Hey there, friend! First off, thank you so much for stopping by — your visits and love for comfort food recipes make my kitchen the happiest place. I hope you’re hungry because today I’m sharing a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, garlicky, and a little bit Cajun spicy — all wrapped up in pillowy cheese tortellini. Anything but boring!!
This Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Tortellini with Velveeta Cream is one of those stick-to-your-ribs meals that turns any weeknight into something special. Picture tender Cajun chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a sauce so velvety you’ll want to lick the spoon.
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Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Tortellini
This dish is the perfect marriage of cozy pasta and bold Cajun flavor — and the Velveeta cream sauce? Oh my word. It’s rich, smooth, and coats every bite of tortellini beautifully.
I promised you easy comfort food and here’s proof: the whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes! Serve it up for family dinner, movie night, or when you just want a big, warm bowl of happiness.
Taste-wise? It’s creamy, cheesy, a bit garlicky, and spiced just right — hearty without being heavy, and seriously crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated — your call)
- 3 cups milk (whole milk works best)
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish — optional but pretty!)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling tortellini
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Use shrimp instead of chicken for a Cajun seafood twist!
- Add baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Don’t have Velveeta? Substitute with mild cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different cheesy vibe.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne if you want more heat!
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Tortellini
1️⃣ Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Season & Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Velveeta Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant — about 30 seconds. Pour in the milk, whisking constantly. Add the Velveeta and cream cheese cubes. Stir until melted and smooth.
4️⃣ Add More Cheese: Stir in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Keep whisking until the sauce is creamy and thickened. Taste and adjust Cajun seasoning, salt, or pepper as needed.
5️⃣ Combine: Add the cooked chicken and tortellini back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently so the tortellini is coated in that dreamy sauce.
6️⃣ Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and dive in while it’s hot and gooey!
What to Serve with Cajun Chicken Tortellini
- A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Warm garlic bread (because why not?!)
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus for extra veggies
Tips for Success
✔️ Use fresh or refrigerated tortellini — it cooks fast and stays pillowy soft.
✔️ Cube the Velveeta small so it melts quickly.
✔️ Don’t overcook the chicken — juicy bites are the goal!
✔️ Stir the sauce constantly to keep it velvety and lump-free.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! Just cook according to the package directions — it works beautifully.
Is this dish very spicy?
The Cajun seasoning adds warmth and flavor, but it’s not too spicy. Adjust to your liking!
Can I make this ahead?
It’s best fresh, but you can cook the chicken ahead and store it separately. Reheat gently with fresh sauce and pasta for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it — cheesy, garlicky Cajun goodness in one comforting bowl! I’m kicking myself for not making this sooner. If you try this Cheesy Garlic Cajun Chicken Tortellini with Velveeta Cream, I’d love to see your delicious creation — leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest!
Want more cozy pasta recipes? Try these next:
- One-Pot Cajun Shrimp Alfredo
- Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini
- Spicy Cajun Mac and Cheese
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: ~620 | Protein: 38g | Carbs: 50g | Fat: 30g
Thank you for spending time in my kitchen — now grab your skillet and get ready for a cheesy Cajun pasta night you’ll dream about later! ❤️
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