Description
Turn your dinner into a bold comfort food experience with this *Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini in Velveeta Garlic Cheese Sauce*. Packed with juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a velvety garlic cheese sauce, this dish is perfect for anyone craving a satisfying, easy dinner. It’s a restaurant-quality fusion recipe you can make in under an hour—ideal for quick dinner ideas, indulgent comfort food nights, or impressive food ideas when hosting guests.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
salt and black pepper to taste
1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
1 ½ cups Velveeta cheese cubed
½ cup heavy cream
3 garlic cloves minced
2 tablespoons butter
¼ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
pinch red pepper flakes optional
salt and pepper to taste
fresh parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10–15 minutes.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. Remove and rest.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in heavy cream and Velveeta cubes. Cook on low, stirring constantly, until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
6. Season the sauce with onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (optional), salt, and pepper.
7. Add the cooked tortellini to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Keep warm on low.
8. Slice the rested chicken into strips or chunks. Serve over the creamy tortellini and garnish with chopped parsley.
Notes
Always use low heat when melting Velveeta to avoid splitting or graininess.
For extra flavor, marinate chicken in Cajun seasoning ahead of time.
Fresh parsley added at the end brightens and balances the creamy flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 690
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1120mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, Cajun chicken recipe, tortellini recipe, weeknight meals