CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Name: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs chicken breast; 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion granules; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 lb cheese tortellini; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 cups baby spinach; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Olive oil spray for preparation

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of chicken tortellini bubbling away in a CrockPot. This dish embraces the essence of home-cooked goodness, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience that is both satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a cozy meal to share with loved ones, CrockPot chicken tortellini combines tender chicken, rich marinara, cheesy pasta, and vibrant spinach—all cooked to perfection with minimal effort. Let the slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day, and come home to a feast that feels like a hug on a plate.

Why Make This Recipe

Effortless preparation with a hands-off approach.
A crowd-pleaser that delights both kids and adults alike.
Perfect for meal prep and packed with wholesome ingredients.

What’s not to love about a one-pot wonder like this? With its rich flavors and heartwarming ingredients, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your home.

Easy Method for CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

When it comes to convenience without compromising flavor, this simple method for making CrockPot chicken tortellini is unbeatable. Allow yourself to be guided through the step-by-step process, making sure to savor every moment of preparation.

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil spray. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a touch of flavor and helps with cleanup later on.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Take about 1 ½ lbs of chicken breast, which is roughly four medium breasts, and arrange them in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. This step ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors you’ll add next.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Now, pour 2 cups of marinara sauce over the chicken. The rich, tomato-based sauce will infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks slowly. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion granules, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning mix, ½ teaspoon of paprika, and a ¼ teaspoon of red chili flakes for an added kick.

Step 4: Add the Broth

Pour in 1 ½ cups of chicken broth. This will help keep the chicken juicy and create a flavorful base for the dish as everything melds together.

Step 5: Set and Forget

Cover the CrockPot and set it to LOW for about 4 hours. Allow the ingredients to simmer and mingle. As the chicken cooks, it will become incredibly tender and soak up all the delicious flavors from the sauce and spices.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time has passed, it’s time to shred the chicken. Using two forks, carefully shred the cooked chicken right in the slow cooker. This step will not only break the chicken apart but also allow it to meld beautifully with the sauce.

Step 7: Add the Final Ingredients

Return the shredded chicken to the sauce in the slow cooker. Now, it’s time to add the star of the dish—1 lb of cheese tortellini, along with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of heavy cream. Stir everything well to ensure that the tortellini gets coated in the flavorful sauce.

Step 8: Cook Again

Cover the slow cooker once more and cook everything on LOW for an additional 30 minutes. This allows the tortellini to cook through and soak up the flavors.

Step 9: Add the Spinach

After the tortellini has cooked, stir in 2 cups of baby spinach. The vibrant green leaves will wilt down beautifully, adding both nutrition and color to your dish. Cook for another 10 minutes to allow the spinach to soften.

Step 10: Finish with Parmesan

Finally, sprinkle in ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir it in and taste your creation, making any adjustments to seasoning as needed. Voilà! Your CrockPot chicken tortellini is ready to be served.

Keeping CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Fresh

Best Way to Store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days at 40°F or lower.
Freezing: If you want to save some for later, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and rewarm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating: Always reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.

Storing this meal properly allows you to enjoy its delightful flavors even after the initial feast.

How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

CrockPot chicken tortellini is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. A few ideas to elevate your dining experience:

On its Own: Serve it hot straight from the slow cooker for a homey experience. The comforting aroma is bound to make everyone feel welcome.
Garnish: Fresh basil, more grated Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes: A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the tortellini beautifully. Garlic bread or a fresh baguette can be an excellent companion, perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Wine Pairing: Consider pairing with a light white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, which will complement the flavors without overpowering them.

The satisfying mixture of flavors in this dish makes it a joy to serve, ensuring that everyone’s plate is happily filled.

Tips to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Use Homemade Tortellini: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using homemade tortellini for an extra special touch.
Pressure Cooker Option: If you’re short on time, you can make this in an Instant Pot, cutting down cooking time significantly.
Customize the Spinach: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as peas or kale, for a twist on the classic recipe.

One key takeaway here is to not rush the process. Letting the slow cooker do its job creates depth of flavor that’s worth every minute you wait.

Variations or Substitutions

If you want to mix things up a bit, consider these variations for your CrockPot chicken tortellini:

Protein Swap: Instead of chicken breast, try using chicken thighs for a richer flavor and moister texture.
Veggie Delight: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with extra-firm tofu or canned white beans and use a vegetable broth to maintain that delightful depth of flavor.

Experimenting with ingredients can transform this recipe and yield delicious new variations.

FAQs about CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prep everything and place it in the slow cooker insert the night before. Just cover, refrigerate, and set it to cook in the morning.

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, chicken thighs work great in this dish! They yield tender and flavorful results, and they won’t dry out as easily as chicken breasts.

Q: How do I make it spicier?

Add more red chili flakes to the marinara.
Incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.

Q: What can I substitute for cheese tortellini?
You can use other types of pasta like penne or bowtie, but the cooking time may vary.

Nutritional Info

This dish is not just comforting; it’s also relatively wholesome. Per serving, you can expect approximately:

Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 3g

Enjoy the richness of flavors without the guilt, and feel good about serving this dish to your family.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcrowding: Make sure your ingredients fit comfortably in the CrockPot for even cooking.
Skipping Flavors: Don’t skip the spices! They are crucial for bringing depth to your dish.
Not Tasting: Always taste before serving; you may need to adjust seasoning based on your preferences.

By keeping these tips in mind, your CrockPot chicken tortellini will turn out flawlessly every time.

The rich flavors, the messy goodness, and the ease of this recipe should add warmth and comfort to your dining experience. Whether you whip this up on a chilly evening during the winter or share it among friends at a gathering, CrockPot chicken tortellini never fails to please and deliver a satisfying meal with each bite. Enjoy!

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Why Make This Recipe