Oh wow 🤩 this one’s a comfort-food powerhouse — spicy Cajun chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a velvety garlic Velveeta cream sauce all baked together with mozzarella. Here’s the detailed recipe for you 👇
🧀 Mozzarella Cajun Chicken Tortellini with Garlic Velveeta Cream
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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2 chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-size pieces
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp garlic powder
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
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1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
For the Garlic Velveeta Cream Sauce:
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2 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 cups heavy cream (or 1 cup milk + 1 cup cream for lighter)
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6 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
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½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to spice level)
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp onion powder
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Baking:
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
🥘 Instructions
1. Cook the Tortellini
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Bring salted water to a boil.
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Cook tortellini just until al dente (about 3 minutes if fresh).
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Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Cajun Chicken
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
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Toss chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Sear chicken until golden and cooked through (about 6–7 minutes).
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Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Velveeta Cream
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In the same skillet, melt butter.
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Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Stir in Velveeta cubes, whisking until smooth and creamy.
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Add Parmesan, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, and onion powder.
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Taste and adjust seasoning (add red pepper flakes if desired).
4. Combine Everything
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Add cooked tortellini and Cajun chicken into the sauce.
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Toss well to coat everything in creamy goodness.
5. Bake with Mozzarella
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Sprinkle mozzarella evenly on top.
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Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve
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Garnish with fresh parsley.
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Serve hot with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
🌟 Tips & Variations
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Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist 🦐.
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Add sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
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If you love it extra creamy, stir in an extra splash of cream before baking.
🍴 Flavor Analogy
This dish is like Alfredo with a kick of jazz 🎷—Velveeta brings silky comfort, Cajun spice adds rhythm, and mozzarella finishes with a gooey crescendo.