Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken Tortellini in Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thickly sliced
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook until tender, about 4–5 minutes, or according to the package instructions. Drain, drizzle with a touch of olive oil, and set aside.
2. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until coated evenly.
3. Heat olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown with crisp edges. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
4. Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan — that’s where the flavor lives. Stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
6. Reduce the heat to low and add the Velveeta cubes, stirring until they melt into a smooth, rich sauce. Sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan a handful at a time, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes thick, creamy, and glossy.
7. Add the Italian seasoning and adjust the salt and pepper to taste. You can also stir in a pinch of Cajun seasoning if you like a little kick.
8. Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the sauce, coating each one in that creamy, cheesy goodness.
9. Add the chicken back into the skillet and either toss everything together.
10. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and a little extra Parmesan for that perfect finishing touch.
Cooking Time:30 minutes
Servings:4
Calories: 750 per serving