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If you’ve been searching for that ultimate comfort meal that combines cheesy goodness with hearty protein, look no further than this Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce Recipe. It’s a dreamy, one-pot dinner that brings together tender chicken breast, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a luscious garlic-packed sauce made irresistibly creamy with Velveeta and mozzarella. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing family and friends, this recipe promises a rich, satisfying dish that’s as simple as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to achieving the perfect balance of creaminess, flavor, and texture in this dish. Each ingredient plays an important role, from the smooth Velveeta melting into the sauce to the fresh garlic that gives a fragrant zing to every bite.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing tender, juicy meat that soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
- 2 cups cubed Velveeta cheese: Adds that signature creamy, velvety texture that makes the sauce irresistible.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings stretch and richness, complementing the Velveeta perfectly.
- 10 ounces cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen): Soft pillows of pasta filled with cheese, layering more cheesy comfort into the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Boosts creaminess and helps meld all the cheesy goodness into a smooth sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers a fragrant punch that elevates the sauce beyond ordinary.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding subtle richness.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds a silky finish and enhances the garlic’s flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses herbaceous depth and a subtle earthy note.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives gentle warmth and a hint of smoky color.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild spice and rounds out the seasoning.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat to balance the richness.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): Provides a fresh, herbal brightness as a beautiful garnish.
How to Make Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. These spices build a flavorful base layer that will infuse the chicken throughout cooking. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 6 to 7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest—resting is key to keeping the meat juicy and tender.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
With the chicken resting, reduce the heat to medium and toss minced garlic into the same pot. This step unlocks the garlic’s wonderful aroma without burning it. Sauté for just about 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to let it brown, as burnt garlic would add bitterness.
Step 3: Create the Luxurious Cheese Sauce
Next, pour in the heavy cream and add the Velveeta cheese cubes right into the pot. Stir continuously until the Velveeta melts completely and combines smoothly with the cream. Then, sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella, stirring until the sauce becomes beautifully thick, silky, and cheesy. This combination creates the dreamy foundation of the sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Tortellini in the Sauce
Add the cheese tortellini directly to the pot, submerging them in that luscious sauce. Cover and let everything simmer gently for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and perfectly cooked. This step allows the tortellini to soak up the moist, flavorful sauce, making each bite indulgent.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Slice the rested chicken breasts into juicy medallions and place them over the creamy tortellini. Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and fresh parsley if you like a pop of color and a touch of heat. Your Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A touch of fresh parsley gives this dish a bright, fresh contrast to its rich creaminess. For those who crave a subtle kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of heat without overpowering the other flavors. A little cracked black pepper on top can also add an extra layer of warmth and spice.
Side Dishes
Though this recipe is wonderfully filling on its own, pairing it with a crisp side salad or steamed green veggies like asparagus or broccoli adds balance and freshness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is also perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic cheese sauce—it’s hard to resist!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the sliced chicken arranged fan-style over the tortellini, then drizzle a little extra warmed sauce on top. Alternatively, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan and a few basil leaves for a restaurant-quality presentation. You could even bake it briefly under a broiler with an additional layer of mozzarella to create a bubbly, golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the sauce is so creamy, it retains moisture well and keeps the tortellini soft, but be sure to cool it completely before refrigeration to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce Recipe for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space for expansion. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat this dish on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to bring back that creamy texture without separating. Adding a splash of heavy cream or milk helps loosen the sauce if it thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Velveeta?
Velveeta’s unique melting quality makes the sauce super creamy, but you can substitute with cream cheese or a combination of sharp cheddar and cream cheese for a slightly different texture and tang.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This one-pot dinner freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or busy nights. Just be mindful of reheating gently to maintain the creamy sauce texture.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just add the shredded chicken to the sauce toward the end of cooking so it heats through without drying out.
What type of tortellini works best for this recipe?
Cheese-filled refrigerated or frozen tortellini both work wonderfully. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions to ensure perfect doneness.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that complements the creaminess without overwhelming your palate. You can omit them if you prefer a milder flavor or increase slightly if you enjoy more spice.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce Recipe is a true game-changer for those busy evenings when you want comfort food that feels special but comes together quickly. Its rich, cheesy sauce paired with tender chicken and soft tortellini will easily become a new favorite in your dinner rotation. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be delighted by every creamy, garlicky bite!
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Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini recipe delivers a rich and comforting one-pot dinner featuring tender chicken breasts, cheesy tortellini, and a luscious mozzarella garlic sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty meal combines the creamy goodness of Velveeta and mozzarella with the flavors of garlic and Italian seasoning for a satisfying dish perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Cheese and Dairy
- 2 cups cubed Velveeta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta
- 10 ounces cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
Other Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika to build a flavorful base.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook about 6 to 7 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
- Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium, then add the minced garlic to the same pot. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Create the Cheese Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then add the Velveeta cheese cubes. Stir continuously until the Velveeta melts completely, forming a smooth sauce. Next, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts and blends with the sauce.
- Cook the Tortellini: Add the cheese tortellini directly into the creamy sauce. Cover the pot and simmer for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and fully cooked, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and place them over the creamy tortellini. Garnish with red pepper flakes and chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve immediately for a rich, flavorful one-pot meal.
Notes
- You can use either refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini for this recipe; just adjust cooking time slightly if frozen.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Heavy cream is key for the richness of the sauce; substituting with a lighter cream will affect texture and flavor.
- Make sure to rest the chicken after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- For a lower fat option, substitute Velveeta with reduced-fat cheese and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
