Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini in Velveeta Garlic Cheese Sauce

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A warm and cheesy plate of comfort with just the right amount of heat—this Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini in Velveeta Garlic Cheese Sauce is everything you want on a cozy night in. The juicy, spice-rubbed chicken is pan-seared until golden and tossed with pillowy cheese tortellini smothered in a silky Velveeta garlic cream sauce. Each bite is layered with smoky, cheesy, garlicky flavor that clings to every curve of the tortellini.

This dish hits all the indulgent notes of Southern comfort food but keeps things playful and quick enough for a weeknight. Whether you’re making it for your family or impressing guests with a rich, bold dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Cajun seasoning gives the chicken its signature kick, while the creamy Velveeta sauce brings everything together with a luscious finish.

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What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?

You can use fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini for this recipe—either works beautifully. If you use frozen tortellini, be sure to boil it just until tender and drain it well to avoid watering down the sauce. Cheese-filled varieties are best because they complement the Velveeta and garlic without overpowering the flavor profile.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini in Velveeta Garlic Cheese Sauce

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: These get coated in Cajun spices for bold, smoky flavor. Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but breasts work too if that’s your preference.
• Cajun Seasoning: This spice blend gives the chicken its savory, smoky heat and turns it into the star of the plate.
• Cheese Tortellini: The perfect pasta for trapping all that creamy garlic sauce inside each bite.
• Velveeta Cheese: Melts down into a silky smooth sauce that hugs the pasta and chicken beautifully.
• Garlic (Minced): A must-have to deepen the richness of the sauce and balance the cheesiness.
• Heavy Cream: Creates the creamy base of the sauce and smooths out the bold flavors.
• Butter: Adds a silky finish and helps bloom the garlic before building the sauce.
• Parsley (optional garnish): A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley gives a nice pop of color and freshness at the end.

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How To Make the Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini in Velveeta Garlic Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and coat generously with Cajun seasoning on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and let rest before slicing.

Step 2: Cook the Tortellini

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Cheese Sauce

In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently.

Step 4: Add the Velveeta

Cube the Velveeta and add it into the skillet, stirring constantly until it melts completely into the cream. The sauce should be velvety and smooth.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the drained tortellini to the cheese sauce and gently toss to coat. Slice the rested chicken and nestle it into the pasta.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh touch and serve immediately while everything is warm and creamy.

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Serving and Storing This Creamy Cajun Chicken Tortellini

This dish is best served fresh out of the skillet while the sauce is silky and the chicken is juicy. Pair it with a light side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or extra parsley can elevate the flavor even further at the table.

To store leftovers, let everything cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this dish?

That depends on your Cajun seasoning. Some blends are spicier than others. If you’re sensitive to heat, choose a mild Cajun blend or cut the amount in half.

Can I substitute the Velveeta with another cheese?

You can, but Velveeta is what gives the sauce its signature creaminess and smooth texture. If substituting, go for a blend of cheddar and a little cream cheese.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! If you’re using rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken, just season it with a little Cajun spice and warm it up before adding to the dish.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms would be delicious. Just sauté them before adding the cream to the sauce.

Does this recipe freeze well?

Not really. Cream-based sauces like this one tend to separate when frozen and reheated. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a couple of days.

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Want More Creamy Pasta Dinners?

If this spicy and cheesy chicken tortellini is your kind of comfort, you’re going to love these other pasta recipes too:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce
• One Skillet Cheesy Spicy Garlic Butter Steak Pasta
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
• Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

And when you try it, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add extra veggies? Did you swap out the chicken for shrimp? Tell me all the tasty details in the comments.

Want even more cheesy, creamy dinners? Visit my Pinterest @lifewithninarecipes for new meal ideas I share every day!

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