Name: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 40 min
Total time: 5 h
Cuisine: Italian
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

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that basically cooks itself, CrockPot Chicken Tortellini will instantly become your new favorite. Tender shredded chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a creamy tomato sauce all meld into pure comfort in your slow cooker, making the house smell amazing for hours. Every bite brings a burst of fresh spinach, gooey mozzarella, and a warm blend of Italian spices. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for the ultimate weeknight comfort meal, this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a hit you’ll come back to again and again!

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini counts—nothing is wasted or superfluous. The combination turns simple staples into a deliciously saucy, hearty meal with fantastic flavor and texture.

Olive oil spray: Lightly coats the slow cooker for easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
Chicken breasts (1½ lbs): The heart of the dish—choose boneless, skinless for easy shredding and tender bites.
Marinara sauce (2 cups): Adds acidity, sweetness, and depth to the base of your sauce.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Lends warm, savory flavor with no chopping required.
Onion granules (1 tsp): Gives mellow onion flavor throughout the entire dish.
Italian seasoning mix (1 tsp): A blend of classic herbs for that signature Tuscan aroma.
Paprika (½ tsp): Provides gentle color and a hint of smoky warmth.
Red chili flakes (¼ tsp): Add a touch of heat that balances the creaminess.
Chicken broth (1½ cups): Infuses moisture and savory depth so everything simmers perfectly.
Cheese tortellini (1 lb): Choose refrigerated for the best, most tender texture.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): Melts into the sauce for gooey, cheesy goodness.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Swirls in richness and makes the sauce beautifully silky.
Baby spinach (2 cups): Adds vibrant color and a healthy touch that wilts perfectly at the end.
Parmesan cheese, grated (&frac13; cup): A sharp, nutty finish that ties all the flavors together.

How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker

Start by giving your slow cooker a generous spritz with olive oil spray. This small step keeps everything from sticking to the sides, making cleanup at the end a total breeze, and ensures those gooey cheese bits slide right out.

Step 2: Arrange and Season the Chicken

Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your prepared CrockPot. Spacing them out helps them cook evenly, and makes it a cinch to shred once they’re perfectly tender later on.

Step 3: Add Sauce, Spices, and Broth

Pour in your marinara sauce, then sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and just a dash of red chili flakes. Finally, add the chicken broth. This flavor-packed base bubbles gently all day, infusing the chicken with every possible ounce of goodness.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and set your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini mixture to cook on LOW for about 4 hours. You’re looking for the chicken to be fork-tender, soaking up all those fragrant Italian spices.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks right in the slow cooker to gently shred it into bite-sized pieces. The texture is melt-in-your-mouth and perfect for picking up loads of sauce.

Step 6: Add Tortellini, Cheese, and Cream

Return the shredded chicken to the sauce, then stir in the cheese tortellini, shredded mozzarella, and heavy cream. Give it a good mix so all the pasta is coated and nestled into that creamy, tomato base.

Step 7: Cook a Bit Longer

Cover and cook again on LOW for another 30 minutes. This gives the tortellini just enough time to soften and soak up all those dreamy flavors without getting mushy.

Step 8: Wilt in the Spinach

Stir in the baby spinach at the very end and let it cook for 10 minutes. The spinach wilts down quickly, turning tender and adding a lovely green brightness.

Step 9: Finishing Touches

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. This last bit of cheese gives the CrockPot Chicken Tortellini a sharp, savory kick and a gorgeous finishing touch.

How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Garnishes

For a truly special finish, shower each bowl with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil, or a handful of cracked black pepper. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving takes things up yet another notch. Each bowl looks as inviting as an Italian trattoria, and those little flourishes add so much flavor and visual appeal!

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong serving CrockPot Chicken Tortellini alongside warm garlic bread for dunking or a simple green salad tossed in zippy vinaigrette to balance out the creamy richness. Even roasted vegetables, like balsamic-glazed carrots or crispy broccoli, complement the flavors beautifully and make the meal feel super well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Spoon CrockPot Chicken Tortellini into shallow pasta bowls, top with extra mozzarella, and pop them under the broiler for a bubbly, golden cheese crust. Or, ladle it over a bed of baby arugula for a modern twist, letting the sauce gently wilt the greens. Individual ramekins make this dish feel restaurant-worthy for cozy dinner parties, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days, and those flavors continue to meld together, making each bowl even more delicious the next day!

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, let the finished dish cool, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just note, the tortellini might be a bit softer after thawing, but it’s still totally crave-worthy and perfect for nights when you want a homemade meal in minutes.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat CrockPot Chicken Tortellini on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of extra broth or cream if needed. Stir often and heat through until piping hot. The microwave works too, just use shorter bursts and stir in between to keep everything creamy, not dry.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, you can substitute frozen tortellini if it’s what you have on hand. Just add a few extra minutes to the second cooking stage so the pasta cooks through fully; keep an eye out so it doesn’t get too soft.

Is it possible to make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini with chicken thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor. Trim any excess fat beforehand, and follow the recipe just as you would with chicken breasts for succulent results.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Sure! Skip the chicken, use vegetable broth, and add extra cheese tortellini and vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. You’ll end up with a delectable, ultra-creamy vegetarian CrockPot tortellini stew.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No worries! Half-and-half or a full-fat evaporated milk will do in a pinch. You’ll get that creamy texture without any sacrifice in flavor.

Is CrockPot Chicken Tortellini spicy?

The red chili flakes add a gentle, background warmth, but the dish isn’t overly spicy. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste—add more for a kick, or skip them if you prefer a totally mild, kid-friendly dish.

Final Thoughts

This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is seriously the kind of meal that brings everyone running to the table. Easy, comforting, and positively packed with Italian flavor, it’s destined to become a weeknight staple and a family favorite. Give it a try and watch those bowls disappear in no time!

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 17 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 5 hours
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy sauce come together beautifully in this easy slow cooker recipe.

Instructions

Spray the slow cooker with olive oil. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer. This ensures even cooking.
Pour marinara sauce and spices over the chicken. The seasonings add delicious flavor to the dish.
Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours. Cooking on low allows the flavors to meld together.
Shred cooked chicken with forks. This creates a shredded chicken texture.
Return shredded chicken to the cooker and mix with sauce. Coating the chicken evenly.
Add tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring well. Combining the ingredients thoroughly.
Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes. Allowing the flavors to blend.
Stir in spinach and cook for 10 more minutes. Adding a pop of green color and nutrients.
Add Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning. Adding a final cheesy touch and adjusting the flavor to your liking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian