Description
A creamy and comforting pasta dish with tender chicken and cheesy Velveeta sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 18 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook until tender and pillowy. Drain gently and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the cut chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat the olive oil with 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook until it turns golden on the outside and is cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Once finished, transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the remaining butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Create the Sauce Base: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine and lifting all the flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the Cheeses: Stir in the Velveeta and cream cheese, allowing them to melt slowly into the sauce. Once smooth, sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Combine with Tortellini: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and add the cooked tortellini to the sauce. Gently fold the pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is well-coated.
- Finish with Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing everything together carefully. Let it heat through for 1-2 minutes, ensuring nothing overcooks.
- Serve: Top with chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh touch.
Notes
This dish can also be made ahead of time. Store components separately and combine before serving for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Chicken, Tortellini, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Creamy Pasta, Weeknight Meal