CrockPot Chicken Tortellini served in a bowl with herbs on top

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

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why make this recipe

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together simple ingredients to create an incredibly flavorful meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. It combines tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, creamy ingredients, and cheesy tortellini for a satisfying supper that the whole family will love. Moreover, using a slow cooker means you can let it do all the hard work for you. Just set it and forget it, and soon you will have a delicious meal ready to enjoy.

how to make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Making CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is quite easy and straightforward. With just a few simple steps and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious dish waiting for you after a long day. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cook, this recipe is manageable and requires no special cooking skills. Here’s how to make it:

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. Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Start by spraying the slow cooker with olive oil. This will help prevent sticking and make cleaning easier later on.

  2. Arrange the Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.

  3. Add Marinara Sauce and Spices: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, and sprinkle garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes on top. This will give the chicken lots of flavors as it cooks.

  4. Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth over everything. This will help keep the chicken moist and create a delicious sauce.

  5. Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4 hours. This low and slow cooking method will make the chicken tender and juicy.

  6. Shred the Chicken: After 4 hours, check the chicken. It should be cooked through and tender. Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker.

  7. Mix in Cheese and Cream: Return the shredded chicken to the sauce. Then, add the cheese tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream. Stir everything well so that the tortellini gets coated with sauce.

  8. Cook Some More: Cover the slow cooker again and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes. This allows the tortellini to cook through and soak up the flavors of the sauce.

  9. Add Spinach: After 30 minutes, stir in the baby spinach. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, just until the spinach wilts.

  10. Finish with Parmesan: Finally, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it in, taste the dish, and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt or pepper.

how to serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Serving CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is just as simple as making it. This hearty dish is wonderful on its own, but you can enhance the experience with a few suggestions:

  • Warm Bowls: Serve the tortellini in warm bowls to keep the dish nice and hot.
  • Garnish: Consider garnishing with fresh basil or additional grated Parmesan on top for a lovely presentation.
  • Side Options: Offer a side of crusty bread or garlic bread. They are perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce. A simple green salad can also complement this dish nicely.

how to store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Storing any leftovers properly ensures you can enjoy this comforting dish later. Here are some easy steps for storing CrockPot Chicken Tortellini:

  • Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.

  • Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 to 3 months.

  • Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if necessary to loosen it up. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

tips to make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

To make the most out of this recipe, consider these helpful tips:

  • Chicken Thighs Option: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more flavorful dish. They stay tender and juicy with longer cooking.

  • Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.

  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes to make the dish milder or spicier based on your preference.

  • Serve Fresh: For the best flavor, serve the dish fresh and warm. If stored, the flavors will still be good, but the texture may change.

variation

This recipe is quite versatile! Here are a few variations you can try:

  • Creamy White Sauce: Instead of marinara sauce, use Alfredo sauce for a rich, creamy flavor. Just be mindful of the seasonings since Alfredo tends to be less seasoned than marinara.

  • Vegetarian Version: You can make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substituting mushrooms or other veggies for chicken.

  • Different Cheese: Swap out mozzarella for another cheese like ricotta or provolone for a twist in flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen cheese tortellini directly in the recipe without needing to thaw. Just add it alongside the other ingredients when prompted.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can check using a meat thermometer; it’s a great way to ensure your chicken is safe to eat.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! You can double the ingredients and use a larger slow cooker. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as it may take a bit longer to cook.

Can I add more spices to enhance the flavor?

Definitely! Feel free to add more spices or herbs according to your preference. Fresh herbs added just before serving can also brighten the dish.

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a delicious choice for a busy weeknight dinner that’s simple to prepare and perfect for the whole family. Enjoy the rich flavors and the comforting aroma as it fills your kitchen. Happy cooking!

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crockpot chicken tortellini 2026 02 11 213749 1

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

  • Author: lily
  • Total Time: 285 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free
Print Recipe

Description

A comforting, hearty dish combining tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, creamy ingredients, and cheesy tortellini, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Spray the slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes.
  4. Pour chicken broth on top.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for about 4 hours.
  6. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks.
  7. Add cheese tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream; stir well.
  8. Cover and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
  9. Stir in baby spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
  10. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese, stir, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

For added flavor, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts and adjusting spice levels to your preference.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 270 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: CrockPot, Chicken, Tortellini, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner

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