If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious meal that can mostly take care of itself, then this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is just what you need. With tender, seasoned chicken swimming in a rich sauce, and cheesy tortellini soaking up all those flavors, it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone feel right at home. Whether you’re rushing after a busy day or hosting family, the slow cooker does all the work while you take care of other things. Trust me; once you try it, this recipe will secure a permanent spot on your meal rotation.

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini apart? It’s the perfect balance of flavor, simplicity, and heartiness—all wrapped up in one pot! Not only is it budget-friendly, but it also keeps everyone satisfied with minimal effort on your part. Just imagine opening the lid of your slow cooker to reveal a feast of creamy tortellini and tender chicken that practically falls apart. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even cozy weekend dinners when you want comfort food without the hassle.

"This recipe saved my dinner party! Everyone loved it, especially my kids. I didn’t even have to spend hours in the kitchen!"

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a breeze. Start by preparing your slow cooker and chicken. Then, layer on the marinara sauce and seasonings, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over time. After letting it simmer, simply shred the chicken, stir in the tortellini, and watch as the cheese and cream work their magic. In just a few hours, you have a complete meal that feels as special as a restaurant dish but without any of the stress.

What You’ll Need

To whip up this scrumptious recipe, gather the following ingredients:

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 adjust spices according to your preference, or substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter option.

Step-by-Step Directions

Prep the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom.
Add Sauce and Spices: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, sprinkling garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes on top.
Cook: Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender.
Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken using forks and return it to the slow cooker, mixing well with the sauce.
Incorporate Tortellini and Cheese: Add the cheese tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream. Stir thoroughly.
Final Cook: Cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 10 more minutes until wilted.
Finish: Add grated Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Best Way to Serve

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For a complete dinner, consider serving it with a simple green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. You can also place a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for an added burst of flavor.

Storage Tips

To keep your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low heat until warmed through. Always ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for safety.

Expert Advice

To really elevate your dish, consider browning the chicken breasts in a skillet before placing them in the slow cooker. This will add an irresistible depth of flavor. Additionally, you can customize the spice level by adjusting the red chili flakes or adding fresh herbs during the last cooking phase.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

Swap the Proteins: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or even turkey for a different flavor and texture.
Veggie Lovers’ Delight: Add more vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms to enhance the nutrition and flavor.
Sauce Alternatives: Try using Alfredo sauce in place of marinara for a creamy twist or even a pesto sauce for a burst of freshness.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?

Typically, you should expect to spend about 4.5 hours in total with 4 hours on LOW for the chicken and an additional 30 minutes for the tortellini.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely! If you opt for frozen tortellini, just toss them in with the other ingredients without defrosting them.

How can I adjust this recipe for a smaller or larger group?

Easily scale the ingredients up or down based on your needs. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re using a larger quantity to ensure everything cooks properly.

This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini dish doesn’t just make cooking easier, but it also guarantees satisfaction at your dinner table. Enjoy every delicious bite!

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Total Time: 285 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: None

Description

A comforting and delicious slow cooker meal featuring tender chicken and cheesy tortellini in a rich sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

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 to prevent sticking.
Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom.
Add Sauce and Spices: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, sprinkling garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes on top.
Cook: Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender.
Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken using forks and return it to the slow cooker, mixing well with the sauce.
Incorporate Tortellini and Cheese: Add the cheese tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream. Stir thoroughly.
Final Cook: Cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 10 more minutes until wilted.
Finish: Add grated Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Notes

Consider browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker for enhanced flavor. Adjust spices to your preference.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 270 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 485
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: CrockPot, Chicken, Tortellini, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker