CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that warms your heart and fills your belly, you’ve found it! This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a cherished recipe in my home. It’s the kind of dish that invites everyone to gather around the table, especially on those chilly evenings when all you want is something comforting and delicious. With tender chicken simmered in rich marinara sauce and cheesy tortellini, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

What’s even better? It requires minimal effort! Just a bit of prep, and your slow cooker takes care of the rest. You can spend more time with loved ones while this delightful dish cooks away. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your household too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have dinner ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the cheesy tortellini and tender chicken, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it in the morning, set your slow cooker, and come home to a warm meal waiting for you.
• Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of flavors—from the marinara sauce to the melty cheese—will keep everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. You’ll love how they come together to create something truly special.

For the Main Dish

• 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

For the Cheesy Goodness

• 1 lb cheese tortellini
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup heavy cream

For Adding Freshness

• 2 cups baby spinach
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Variations

One of the best things about CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is its flexibility! You can easily adjust it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or even plant-based alternatives for a different flavor experience.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, add more red chili flakes or some diced jalapeños.
• Use different pasta: Swap out tortellini for another pasta shape like penne or farfalle if that’s what you have available.

How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker

Start by spraying your slow cooker with olive oil. This step ensures nothing sticks, making cleanup easier later on. Plus, it helps get that lovely flavor locked into our chicken as it cooks.

Step 2: Arrange the Chicken

Lay out your chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all those wonderful flavors from the sauce.

Step 3: Add Marinara and Spices

Now it’s time to pour on that rich marinara sauce. Sprinkle over garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning mix, paprika, and red chili flakes. These spices elevate the dish’s flavor profile beautifully!

Step 4: Set It & Forget It

Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4 hours. This slow cooking process makes sure every bite of chicken is tender and infused with flavor.

Step 5: Shred That Chicken!

Once cooked, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. This step not only makes it easier to eat but also allows all that delicious sauce to coat every piece perfectly.

Step 6: Mix Everything Together

Return the shredded chicken to its saucy home! Give everything a good stir so that each piece of chicken mingles with that luscious marinara sauce.

Step 7: Add Cheese & Tortellini

Now add in your cheese tortellini along with mozzarella cheese and heavy cream. Stir well until everything is combined beautifully—this is where the magic really happens!

Step 8: Final Cooking Time

Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes so that tortellini can soften up nicely and absorb some of those flavors.

Step 9: Toss in Fresh Spinach

Stir in fresh baby spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Not only does this add color to our dish, but spinach also brings fresh nutrients!

Step 10: Finish Off with Parmesan

Finally, sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Give everything one last taste test; adjust seasoning if needed—and enjoy!

There you have it—a delightful bowl of comfort food just waiting to be savored! Enjoy every bite of this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini with those you love most.

Pro Tips for Making CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Making CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a breeze, but these tips will ensure you achieve the best flavor and texture!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality marinara sauce can elevate the flavors significantly. They add freshness that frozen or canned options might lack.

• Don’t skip the seasoning: The blend of garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes creates a depth of flavor. Adjusting these to your taste can personalize the dish just for you.

• Shred chicken while hot: Shredding the chicken right after it’s done cooking allows it to soak up more of the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

• Add tortellini at the right time: Adding tortellini towards the end of cooking prevents it from becoming overly soft. This way, it retains its shape and texture in the dish.

• Experiment with cheeses: While mozzarella and Parmesan work wonderfully, feel free to mix in other cheeses like fontina or goat cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Serving this cozy dish is all about presentation and enhancing its comforting qualities. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more delightful!

Garnishes

• Fresh basil: Chopped fresh basil adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the marinara beautifully.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkling some crushed red pepper on top can give your dish an exciting kick.
• Extra Parmesan cheese: A light sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan elevates both the taste and presentation.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce in your bowl. It’s an easy-to-make classic that everyone loves!
• Caesar salad: A crisp Caesar salad adds a refreshing crunch to your meal. The creamy dressing pairs nicely with the rich flavors of the tortellini.
• Roasted vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots not only provide nutritional balance but also add beautiful colors to your table.
• Steamed broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli brings a nice contrast in texture and can help round out your meal with additional nutrients.

Enjoying your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini with these garnishes and sides will make for a comforting and satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week!

Make Ahead and Storage

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is an absolute dream for meal prep! Not only does it come together effortlessly, but it also stores beautifully for those busy weeknights when you need a quick yet satisfying dinner.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the dish into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Make sure to leave some space for expansion.
• Label containers with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed for moisture.
• Ensure it’s heated through before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making CrockPot Chicken Tortellini!

Can I use different types of tortellini in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can choose from various tortellini flavors, such as spinach or mushroom. Just make sure they are cheese-based to keep it aligned with dietary preferences.

How long can I store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini leftovers?

You can safely store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to use airtight containers!

Can I make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini without heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. This will keep your dish creamy without using dairy!

What can I serve with CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?

This comforting dish pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or garlic bread. Both options complement the rich flavors beautifully!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in creating this comforting bowl of goodness! CrockPot Chicken Tortellini brings warmth and satisfaction that’s perfect for any night of the week. As you gather around the table, may each bite bring a smile to your face. Enjoy every moment of this delicious recipe, and feel free to share your experiences—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!