I stumbled upon this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe during a particularly hectic week and was instantly smitten. It’s one of those comforting meals that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this dish brings together tender chicken, creamy tortellini, and vibrant spinach all simmered to perfection. If you’re searching for an easy, flavorful dinner that’ll keep everyone coming back for seconds, you’re in for a treat!
Why you’ll love this dish
Imagine coming home after a long day to the inviting aroma of Italian flavors wafting through your kitchen. This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is not just a meal; it’s a magic pot that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and utterly satisfying — exactly what you need after a busy day. Plus, it’s a hit with kids and adults alike, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining friends.
"This is my go-to recipe! Super easy, and the kids love it. Even my picky eater asks for seconds!"
How this recipe comes together
Crafting this delightful dish is a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a warm, creamy chicken tortellini meal ready to enjoy. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it does all the hard work while you tend to your daily tasks. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:
- Prepare the slow cooker: Start by spraying it with olive oil and layering the ingredients.
- Set the timer: Let everything simmer low and slow to develop rich flavors.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the tortellini, finish cooking, and mix in fresh spinach for a pop of color.
What you’ll need
Here’s the lineup of ingredients that makes this dish so mouthwatering:
- 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
Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or use a dairy-free cream alternative for a different take!
Step-by-step instructions
Here’s how to whip up this delicious meal with minimal fuss:
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil; this helps prevent sticking.
- Layer the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom.
- Add the Sauce and Spices: Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes on top.
- Set to Cook: Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use forks to shred the chicken right in the cooker.
- Mix in Goodies: Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce, then add the tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, mixing well.
- Cook Again: Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the spinach and let it cook for 10 more minutes until wilted.
- Finalize: Top with Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Best ways to enjoy it
This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is delightful all on its own, but consider serving it with a crisp side salad, buttery garlic bread, or a sprinkle of fresh basil for an extra special touch. Pair it with a glass of red wine or a refreshing iced tea for a complete meal that feels gourmet without the fuss!
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers? You’re in luck! This dish bites even better the next day. Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a touch of broth or cream to keep it moist.
Helpful cooking tips
- Timing is Everything: If you’re short on time, try cutting your chicken into smaller pieces to reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish before adding the cream and cheese for easy meals later. Just thaw and cook on the stove, then mix in those final touches before serving.
- Spice it Up: Adjust the level of spice by increasing or decreasing the red chili flakes according to your taste.
Creative twists
Why not tailor this recipe to suit your preferences? Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or eggplant for a meatless option.
- Cheese Lover’s Dream: Add different cheese varieties like feta or gouda for a unique flavor twist.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and a plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version that still satiates your cravings.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, and then it cooks for 4 hours on LOW. Quick, right?
Can I substitute the tortellini?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, although cooking times may vary slightly.
Is it safe to store leftovers?
Yes, just be sure to cool them and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain safety.
Print
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Kid-Friendly, Meat-Based
Description
A comforting and flavorful Chicken Tortellini dish made easily in a slow cooker.
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
Instructions
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil.
- Layer the Chicken: Place chicken breasts at the bottom in a single layer.
- Add the Sauce and Spices: Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes on top.
- Set to Cook: Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: After cooking, shred the chicken right in the cooker.
- Mix in Goodies: Stir in tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, mixing well.
- Cook Again: Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the spinach and let it cook for 10 more minutes.
- Finalize: Top with Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Notes
Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or use a dairy-free cream alternative for different variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg