CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe
There’s comfort food, and then there’s CrockPot Chicken Tortellini—a true superstar casserole that fills your whole kitchen with delicious, garlicky aromas and is as easy to make as it is unforgettable to eat. Imagine juicy chicken in a rich Italian-flavored tomato sauce, pillowy cheese tortellini, and gooey mozzarella, all made with almost no effort thanks to your trusty crockpot. Whether you need a stress-free weeknight dinner or a cozy dish to impress family and friends, this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini delivers big on flavor, creaminess, and all-around joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of classic ingredients come together for an irresistible result, and each one plays its part to build comforting layers of texture and taste. It’s all about the harmony, with every element—from the chicken to the melty cheeses—helping make this dish pure crockpot magic.
- Olive oil spray: Prevents sticking and helps everything come out of the slow cooker with ease—just a quick spritz does the trick.
- Chicken breast (1 ½ lbs): The heart of the dish—tender, protein-packed chicken that stays moist and soaks up all the flavors.
- Marinara sauce (2 cups): Brings richness and a pop of tomato brightness, giving the base its Italian soul.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a savory depth and unmistakable warmth to every mouthful.
- Onion granules (1 teaspoon): Create a gentle, sweet backbone that enhances the sauce.
- Italian seasoning mix (1 teaspoon): Delivers that blend of herbs—think oregano, basil, thyme—that makes the dish sing authentically Italian.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): For a subtle, smoky undertone and touch of pretty color.
- Red chili flakes (¼ teaspoon): Brings a gentle hint of heat to balance out all that creamy comfort.
- Chicken broth (1 ½ cups): Adds body and ensures everything stays luscious and moist.
- Cheese tortellini (1 lb): The pillowy pasta goodness that soaks up the sauce—absolutely essential for the signature bite.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): Stretches into melty, gooey bliss that everyone loves.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Gives the sauce its rich, velvety finish—totally crave-worthy.
- Baby spinach (2 cups): Wilts effortlessly into the dish, adding vibrant color and a touch of freshness.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (⅓ cup): A salty, nutty final flourish that takes the flavor over the top.
How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Step 1: Prep the CrockPot
Start by giving your slow cooker a good spritz with olive oil spray. This step may seem small, but it guarantees effortless serving and cleanup later—plus, nothing distracts from that perfect first bite like a stuck-on casserole!
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom of your crockpot. Laying them out evenly ensures they cook through at the same rate, staying juicy and tender from edge to edge.
Step 3: Add Marinara and Spices
Pour your marinara sauce directly over the chicken, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes. Swirl everything together to coat the chicken with sweet-herby aroma—the spices bloom right in the heat, infusing the meat with flavor as it simmers.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Add chicken broth for moisture, then cover and set your slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours. This gentle simmering is where the magic happens, leaving the chicken so tender you’ll barely need to touch it to shred.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the breasts and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. No fancy equipment required—this is pure, hands-on comfort food.
Step 6: Reunite with Sauce
Return the shredded chicken to your crockpot, stirring it back into that dreamy tomato sauce. This step ensures every shred is coated and soaks up maximum flavor.
Step 7: Add Tortellini, Cheese, and Cream
Now comes the fun: toss in the cheese tortellini, sprinkle over the shredded mozzarella, and pour in the heavy cream. Give everything a gentle but thorough stir so the cheese melts throughout, and every piece of pasta is ready for its flavorful bath.
Step 8: Cook Until Creamy
Pop the lid back on and let the CrockPot Chicken Tortellini cook on LOW for another 30 minutes. The tortellini absorb all that sauce, and the cheeses marry into melty perfection.
Step 9: Add Spinach
Stir in the baby spinach and let things cook for another 10 minutes. The tender spinach folds right in, adding a subtle pop of color and freshness without overpowering the creamy base.
Step 10: Add Parmesan & Final Seasoning
Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan over your bubbling masterpiece, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed. The cheese melts right on top, bringing a savory finish that’s both classic and totally irresistible.
How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Garnishes
Top each bowl with a little extra grated Parmesan, a few twists of black pepper, and maybe a scatter of fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy. That hint of green against the creamy, red-streaked tortellini turns every serving into a visual treat.
Side Dishes
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is so hearty you could serve it all by itself, but it’s also wonderful paired with a simple green salad or a warm garlic bread for mopping up every last drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp Caesar are great for extra crunch, too.
Creative Ways to Present
Ladle the stew into wide, rustic bowls or, for a playful twist, serve it family-style in the middle of the table—let everyone dig in! For showers or big gatherings, tiny ramekin portions turn this dish into a true showstopper appetizer, delivering all the cozy flavor in a party-ready bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers before transferring them into airtight containers, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal somehow even cozier and more delicious.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze CrockPot Chicken Tortellini! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. The pasta may soften just a bit after thawing, but the creamy, cheesy goodness stays put—freeze for up to 2 months for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of extra broth or cream to revive that luxurious sauciness. Just stir gently and heat until piping hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but increase the initial slow-cook time by about an hour to ensure the meat cooks thoroughly and shreds easily. Always check that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Do I need to thaw the tortellini before adding?
Not at all! Toss the tortellini straight from the fridge (or the freezer, if that’s what you have). Frozen tortellini may require a few extra minutes, but they’ll cook perfectly in the creamy sauce.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely—feel free to toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini when you add the marinara sauce for extra color and flavor. Thicker vegetables should go in with the chicken at the start, while tender greens can join the spinach at the end.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
You can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk if you’d like to lighten things up. The sauce will be a bit less rich, but it will still taste delicious and comforting.
Can I make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini ahead for a party?
Absolutely! Prepare everything up to the point of adding the spinach and Parmesan, then switch your slow cooker to the “Keep Warm” setting. When you’re ready to serve, stir in the spinach, top with Parmesan, and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this cozy, creamy, flavor-packed CrockPot Chicken Tortellini enough! It embodies everything wonderful about slow-cooked meals: easy prep, comforting aromas, and a tableful of happy faces. Go ahead—let your slow cooker work its magic, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a new favorite dinner!
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CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe is a delicious and easy dish that is perfect for a comforting family meal. Tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and a rich, flavorful sauce come together beautifully in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 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
For the Tortellini:
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Spray the slow cooker with olive oil. This prevents sticking.
- Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer. Ensure they are evenly spaced.
- Pour marinara sauce and spices over the chicken. Spread evenly.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours. Allow the flavors to meld.
- Shred cooked chicken with forks. Be sure it’s fully cooked.
- Return shredded chicken to the cooker and mix with sauce. Coating evenly.
- Add tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring well. Ensure all ingredients are combined.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes. Let flavors marry.
- Stir in spinach and cook for 10 more minutes. Allow spinach to wilt.
- Add Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning. Season to taste.
Notes
- You can customize the spices to suit your taste preferences.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables for more nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini, Tortellini Recipe
