CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day—incredibly easy to make, deeply flavorful, and sure to win the hearts (and appetites) of everyone at the table. This creamy, cheesy dinner brings together tender shredded chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a swirl of marinara and spices, all cooked together in one pot for maximum convenience and flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with minimal effort or simply craving something seriously satisfying and cozy, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s destined to become a staple in your weeknight rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe lies in its handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create so much magic. Each component is thoughtfully chosen for a reason—there’s a burst of flavor, a hint of creaminess, and comforting textures in every bite!
- Olive oil spray: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze; don’t skip this simple step!
- Chicken breast (1 1/2 lb): The star of the show, chicken breasts become wonderfully tender as they cook slowly.
- Marinara sauce (2 cups): This is your flavor base, giving the dish a robust tomato backbone—choose your favorite store-bought or homemade version.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds a subtle garlic warmth without the need for fresh cloves.
- Onion granules (1 tsp): Brings precise onion flavor that melts seamlessly into the sauce.
- Italian seasoning mix (1 tsp): A lovely blend of dried herbs that ties everything together.
- Paprika (1/2 tsp): A sprinkle for gentle smokiness and vibrant color.
- Red chili flakes (1/4 tsp): Just enough for a whisper of heat—adjust to make it as mild or zippy as you like!
- Chicken broth (1 1/2 cups): Keeps everything juicy and infuses more savory goodness into each bite.
- Cheese tortellini (1 lb): The irresistible centerpiece; these plump pasta parcels soak up the flavors perfectly.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): Melts into creamy, stringy pockets throughout the dish.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): The secret to lush, luxurious sauce.
- Baby spinach (2 cups): Tossed in at the end for freshness, color, and an extra nutritional bonus.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/3 cup): Adds a final, salty-savory finish that’s hard to resist.
How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Step 1: Prep Your CrockPot
Start by giving your slow cooker a generous spray with olive oil (or your favorite non-stick spray). It may seem like a minor detail, but greasing the crock ensures your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini won’t stick to the bottom, making cleanup as effortless as the cooking itself.
Step 2: Layer in the Chicken
Arrange the chicken breasts in a single, snug layer across the bottom of your CrockPot. Laying the chicken out evenly helps it cook consistently and ensures that every piece gets properly bathed in the delicious sauce and seasonings.
Step 3: Add Sauces and Spices
Pour in the marinara sauce and then sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, red chili flakes, and pour in the chicken broth. Give everything a gentle stir so the seasonings are evenly distributed, and make sure your chicken is completely submerged in the liquid to guarantee juiciness and flavor in every shred.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your CrockPot on LOW and let it work its magic for about 4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable—use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F if you want to be extra sure. Try not to lift the lid too often; keeping the heat in is key!
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once fully cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts and place them on a plate or cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into hearty, rustic pieces—this step helps the chicken soak up all that flavorful sauce when it goes back into the pot.
Step 6: Add Tortellini, Cream, and Cheese
Return the shredded chicken to the CrockPot and add in your cheese tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream. Stir gently to combine and make sure the tortellini is fully submerged. This creamy, dreamy mix is where all those flavors start to fuse beautifully.
Step 7: Finish Cooking the Tortellini
Replace the lid and let everything cook on LOW for another 30 minutes. The tortellini will become tender and plump, absorbing the creamy sauce and mingling perfectly with the chicken and cheese.
Step 8: Stir in Spinach
At the very end, toss in those fresh baby spinach leaves. They wilt quickly in the heat—just 10 minutes is enough for them to cook down and add a pop of freshness and color to your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini.
Step 9: Add the Final Touch of Parmesan
Turn off the heat, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan, and give everything a good stir. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed (a pinch of salt and pepper can sometimes make it sing). Serve immediately and watch as everyone falls head over heels for this comforting, all-in-one dinner.
How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Garnishes
Brighten up your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a handful of freshly chopped basil, or even a drizzle of good olive oil. A dash of cracked black pepper or a few extra chili flakes can add a bit of kick and flair just before serving. These little touches bring out the best in each creamy scoop!
Side Dishes
When it comes to sides, think simple and fresh—crusty garlic bread, a zippy green salad, or even a bowl of steamed broccoli make perfect partners. The rich, cheesy notes of the main dish pair beautifully with lighter accompaniments, so nobody leaves the table feeling too weighed down.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family night, serve straight from the slow cooker for a rustic, communal feel. Hosting friends? Ladle CrockPot Chicken Tortellini into shallow pasta bowls, top with basil and a parmesan crisp, or serve in ramekins for individual pot-pie vibes. Leftovers also make amazing lunches—simply pack into jars or containers with extra spinach on top for a pop of green.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra CrockPot Chicken Tortellini (lucky you!), transfer cooled portions to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making weekday lunches or quick dinners a total delight.
Freezing
This dish is freezer-friendly, but there are a couple of tips to keep in mind: tortellini can sometimes get a little soft after freezing. For best results, freeze only the chicken-and-sauce mixture, then add fresh tortellini and finish cooking when you’re ready to eat. Otherwise, freeze portions in tightly sealed containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To bring your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini back to its creamy, dreamy state, gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, and add just a touch more cheese if you want to recapture that gooey, melty texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe—just be sure to add about 1 extra hour to the cook time, and always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before shredding and serving.
What if I don’t have cheese tortellini?
No problem! You can swap in meat-filled or even spinach tortellini for a fun twist—the flavors will still blend beautifully, and your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini will be just as comforting.
Can I make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini vegetarian?
Absolutely—simply swap the chicken breasts for drained, canned chickpeas or cubes of firm tofu, use veggie broth, and you’ll have a delicious meatless version with all the same creamy, savory flavors.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or zucchini add both flavor and nutrition. Toss them in for the last hour of cooking so they stay tender but not mushy.
How do I make it more or less spicy?
Just adjust the amount of red chili flakes to match your preference. If you’re cooking for spice lovers, feel free to add more or even try a pinch of cayenne; for milder palates, simply reduce or leave them out.
Final Thoughts
If ever a meal deserved a permanent spot in your dinner lineup, CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is it! It’s fuss-free, super satisfying, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face. Give it a try the next time you need something that feels a little special with hardly any extra work—I think you’ll quickly fall in love with both the process and the results.
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CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and spinach are cooked in a rich tomato sauce with a touch of cream and cheese for a creamy finish.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- Olive oil spray
- 1 1/2 lb chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts)
Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion granules
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
Add-ins:
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Instructions
- Spray your slow cooker with olive oil (or a non-stick cooking spray).
- Add the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning mix, paprika, red chili flakes, and chicken broth.
- Cook on LOW for 4 hours or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with the help of two forks.
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker, then add the tortellini, shredded cheese, and cream.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 30 minutes until the tortellini are tender.
- Stir in the spinach and continue to cook for another 10 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan, adjust the seasoning to taste and serve immediately.
Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom.
Make sure the chicken is completely submerged in liquid.
Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
Stir well to combine and make sure the tortellini are completely covered by liquid.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini, Chicken Tortellini Recipe
