If you’re craving a dinner that’s comfort food heaven wrapped up in one luscious pot, look no further than this Indulgent Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini One-Pot Dinner Recipe. It brings together tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a velvety sauce made with Velveeta and mozzarella that’s so smooth and rich, it practically melts in your mouth. Perfect for busy evenings when you want something both hearty and fuss-free, this recipe will quickly become your go-to crowd-pleaser for weeknights or cozy weekend meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether adding bold flavor, creamy texture, or vibrant color, making every bite well-rounded and delightful.
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Provides lean protein and a mild canvas for the creamy sauce to shine.
- 9 oz Cheese Tortellini (Fresh or refrigerated): Pillows of cheesy goodness that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup Velveeta Cheese (Cubed): The secret to that unmistakably creamy and velvety texture.
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded): Adds gooey meltiness and stretches just right.
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced): Infuses the dish with its irresistible aromatic base.
- 0.5 tsp Paprika (Optional): A subtle smoky hint that brightens the flavor profile.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth: Enhances savoriness and helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: The richness that envelops every ingredient in a luscious embrace.
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken and build flavor from the start.
- 1 tbsp Butter (or olive oil): Adds depth and helps caramelize the garlic beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and elevate all the flavors.
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley or Basil (Chopped): A fresh, herbal note that gives bright color and a clean finish.
How to Make Indulgent Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini One-Pot Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and sear each side for about 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. This step locks in the juices and creates a beautiful flavor base, so don’t rush it. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate—you’ll add it back later to soak in all that cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic for Aromatic Flavor
Using the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not burned—this little aromatic boost gives your sauce that signature warmth and depth that makes this recipe stand out.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce Base
Pour in 1 cup each of chicken broth and heavy cream. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally for 2 to 3 minutes. This gentle simmer blends the flavors and begins thickening the sauce, creating the perfect environment for melty cheese magic.
Step 4: Melt in Cheeses for Ultimate Creaminess
Reduce the heat, then add 1 cup of cubed Velveeta and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses have completely melted and the sauce is irresistibly smooth and creamy. This rich sauce is the heart and soul of the Indulgent Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini One-Pot Dinner Recipe.
Step 5: Simmer Tortellini in the Sauce
Add 9 ounces of fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini directly to the sauce. Let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally so every tortellini gets coated and warms through beautifully. The pasta absorbs the luscious sauce, marrying all the flavors perfectly.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Finish Cooking
Slice the seared chicken into bite-sized pieces and fold them gently into the cheesy tortellini mixture. Warm everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the chicken soaks up the creamy sauce flavors. This step brings all components together into one harmonious dish.
Step 7: Add Fresh Herbs and Serve
Finally, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top to infuse a refreshing herbal brightness and add a pop of color. Serve your Indulgent Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini One-Pot Dinner piping hot for a meal that hugs you from the inside out.
How to Serve Indulgent Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini One-Pot Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley and basil not only brighten the palate but add a gorgeous green contrast. A little cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can spice it up beautifully if you like some mild heat. A dusting of Parmesan cheese also enhances the cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
This one-pot dinner is so filling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables offers a wonderful textural balance and freshness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up any leftover creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style in a large shallow bowl to emphasize the comforting, poured-together vibe, or plate it elegantly with a sprinkle of herbs and a few parmesan curls to impress guests. For a fun twist, you can bake it briefly with extra mozzarella on top until bubbly and golden for a gratin-like finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Indulgent Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld nicely, making the next day’s meal just as delicious.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Place portions into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Be aware the texture of tortellini may soften slightly after freezing but will still taste fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce and bring back that luscious creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of Velveeta?
Absolutely! While Velveeta provides a unique creaminess and meltability, you can substitute with processed cheese or even a blend of cream cheese and cheddar. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it flavorful and satisfying.
Can I make this on the stovetop only without an oven?
Definitely! The entire Indulgent Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini One-Pot Dinner Recipe is designed for stovetop cooking. It’s quick, easy, and delicious without needing to use the oven at all.
What type of tortellini works best?
Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini is best since it cooks quickly and stays tender in the creamy sauce. If using frozen, adjust cooking time slightly and ensure it’s cooked through before combining all ingredients.
How spicy is this recipe?
This dish has a mild flavor with just a hint of warmth from paprika if you choose to add it. You can easily customize the spice level by adding crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer more heat.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Indulgent Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini One-Pot Dinner Recipe, it will become one of those meals you turn to for comfort, convenience, and pure satisfaction. The marriage of cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and pillowy tortellini means it’s a hug you can eat. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to delight in every creamy, indulgent bite!
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Indulgent Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini One-Pot Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulgent Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini is a rich and comforting one-pot dinner featuring tender seared chicken breasts, cheesy tortellini simmered in a luscious Velveeta and mozzarella cream sauce, infused with garlic and herbs. This easy-to-make skillet meal delivers a creamy, cheesy delight perfect for a satisfying family dinner in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
Pasta & Cheese
- 9 oz Cheese Tortellini (Fresh or refrigerated)
- 1 cup Velveeta Cheese (Cubed)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded)
Liquids
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
Flavorings & Fats
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 0.5 tsp Paprika (Optional)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Butter (Can substitute with olive oil)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley or Basil (Chopped)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté the minced garlic cloves for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, to enhance the sauce’s aroma.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream into the skillet, then gently simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquids to combine and slightly reduce.
- Melt Cheeses: Stir in 1 cup of cubed Velveeta cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and rich.
- Cook Tortellini: Add 9 ounces of fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the cheese sauce. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Combine Chicken: Slice the previously cooked chicken breasts and fold them into the creamy tortellini mixture. Warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by garnishing with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh herbal brightness. Serve hot immediately for best taste.
Notes
- For a spice boost, sprinkle paprika into the sauce while simmering if desired.
- Use fresh or refrigerated tortellini for best texture; frozen tortellini may require longer cooking time.
- Butter can be substituted with additional olive oil to make it dairy lighter.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with extra broth to loosen the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the broth slightly or add a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch slurry before adding the cheeses.
