CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Why Make This Recipe

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a simple and delicious meal that brings comfort to your dinner table. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm and hearty dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a slow cooker saves time and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Plus, who can resist cheesy tortellini and tender chicken in a rich marinara sauce?

How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Ingredients

• 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

Directions

1. Spray the slow cooker with olive oil.
2. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer.
3. Pour marinara sauce and spices over the chicken.
4. Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours.
5. Shred cooked chicken with forks.
6. Return shredded chicken to the cooker and mix with sauce.
7. Add tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring well.
8. Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
9. Stir in spinach and cook for 10 more minutes.
10. Add Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning.

How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Serve this delightful dish warm, garnished with some extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired. It pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish cools before sealing. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed.

Tips to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

• For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the marinara sauce overnight before cooking.
• Adjust the spicy level by adding more or less red chili flakes.
• Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for more nutrition.

Variation

You can swap out chicken for ground turkey or even use a vegetarian option like chickpeas or mushrooms. Using different types of pasta can also offer a fun twist to the original recipe.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just extend the cooking time by about an hour, checking to make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Can I skip the heavy cream?
Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter version, you can omit the heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or a non-dairy option.

What if I don’t have tortellini?
If tortellini is not available, you can use any small pasta shape, such as bowtie or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

A simple and delicious meal featuring cheesy tortellini and tender chicken in a rich marinara sauce, perfect for busy days.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 540

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast about 4 medium breasts
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion granules
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes adjust to taste
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb cheese tortellini
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup heavy cream can be substituted for a lighter option
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 0.33 cup Parmesan cheese, grated adjust for taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. Spray the slow cooker with olive oil.
2. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer.
3. Pour marinara sauce and spices over the chicken.

Cooking

1. Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours.
2. Shred cooked chicken with forks.
3. Return shredded chicken to the cooker and mix with sauce.
4. Add tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring well.
5. Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
6. Stir in spinach and cook for 10 more minutes.
7. Add Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning.

Notes

For added flavor, marinate the chicken in the marinara sauce overnight before cooking. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red chili flakes. Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for more nutrition. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.