Description
A rich and comforting dish featuring cheesy tortellini and succulent chicken in a creamy, flavorful Cajun sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 10 oz cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning (plus extra to taste)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the tortellini according to the package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Heat olive oil with 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is nicely browned and fully cooked through, around 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring gently to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor.
- Stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, and softened cream cheese. Mix until the sauce becomes smooth, then gradually add the Velveeta, cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Continue stirring as the cheeses melt, forming a thick and rich sauce. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and an extra pinch of Cajun seasoning if you wish.
- Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and gently toss until each piece is well coated in the sauce.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and mix lightly, allowing everything to heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve warm, finishing with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a light dusting of Parmesan on top.
Notes
When cooking the chicken, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Cajun, garlic chicken, tortellini, creamy sauce, dinner recipe, family meal, quick recipe