CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a warm and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, and delicious cheese tortellini. It’s an easy recipe that cooks in your slow cooker, making it perfect for busy days. With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it, letting the CrockPot do all the hard work. This savory meal fills your home with delightful aromas while it cooks. When mealtime comes, you are ready to enjoy a hearty, satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
This recipe for CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is special for many reasons. First, it is incredibly simple to make. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that tastes like it took a lot of effort. Second, it is perfect for busy families. You can prep it in the morning and come home to a warm, tasty dinner. Third, it is packed with flavors. The combination of the marinara sauce, spices, and melted cheese creates a delicious blend that you will crave. Lastly, it is a versatile dish. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
HOW TO MAKE CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Making CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is straightforward. Follow the steps below to create this delightful dish.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make this recipe, you will need:
- Slow cooker (CrockPot)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large fork (for shredding chicken)
- Spray bottle for olive oil (optional)
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 the food from sticking.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes over the sauce.
- Carefully pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours.
- Once the cooking time is up, shred the cooked chicken with a fork. Be careful; it will be hot!
- Return the shredded chicken to the cooker and mix it well with the sauce.
- Add the tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes. This will allow the tortellini to cook through.
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes. The spinach will wilt down nicely.
- Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if needed.
HOW TO SERVE CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Serving this dish is easy and fun. You can scoop the Chicken Tortellini right from the slow cooker into bowls. Top it with extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor. You can also serve it with a side salad or garlic bread to complete your meal. It is a comforting dish best enjoyed warm.
STORAGE & FREEZING: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
For longer storage, you can freeze your Chicken Tortellini. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it as needed.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini pairs well with various side dishes. Here are some tasty options:
- Fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping
- Steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans
- A scoop of Italian-style coleslaw for a crunchy side
VARIATIONS
Feel free to switch up the recipe to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Vegetables: You can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use Different Proteins: Instead of chicken, you can use turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
- Change the Cheese: For a twist, try using different types of cheese, like provolone or gouda, in place of mozzarella.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. You could also add more vegetables for a hearty vegetarian dish.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember that the cooking time may increase slightly.
- Can I add more tortellini? Yes, you can add more tortellini if you want. Just make sure to increase the sauce and broth accordingly.
- Can I make this without cheese? Yes, you can make this dish without cheese to keep it dairy-free. Just skip the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- How do I know when the chicken is done? The chicken should be cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F. It will also shred easily with a fork when done.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
To make your cooking easier, you can prep some of the ingredients ahead of time. Here are some tips:
- Prep the Chicken: If you want, you can season the chicken breasts the night before. Keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
- Chop Vegetables: If you are adding vegetables, go ahead and chop them in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Measure Ingredients: You can measure out the spices and set them aside. This makes it quicker to assemble in the morning.
With these tips and the simple recipe, you will enjoy making and sharing this comforting CrockPot Chicken Tortellini with your family!
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
Method
- Spray the slow cooker with olive oil.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes over the sauce.
- Carefully pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours.
- Once the cooking time is up, shred the cooked chicken with a fork.
- Return the shredded chicken to the cooker and mix it well with the sauce.
- Add the tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream to the slow cooker.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese and taste the dish, adjusting seasoning if needed.