Description
This creamy Cajun chicken tortellini combines bold Louisiana spices with rich Velveeta garlic cheese sauce. Tender chicken and cheese-filled pasta create the ultimate comfort food experience in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
1 pound cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs, cubed
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 cups fresh spinach
2 green onions, sliced
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon thyme
Instructions
1. Mix all Cajun spices together in a small bowl.
2. Pat chicken dry and toss with Cajun spice blend until evenly coated.
3. Let seasoned chicken rest 15 minutes at room temperature.
4. Cook tortellini according to package directions, drain and set aside.
5. Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Sear chicken pieces 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked to 165°F.
7. Remove chicken and set aside.
8. Melt butter in same skillet over medium heat.
9. Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper, sauté 3 minutes until softened.
10. Pour in cream and chicken broth, bring to gentle simmer.
11. Gradually whisk in cubed Velveeta until completely melted and smooth.
12. Return chicken to sauce along with cooked tortellini.
13. Add fresh spinach and toss until wilted.
14. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
Chicken thighs stay more moist than breasts in this recipe.
Don’t overcook chicken to prevent toughness.
Use block Velveeta for smoothest melting.
Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen varieties.
Adjust cayenne pepper to taste preference.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 598
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1245mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: cajun chicken tortellini, creamy pasta, comfort food, weeknight dinner