Description

This Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini in Velveeta Garlic Cheese Sauce is the perfect blend of bold spices, tender chicken, and rich, velvety cheese. It’s a quick dinner idea that tastes like comfort food and looks like a gourmet meal. Great for easy dinners, weeknight food ideas, or indulgent weekend treats. Cajun seasoning gives it just the right heat, while Velveeta and parmesan create a luscious garlic cheese sauce that hugs every bite of tortellini. Whether you’re hunting for quick dinner ideas or next-level pasta recipes, this easy recipe delivers creamy satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 ½ tablespoons Cajun seasoning

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini

2 tablespoons butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed

½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)

Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown. Remove and let rest.

3. Boil tortellini in salted water until al dente, about 3–5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

4. In a deep sauté pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

5. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth.

6. Add Velveeta cubes and stir until fully melted. Mix in grated parmesan. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

7. Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the cheese sauce. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.

8. Slice the rested Cajun chicken into strips. Serve over or alongside the creamy tortellini. Garnish with parsley and optional red pepper flakes or lemon juice.

Notes

Use freshly grated parmesan for best melting and flavor — skip the pre-shredded kind.

Don’t overcook the tortellini; it’ll soften more in the sauce.

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

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Fusion (Cajun-Italian)

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approx. 1 ½ cups
Calories: 710
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 1180mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: <1g
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 39g
Cholesterol: 165mg

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