Description

Get ready to fall in love with this bold and creamy Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini in Velveeta Garlic Cheese Sauce—a fast, flavorful dinner idea that brings restaurant-level comfort to your own kitchen. Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, tender cheese tortellini, and a silky Velveeta garlic cheese sauce come together in one irresistible dish. Whether you’re searching for an easy dinner, a cozy comfort food recipe, or impressive food ideas for guests, this quick dinner checks every box. It’s rich, spicy, creamy, and downright crave-worthy. Perfect for busy weeknights or indulgent weekend meals, and it reheats beautifully!

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless skinless chicken thighs

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

salt and black pepper to taste

1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini

2 tablespoons butter

3 garlic cloves minced

1 ½ cups heavy cream

8 oz Velveeta cheese cubed

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

reserved pasta water as needed

Instructions

1. Pat chicken dry and rub with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Set aside to rest.

3. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook tortellini according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.

4. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

5. Pour in heavy cream, then add Velveeta cubes. Stir constantly until melted and smooth.

6. Add Parmesan cheese (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in a splash of pasta water if needed to thin.

7. Toss cooked tortellini in the cheese sauce. Simmer on low heat for 2–3 minutes.

8. Slice rested Cajun chicken and serve on top of or alongside tortellini.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Dry your chicken thoroughly before seasoning to get a crispy sear.

Always reserve some pasta water—it can save your sauce if it thickens too much.

Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American / Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 730
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 1280mg
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Unsaturated Fat: 17g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 42g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, Cajun tortellini, Velveeta sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal