetables.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini in Velveeta Garlic Cheese Sauce is a dish that combines comfort and excitement in one skillet. It’s rich, cheesy, and bursting with bold Cajun flavors that make every bite memorable. Easy enough for a weeknight yet indulgent enough for special occasions, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite. Serve it warm, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top, and enjoy the perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and Southern charm.
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