Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini in Cheesy Velveeta Sauce
Ingredients:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thick strips
1½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
½ 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 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
4 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the cheese tortellini according to package directions until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat 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, turning occasionally, until the pieces are golden-brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in the same pan. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Add the Velveeta cubes and stir until completely melted and smooth. Gradually add the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes velvety.
7. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be thick, glossy, and rich with a buttery aroma.
8. Add the cooked tortellini to the skillet and toss until every piece is fully coated in the cheesy sauce. Let it rest on low heat for about a minute to absorb the flavor.
9. Arrange the creamy tortellini on one side of the plate and the golden garlic butter chicken on the other. Spoon extra sauce over both for a luxurious finish.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley and a light dusting of Parmesan before serving warm.
Cooking Time:30 minutes
Servings:4
Calories: 820 per serving