CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Why Make This Recipe

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days. With minimal effort, you can have a warm, hearty meal ready for your family. The blend of chicken, marinara sauce, and cheesy tortellini makes it delicious and satisfying. Plus, it’s cooked in a slow cooker, which means you can set it and forget it!

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:

  1. Spray the slow cooker with olive oil.
  2. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer.
  3. Pour marinara sauce and spices over the chicken.
  4. Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours.
  5. Shred cooked chicken with forks.
  6. Return shredded chicken to the cooker and mix with sauce.
  7. Add tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring well.
  8. Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
  9. Stir in spinach and cook for 10 more minutes.
  10. Add Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning.

How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini hot in deep bowls. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. This dish goes well with crusty bread or a fresh salad on the side.

How to Store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator, where it can stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove.

Tips to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

  • Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red chili flakes.
  • For a creamier texture, add more heavy cream or use a different cheese.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Variation

You can switch out the cheese tortellini for spinach or meat tortellini if you like. Additionally, adding other greens, like kale or Swiss chard, can give the dish a different twist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just cook them for an additional hour in the slow cooker.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free tortellini if you need to avoid gluten.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is mild due to the red chili flakes. You can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

A comforting and easy slow-cooked dish that blends chicken, marinara sauce, and cheesy tortellini for a hearty meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs 1 ½ lbs chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts) Use fresh or frozen.
  • 2 cups 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon onion granules
  • 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
  • 0.5 teaspoon ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 0.25 teaspoon ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes Adjust for spice level.
  • 1.5 cups 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 lb 1 lb cheese tortellini Can substitute with other tortellini.
  • 1 cup 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 0.5 cup ½ cup heavy cream For a creamier texture.
  • 2 cups 2 cups baby spinach Can substitute with other greens.
  • 0.33 cup ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated For serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Spray the slow cooker with olive oil.
  2. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer.
  3. Pour marinara sauce and spices over the chicken.
  4. Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours.
  5. Shred cooked chicken with forks.
  6. Return shredded chicken to the cooker and mix with sauce.
  7. Add tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring well.
  8. Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
  9. Stir in spinach and cook for 10 more minutes.
  10. Add Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning.

Notes

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove.