why make this recipe
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a fantastic dish that combines the rich flavors of chicken and cheese tortellini in a creamy, savory sauce. It’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family meal. The slow cooker does all the work while you can relax or attend to other tasks. This recipe is comforting and satisfying, sure to please everyone at the table.
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CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful slow cooker dish that brings together tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich tomato sauce. It’s a simple dump-and-go recipe perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners — the slow cooker handles all the work while you enjoy the delicious results.
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
1. Spray the inside of the slow cooker with olive oil.
2. Arrange 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. Add the chicken broth and cover the slow cooker.
5. Cook on LOW for about 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
6. Shred the cooked chicken with two forks and return it to the pot.
7. Stir in cheese tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream.
8. Cover and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
9. Add fresh spinach, stir, and cook for an additional 10 minutes until wilted.
10. Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
Use fresh tortellini for the best texture and flavor.
Add veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Adjust spice by increasing or reducing red chili flakes.
A splash of lemon juice before serving brightens the flavors.
Serve with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Store leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge or 2–3 months in the freezer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
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:
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning mix, paprika, and red chili flakes.
- Add the chicken broth to the pot.
- Cover and set the cooker to LOW for about 4 hours.
- After cooking, shred the chicken using forks and return it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the cheese tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream.
- Cover and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
- Stir in fresh baby spinach and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, mix gently, and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Serve with garnishes as desired.
how to serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Serve the CrockPot Chicken Tortellini hot, right from the slow cooker. You can add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or some crushed red pepper flakes for an added kick. This dish pairs nicely with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
how to store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
To store leftovers, let the Chicken Tortellini cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish in suitable containers for up to 2-3 months. When reheating, ensure it’s heated thoroughly before serving.
tips to make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
- Use fresh tortellini for the best texture and flavor.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing the red chili flakes according to your taste.
- A splash of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors.
variation
If you want a lighter version, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. You can also make it a vegetarian dish by omitting the chicken and adding more veggies or a plant-based protein.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can start with frozen chicken breasts. Just cook them a little longer until they are fully cooked through.
2. What can I use instead of marinara sauce?
You can use any tomato-based sauce, like pizza sauce or a homemade tomato sauce, if you prefer.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
The traditional tortellini contains pasta, which is generally not gluten-free. However, you can find gluten-free tortellini at many grocery stores. Just substitute it for the regular tortellini.