CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

A Comforting Delight

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is the ultimate weeknight meal that combines convenience with creamy comfort. Each bite offers an explosion of flavors—from the tender chicken soaked in marinara sauce to the cheesy tortellini that soaks up all the deliciousness. I stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I needed something hearty yet easy to prepare, and I’ve never looked back. Perfect for busy families or those chilly evenings, this dish promises warmth, satisfaction, and a happy table.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

So what’s the magic behind CrockPot Chicken Tortellini? For starters, it’s a one-pot wonder that lays down effortless elegance while delivering on taste and nutrition. The slow cooker takes care of the cooking while you focus on other tasks. Whether you’re entertaining friends for a casual gathering, filling bellies during a busy weeknight, or just looking for a comforting meal, this dish checks all the boxes.

“This dish has become a family favorite. The kids love it, and I love how easy it is to make. It’s a win-win!”

The Cooking Process Explained

Making CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is as easy as it sounds. The beauty lies in the simplicity of layering your ingredients, letting the slow cooker do its magic, and enjoying a delicious meal just a few hours later. Here’s how it comes together in a few straightforward steps:

1. Spray the slow cooker with olive oil.
2. Layer chicken breasts, pour marinara sauce and spices over, then cover and cook on LOW.
3. After shredding the chicken, mix it back with the sauce, add tortellini and cheese, and let it simmer for a while.
4. Stir in spinach at the end to freshen up the dish.

That’s it—small effort for a big payoff!

Key Ingredients

To create this comforting dish, gather the following 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 shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups baby spinach
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Feel free to swap the cheese tortellini for a different flavor variety, or even use a plant-based alternative for a healthier twist.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Spray your slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the pot.
3. Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes.
4. Cover and set the slow cooker on LOW for approximately 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender.
5. Shred the cooked chicken using forks once it’s done and return the meat to the slow cooker, mixing it back into the sauce.
6. Add the cheese tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
7. Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes until the tortellini is fully cooked.
8. Stir in the baby spinach and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes.
9. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

When it comes to serving CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, you can keep it simple yet elegant. Consider ladling the tortellini into deep bowls, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley for a touch of color. A sprinkle of additional Parmesan on top adds a nice finishing touch. Pair it with a crisp side salad or some warm garlic bread to soak up the luscious sauce—it’s hard to go wrong here!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten CrockPot Chicken Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s just as delicious reheated! For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers where they can last up to 3 months. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop and enjoy your comforting meal again.

Helpful Cooking Tips

For the best flavor in your crockpot meal, consider searing the chicken breasts briefly before adding them to the slow cooker. This will enhance the depth of flavor. Also, swapping out the marinara sauce for a homemade version can give an extra touch of authenticity. If you want to sneak in more greens, feel free to toss in other veggies, like zucchini or bell peppers, during the last few minutes of cooking.

Creative Twists

Don’t be afraid to get adventurous with this recipe! You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more chili flakes or even incorporating a bit of cooked sausage for an extra kick. For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt—just add it at the end of cooking to maintain its creaminess.

Your Questions Answered

What is the prep time for this recipe?

Prep time is minimal, often around 15 minutes, making it easy to assemble before your day starts.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely! Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time, ensuring everything remains properly heated through.

How do I store leftovers safely?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months for best quality. Always allow them to cool before storing.

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for any occasion, and will undoubtedly become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy making and savoring this delightful dish!

Bertha Jones

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

A comforting and convenient weeknight meal featuring tender chicken, marinara sauce, and cheesy tortellini, all cooked in a slow cooker.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian

Calories: 580

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Main Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs 1 ½ lbs chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts) Can be seared briefly for extra flavor.
• 2 cups 2 cups marinara sauce Homemade marinara can enhance flavor.
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon onion granules
• 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
• ½ teaspoon ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes Adjust for spice preference.
• 1 ½ cups 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 lb 1 lb cheese tortellini Can substitute with other tortellini varieties.
• 1 cup 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup ½ cup heavy cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
• 2 cups 2 cups baby spinach
• ⅓ cup ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese For garnishing.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Spray your slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the pot.
3. Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes.
4. Cover and set the slow cooker on LOW for approximately 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender.
5. Shred the cooked chicken using forks once it’s done and return the meat to the slow cooker, mixing it back into the sauce.

Cooking

1. Add the cheese tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
2. Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes until the tortellini is fully cooked.
3. Stir in the baby spinach and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Top with grated Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 36gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 900mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g

Notes

Serve hot in deep bowls, garnished with fresh basil or parsley. Pair with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!