CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe
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If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you absolutely need to try this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini. It’s a delicious slow-cooked dish where tender chicken breast simmers in a rich marinara sauce, mingling with creamy cheese tortellini and a vibrant handful of spinach. The magic happens low and slow, allowing flavors to blend beautifully so every bite bursts with cheesy, herby goodness. Whether you’re busy during the week or want a fuss-free dinner that still feels special, this recipe is a total game-changer you will want in your weekly rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe are simple, easy to find, and each one plays a special role. From the robust Italian seasoning to the creamy mozzarella and tender spinach, these components combine to create a dish that’s rich in flavor, texture, and color.
- Olive oil spray: Helps prevent sticking while adding a subtle hint of healthy fat for sautéing and slow cooking.
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts): The star protein that becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Provides a savory, tomato-rich base full of herbs and tang.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Offers a mellow garlicky depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion granules: Adds a sweet, aromatic note that complements the garlic beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings classic Italian flavor to every bite.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smoky warmth and enhances the dish’s vibrant color.
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes: Just enough to give a subtle, lively kick without overwhelming the palate.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and infuses extra savory flavor during cooking.
- 1 lb cheese tortellini: Tender pasta pockets filled with cheese, bringing creamy texture and richness.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts into gooey, cheesy pockets throughout the dish.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess, balancing acidity and boosting comfort-food appeal.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Brings a pop of fresh green color and subtle earthiness to lighten the meal.
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Sprinkled on top to provide a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker and Chicken
Start by spraying your slow cooker with olive oil spray. This simple step ensures none of the delicious sauce sticks to the bottom later on. Next, place the chicken breasts in a single even layer—this helps them cook uniformly and absorb all those wonderful herbs and spices.
Step 2: Add Sauce and Seasonings
Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle on garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes. Don’t forget the chicken broth! It’s the secret ingredient that keeps the chicken moist and infuses the entire dish with savory depth.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the slow cooker and set the heat to LOW for about 4 hours. This slow, gentle cooking is crucial to get the chicken tender enough to shred effortlessly, soaking up all those rich tomato and herb flavors.
Step 4: Shred and Return Chicken to Sauce
Once cooked, pull the chicken out and shred it with two forks—this step is so satisfying and rewarding. Then, stir the shredded chicken right back into the slow cooker, mixing it well with the sauce to infuse each tender strand with flavor.
Step 5: Add Tortellini, Cheese, and Cream
Now it’s time for the cheese tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream to join the party. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly so the pasta can absorb the flavorful sauce, and the cheeses melt into a creamy, irresistible bliss. Cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes to finish melding the flavors and cook the tortellini perfectly.
Step 6: Stir in Spinach and Parmesan
Just before you’re ready to eat, toss in the fresh baby spinach and let it wilt gently over about 10 minutes. The spinach lifts the dish with both color and a fresh bite. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top, give it one last stir, and taste for seasoning—adjust salt or pepper as you like.
How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or freshly chopped basil makes a lovely garnish that complements the dish’s creamy tomato base. A drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a nice finishing bite to the flavors.
Side Dishes
This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini stands out wonderfully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad, crusty garlic bread, or roasted vegetables balances the hearty creaminess and adds texture to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant dinner, serve this tortellini in warmed shallow bowls with a sprinkle of extra herbs like parsley or oregano. For a fun twist, portion it into small ramekins and top with melted mozzarella under the broiler for a bubbly finish that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making it a fantastic dish to enjoy the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating to recombine any settled sauce.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully! Portion the CrockPot Chicken Tortellini into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce thickened too much, simply add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up and revive that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and to avoid excess liquid in the slow cooker. Using frozen chicken may increase cooking time and affect texture.
What type of tortellini works best for CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?
Cheese-filled tortellini is ideal because its creamy filling complements the rich sauce perfectly, but you can also experiment with spinach or meat-filled varieties based on your preference.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Increasing the amount of red chili flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce will give the dish a pleasant kick without overwhelming the classic flavors.
Is it possible to make this recipe in advance and reheat later?
Absolutely. This dish actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded further. Just be sure to store it properly in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
You can try using half-and-half or whole milk, but the richness and creaminess might be slightly less pronounced. For dairy-free options, coconut cream works surprisingly well if you enjoy a subtle coconut flavor.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini a try because it’s one of those comforting dishes that feels like a little celebration at home. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and the creamy, cheesy texture alongside tender chicken and fresh spinach makes every bite unforgettable. Trust me, once this is on your table, it’ll be a much-loved favorite in no time!
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CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a comforting and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful marinara sauce with Italian herbs, paired with cheesy tortellini and fresh baby spinach. Finished with creamy mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of heavy cream for richness, this meal is perfect for a hearty dinner with minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts)
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Vegetables
- 2 cups baby spinach
Liquids and Sauces
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion granules
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
Other
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker thoroughly with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer inside the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
- Add Sauce and Spices: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning mix, paprika, and red chili flakes on top.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to LOW heat. Allow the chicken to cook for approximately 4 hours until it is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker to mix well with the sauce.
- Mix Chicken and Sauce: Thoroughly combine the shredded chicken with the marinara sauce inside the cooker to infuse flavors.
- Add Pasta and Dairy: Stir in the cheese tortellini, shredded mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream, making sure everything is evenly distributed.
- Cook Tortellini: Continue cooking on LOW for an additional 30 minutes to cook the tortellini through and melt the cheese.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 10 more minutes, just enough time for the spinach to wilt but stay vibrant.
- Finish and Season: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt or pepper if needed before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh tortellini with frozen, just add extra cooking time as needed.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, check the dish at 3 hours to prevent overcooking chicken.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
- Add crushed red pepper or chili flakes for extra heat if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 530mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, slow cooker chicken recipe, easy dinner recipes, Italian chicken tortellini, creamy chicken pasta
