Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce One-Pot Dinner

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Ever wished dinner could be ultra-cheesy, ultra-comforting, and come together in one pot? This creamy Velveeta chicken tortellini dish is your dream come true. It’s a weeknight game-changer that looks fancy enough for company but requires almost no effort. Perfectly seared chicken meets plump tortellini and a garlicky mozzarella sauce that’s thick, rich, and laced with herbs. You’ll keep sneaking bites straight from the pot.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it delivers big flavor with pantry staples. It’s bold enough to satisfy comfort food cravings but still quick and streamlined. Whether you’re feeding a family or planning a cozy date night at home, this creamy one-pot meal earns a spot in your rotation.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To nail this one-pot comfort classic, you’ll want a few reliable tools:

• Large Nonstick Skillet or Deep Sauté Pan: This is your main cooking vessel, and it needs to be wide and deep enough to hold all the ingredients without crowding.
• Sharp Chef’s Knife: For slicing the chicken evenly, which helps it cook uniformly and stay juicy.
• Tongs or Silicone Spatula: Great for flipping the chicken without tearing it and stirring the tortellini gently in the sauce.
• Box Grater (optional): If you’re grating mozzarella fresh rather than using pre-shredded, which melts more smoothly.
• Lid for Your Pan: Useful when simmering the tortellini and allowing the sauce to thicken without drying out.

Keeping it to one pot reduces cleanup and lets all the flavors marry beautifully. And because the sauce simmers directly with the tortellini, every bite is infused with garlic, cheese, and love.

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Ingredients for the Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce One-Pot Dinner

• Chicken Breast: The protein base, seared for a flavorful bite and juicy interior.
• Cheese Tortellini: Fresh or refrigerated tortellini cook quickly and soak up the cheesy sauce.
• Velveeta Cheese: Melts effortlessly into a silky sauce that clings perfectly to pasta.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds stretchy, gooey texture and enhances the cheesy depth.
• Heavy Cream: Brings richness and smooth consistency to the sauce.
• Garlic (minced): Essential for flavor—this dish hinges on a deeply garlicky, savory sauce.
• Butter: Used to sauté garlic and give a richer base to the cream sauce.
• Parsley (fresh or dried): Adds brightness and visual appeal.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning to balance and enhance all the other ingredients.

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How To Make the Easy Creamy Velveeta Chicken Tortellini with Mozzarella Garlic Sauce One-Pot Dinner

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat your skillet over medium-high and sear the chicken breasts until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and slice.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Butter

Lower the heat and add butter to the same pan. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 1 minute. This step sets the base flavor for your sauce.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir in chunks of Velveeta. Simmer gently until the Velveeta melts into a smooth sauce. Then fold in the shredded mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Step 4: Cook the Tortellini

Add the tortellini directly into the cheese sauce. Cover the pan and let it simmer for about 6–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and coated.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Stir in parsley, taste and adjust seasoning. Add the sliced chicken back on top and serve hot. Optional: broil briefly for a bubbly, golden cheese topping.

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Serving and Storing This Creamy Tortellini Dish

Serve this cheesy one-pot masterpiece hot and fresh out of the pan. Pair it with a crisp side salad or garlicky green beans if you want a veg element. Garlic knots or focaccia make perfect mops for the extra sauce.

Leftovers? They keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream to bring back the luscious texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from getting grainy?

Use low heat and stir continuously while melting the cheese. Avoid overheating the mozzarella as it can clump.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, but thaw it first or increase the simmering time slightly. Fresh or refrigerated versions give the best texture.

What can I substitute for Velveeta?

Cream cheese or shredded cheddar can work in a pinch, though you’ll miss that signature meltability.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Skip the searing step and add the shredded rotisserie chicken just before serving.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Not ideal—the dairy sauce may split when thawed. Stick to refrigerating for short-term storage.

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Want More Creamy Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If cheesy comfort food is your style, you’ll love these dishes too:

Try the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe for a spicy twist on layered pasta. Or go with the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti for an oven-baked take.

Want something meaty? The Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta is rich and hearty. Or give Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta a try for bold, peppery creaminess.

For veggie lovers, the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup offers the same cheesy comfort in soup form.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner boards for next time. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you try it with spinach? Did you broil it for a golden top? Leave a comment below. I’m always curious how others make it their own.

For more creamy one-pot ideas and dinner shortcuts, follow me on Pinterest @LadyPlate.

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