Ingredients
Scale
- 2 small chicken breasts, sliced into thick strips
- 10 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1½ oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3–4 minutes for fresh pasta. Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken strips dry and season with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden-brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Build the sauce base: Lower heat to medium and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add liquids: Pour in chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits for flavor.
- Melt the cheeses: Add Velveeta and cream cheese first, whisking until smooth and creamy. Gradually stir in mozzarella and Parmesan, whisking until the sauce becomes glossy, thick, and smooth.
- Season and finish the sauce: Add Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce reaches a rich, velvety texture.
- Combine the tortellini: Gently fold the cooked tortellini into the sauce, tossing until every piece is coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for extra creaminess.
- Bring it together: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Let it rest for a minute to absorb the flavors.
- Serve: Arrange the tortellini and chicken side by side on a plate. Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a rich finish.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Use fresh tortellini for best flavor and texture.
- Adjust Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American