Description
If you’re looking for a bold and creamy dinner idea that’s packed with flavor, this Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini in Velveeta Garlic Cheese Sauce hits every mark. Tender Cajun-seasoned chicken seared to golden perfection, combined with soft cheese-filled tortellini, all bathed in a rich, garlicky Velveeta and Parmesan sauce—it’s pure comfort in a bowl. Perfect for quick weeknight meals, indulgent dinner ideas, or when you’re craving a hearty, easy recipe with a Southern kick. Ideal for fans of easy dinner recipes, food ideas that satisfy, and indulgent one-pan meals.
Ingredients
4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
0.25 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon butter (for searing)
1 package (18–20 oz) cheese tortellini
Water and salt for boiling
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic finely minced
0.5 cup heavy cream
1 cup milk
8 oz Velveeta cheese cubed
0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
0.5 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and coat with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove, let rest, then slice.
3. Boil tortellini in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter. Sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Add heavy cream and milk, stir, then add Velveeta and Parmesan. Melt slowly over low heat, stirring constantly. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
6. Stir cooked tortellini into the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust thickness if needed.
7. Simmer 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
8. Plate tortellini and top with Cajun chicken. Garnish with red pepper flakes or fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Velveeta melts best on low heat—don’t rush it or you’ll risk a grainy sauce.
Chicken thighs are juicier, but breasts work too—just adjust cook time.
If the sauce is too thick, a splash of pasta water or milk will smooth it out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: American, Cajun Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 1380
- Fat: 41
- Saturated Fat: 19
- Unsaturated Fat: 19
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 41
- Cholesterol: 160
Keywords: creamy cajun chicken pasta, velveeta tortellini, easy dinner, cheesy chicken pasta