CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Why Make This Recipe

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a perfect dish for busy days. It’s easy to prepare and requires minimal effort. With tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich marinara sauce, it’s a satisfying meal for the whole family. Plus, cooking it in a slow cooker allows the flavors to blend beautifully over time.

How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Ingredients

  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 ½ lbs chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion granules
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 lb cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

  1. Spray the slow cooker with olive oil.
  2. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer.
  3. Pour the marinara sauce and spices over the chicken.
  4. Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours.
  5. After 4 hours, shred the cooked chicken with forks.
  6. Return the shredded chicken to the cooker and mix with the sauce.
  7. Add the tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring well.
  8. Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
  9. Stir in the spinach and cook for 10 more minutes.
  10. Add Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning.

How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Serve this dish hot, right from the slow cooker. It pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top for added flavor.

How to Store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Tips to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

  • Use high-quality marinara sauce for a richer flavor.
  • Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preferences. Add more red chili flakes for extra heat.
  • For a lighter version, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.

Variation

You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition. You can also substitute the cheese tortellini with a different pasta, but cook times may vary.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before, store it in the fridge, and then cook it in the morning.

What can I serve with CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?
It goes well with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables.

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini dish with creamy sauce and fresh herbs

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe offers a creamy, flavorful dish with tender chicken and cheesy tortellini, ideal for a hearty family dinner. It's incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal hands-on time.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
  • Whisk
  • Large bowl
  • Forks

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 20 oz refrigerated tortellini

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped optional

Instructions
 

Cooking

  • Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until smooth.
  • Pour the soup mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the softened cream cheese on top of the mixture.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
  • Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  • Add the refrigerated tortellini to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the chicken and sauce. Cover and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.
  • Stir everything together well. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For a richer sauce, use full-fat cream cheese. You can also add some spinach or other vegetables during the last hour of cooking for added nutrients. If you don't have cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom or celery soup can be substituted. Always ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

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