Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini: 1 Easy Dish

Name: Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini: 1 Easy Dish
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 12 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini; 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

by Jannet Lisa

2 de September de 2025

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Creamy Velveeta chicken tortellini has become my ultimate weeknight warrior. There’s something magical about the way the Velveeta cheese melts into that savory garlic mozzarella sauce, coating every single piece of tortellini and tender chicken. I remember the first time I made this, the aroma filled my kitchen, and my family practically teleported to the table! It’s honestly the easiest way to get a comforting, cheesy meal on the table in under 30 minutes. If you’ve ever wondered how to make creamy Velveeta chicken tortellini that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant but feels like a hug from home, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini

Incredible Cheesy Flavor: The combination of Velveeta and mozzarella creates a rich, decadent sauce that’s utterly irresistible.

Super Quick Prep: With only 10 minutes of prep, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly: Uses common, affordable ingredients to create a satisfying meal.
Family Approved: It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour.

Truly a One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy minimal cleanup with this easy one pot Velveeta chicken tortellini recipe.
Comfort Food Classic: It delivers that warm, comforting feeling you crave after a long day.
Healthy-ish Option: Packed with protein from the chicken and satisfying carbs, it’s a well-rounded meal.

Versatile as a one pot Velveeta chicken tortellini, it’s great for leftovers too!

Ingredients for Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini

Getting this cheesy Velveeta chicken tortellini on the table is a breeze with these simple ingredients. I’ve found that using good quality chicken makes a difference in the final dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking

1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing the chicken and aromatics
1 tbsp butter – adds richness and helps brown the chicken
4 cloves garlic, minced – the fragrant base for our sauce

1 cup chicken broth – provides liquid and savory flavor
1 cup heavy cream – this is key for that luscious, creamy texture
12 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini – no need to pre-cook these!

8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed – the star for that signature Velveeta cheesy goodness
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – adds extra creaminess and melt
Salt and pepper to taste – to season everything perfectly

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional) – for a pop of freshness and color

How to Make Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini

Whipping up this delicious one-pot meal is easier than you think! You’ll have a comforting bowl of cheesy goodness ready in about 30 minutes. Let’s get started on this fantastic Velveeta chicken tortellini recipe.

Step 1: Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Season them generously with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures every bite is flavorful.

Step 2: Grab a large skillet or Dutch oven and heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add your seasoned chicken.
Step 3: Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned on all sides and cooked through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Now, toss in your minced garlic into the same skillet. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until you can really smell that wonderful garlicky aroma, but be careful not to burn it!

Step 5: Deglaze the pan by pouring in 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This adds so much depth to our chicken tortellini with Velveeta sauce.
Step 6: Add the 12 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini directly into the simmering liquid. Cook them according to the package directions, typically around 7-10 minutes, until they are perfectly tender and al dente.
Step 7: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring gently until both cheeses are completely melted and you have a luxuriously smooth and creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens for that classic chicken tortellini with Velveeta sauce.

Step 8: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine, ensuring the chicken is coated in the glorious cheesy sauce. Let it heat through for another minute or two.
Step 9: Taste your creation and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. You might find it doesn’t need much extra salt thanks to the Velveeta!
Step 10: For a beautiful finish, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you have it on hand. Serve this amazing creamy Velveeta chicken tortellini immediately and enjoy!

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini - close up of cheesy tortellini and chicken

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini

Elevate your Velveeta chicken tortellini recipe with these simple tricks. They ensure perfect texture and flavor every time, making this dish truly stand out.

Don’t overcook the tortellini! They’ll continue to soften in the sauce, so aim for al dente.

If your sauce seems too thick, a splash more chicken broth or heavy cream will loosen it right up.
For an even richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of cream cheese along with the Velveeta.
Ensure your chicken is cut into uniform bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini?

The key to the perfect creamy chicken pasta with Velveeta is the balance of Velveeta and mozzarella, plus not overcooking the tortellini. Using good quality chicken broth and heavy cream also makes a huge difference in the sauce’s richness. For more tips on making creamy sauces, check out this guide on how to make a basic béchamel sauce, which shares similar principles.

Can I make Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini ahead of time?

You can prepare most of this dish ahead of time. Cook the chicken and make the sauce separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, add the uncooked tortellini, cook until done, then stir in the chicken and cheeses. This ensures the best texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini?

A common pitfall is overcooking the tortellini. Cook them until just tender, as they finish cooking in the sauce. Also, ensure you use cubed Velveeta for faster, more even melting compared to slices. For more cooking tips, you might find resources on cooking pasta helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini

This decadent creamy Velveeta chicken tortellini is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides to round out your dinner. For a fantastic creamy chicken pasta with Velveeta experience, I love serving it with a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy pasta. You could also serve it with some crusty garlic bread to sop up any extra sauce, or a side of steamed broccoli for a bit of green. It’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini

Per serving (recipe makes 4-6 servings):

Calories: Approximately 650

Fat: Approximately 35g
Saturated Fat: Approximately 20g
Protein: Approximately 35g

Carbohydrates: Approximately 45g
Fiber: Approximately 3g
Sugar: Approximately 5g

Sodium: Approximately 1200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in this creamy Velveeta chicken tortellini.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini

This delicious creamy Velveeta chicken tortellini reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers. Once your meal is finished, let any remaining portions cool down at room temperature for about an hour. Then, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. Storing your Velveeta tortellini casserole chicken properly is key to maintaining its delicious texture and flavor. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, this dish also freezes quite well for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat this chicken tortellini with Velveeta sauce is on the stovetop. Gently warm it in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce seems a bit thick. You can also microwave it, stirring halfway through, until heated through. Just be sure to stir it well after reheating to ensure that creamy sauce is perfectly blended again.

Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini - serving suggestion with parsley garnish

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini

What makes this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini so cheesy?

The magic lies in the combination of two glorious cheeses: the iconic Velveeta, which melts into an ultra-creamy, smooth sauce, and shredded mozzarella, which adds an extra layer of gooeyness. Together, they create that signature rich, decadent flavor that makes this Velveeta cheesy chicken tortellini pasta so irresistible. It’s the perfect comfort food!

Can I use different pasta instead of tortellini?

Absolutely! While tortellini is fantastic, you can definitely swap it out. Penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni would work well in this dish. Just be sure to cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente before adding it to the sauce, or adjust the cooking time in the skillet if adding uncooked pasta to the sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for a Velveeta chicken tortellini bake?

While this is designed as a one-pot stovetop meal, you could certainly adapt it into a bake! After combining everything in the skillet, transfer it to a baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden. It would become a delicious Velveeta tortellini casserole chicken.

How can I make this Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini lighter?

For a slightly lighter version, you could try using half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich. You could also swap out some of the Velveeta for a lighter cheese, or reduce the overall cheese quantity slightly, though it will impact the signature cheesy flavor of this creamy chicken pasta with Velveeta.

Variations of Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic creamy Velveeta chicken tortellini, you might want to experiment with different flavors or dietary needs. This dish is so adaptable, it’s perfect for creating a truly unique simple Velveeta chicken tortellini dinner that suits your preferences.

Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the garlic in Step 4. This adds a wonderful warmth to the cheesy goodness.
Vegetarian Delight: Omit the chicken and boost the veggies! Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers with the garlic. This makes for a hearty and satisfying vegetarian meal.

Smoked Sausage Swap: Instead of chicken, try using sliced smoked sausage. Brown it with the garlic for a different savory flavor profile that’s absolutely delicious.
Bake It Up: Transform this into a casserole! After completing Step 8, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) until bubbly and golden brown for a delightful Velveeta tortellini casserole chicken experience.