CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a warm and comforting dish perfect for any dinner. Using a slow cooker makes this recipe easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This meal is creamy, full of flavor, and packed with protein. You’ll love how the tortellini cooks perfectly in the sauce, soaking up all the yummy flavors. It’s a dish the whole family will enjoy.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
One of the best things about CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is how easy it is to make. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and you can go about your day. The flavors blend together beautifully as it cooks, and you will come home to a delightful aroma. This recipe is also versatile. You can adjust the spices, add different vegetables, or switch the cheeses to suit your family’s tastes. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one pot! There’s no need to prepare a lot of sides. All the ingredients come together to create a nutritious and filling dinner.
HOW TO MAKE CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Making CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is straightforward. You only need to follow a few simple steps. By using the slow cooker, you save time and effort while still producing a delicious dish that your family will ask for again and again. Here are the details on how to create this tasty meal.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To prepare CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, you will need the following equipment:
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoons
- Forks for shredding chicken
- A stove for boiling water (if needed for tortellini)
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Spray the slow cooker with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the marinara sauce and spices over the chicken. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated well.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4 hours. This cooking time makes sure the chicken is tender.
- After 4 hours, take the chicken out and shred it using forks. It should be easy to pull apart.
- Return the shredded chicken to the cooker and mix it well with the sauce.
- Add the tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream, stirring everything together until combined.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes. This will allow the tortellini to cook and absorb the sauce.
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook for 10 more minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.
HOW TO SERVE CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini can be served straight from the slow cooker, making it a great option for family-style dining. Use a large spoon to serve it into bowls. For a lovely presentation, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a pop of color. Pair this dish with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
STORAGE & FREEZING: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
If you have leftovers, they store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. If you want to freeze it, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
For an even heartier meal, consider serving CrockPot Chicken Tortellini with garlic bread or a Caesar salad. A glass of red wine complements this dish beautifully as well. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor and color.
VARIATIONS
There are many ways to change up this recipe. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetable Twist: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. You can sauté them first or throw them in raw, depending on your preference.
- Different Proteins: Substitute the chicken for turkey or even shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Cheese Choices: Change the type of cheese. Try using different kinds like cheddar or gouda for a unique flavor.
- Spice It Up: If you like heat, add more red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
2. What if I don’t have tortellini? You can use other pasta shapes like penne or shells, but cooking times may vary. Check for doneness according to package directions.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes! You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge in the slow cooker crock. In the morning, just set it to cook.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your marinara sauce and chicken broth are also gluten-free.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
You can save time by prepping the ingredients ahead of time. Chop your chicken and mix the spices, then store them in the fridge. This way, all you have to do is toss everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook. You can also cook the tortellini separately and mix it in 30 minutes before serving for a quicker meal prep. Enjoy your delicious CrockPot Chicken Tortellini with no fuss!
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
Method
- Spray the slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the marinara sauce and spices over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4 hours.
- After 4 hours, remove the chicken and shred it with forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the cooker and mix well with the sauce.
- Add the tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream, stirring until combined.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.