CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that warms both your heart and your home, you’ve found it! This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe is one I hold dear, perfect for those chilly evenings when all you want is something comforting and delicious. With tender chicken simmered in a rich marinara sauce and tossed with melty cheese tortellini, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

What makes it even better? It’s super easy to prepare! Just toss everything into the CrockPot, let it do its magic, and come back to a delightful meal that’s ready to serve. Your loved ones will rave about this dish, and you’ll enjoy how effortlessly it comes together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: Just throw everything in the slow cooker and relax while it cooks!
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids love cheesy tortellini, making dinner time a breeze.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch at once and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Comforting flavors: The combination of marinara, chicken, and cheese creates an irresistible dish.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Don’t worry; you probably have most of these staples already in your kitchen!

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
• 1 lb cheese tortellini
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups baby spinach
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey or even plant-based chicken alternatives for a different twist.
• Add more veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
• Change up the cheese: Use ricotta or a dairy-free cheese if you prefer something different.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add more red chili flakes or stir in some chopped jalapeños.

How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Start by spraying your slow cooker with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier later on.

Step 2: Arrange the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. This ensures they cook evenly and stay moist during the long cooking process.

Step 3: Add Sauces and Spices

Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken breasts and sprinkle on all those lovely spices—garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning mix, paprika, and red chili flakes. This mix of flavors will infuse into the chicken as it cooks.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4 hours. This low-and-slow method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while keeping your chicken juicy.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once cooked through, carefully shred the chicken using two forks right in the slow cooker. Mixing it back into that flavorful sauce is key—it adds depth to every bite!

Step 6: Add Tortellini and Cheese

Now stir in the tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream. This will create that creamy texture we all love! Give everything a good stir so all ingredients are well combined.

Step 7: Continue Cooking

Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes until the tortellini are tender. The additional time ensures everything gets nicely blended while keeping those cheesy flavors intact.

Step 8: Stir in Spinach

At this point, fold in the baby spinach and let it cook for an extra 10 minutes. The spinach wilts down beautifully while adding freshness to our comforting dish.

Step 9: Final Touches

Finally, sprinkle in that grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a taste test—this is where you can adjust seasoning if needed.

And there you have it! A delightful bowl of CrockPot Chicken Tortellini ready to be served up with love. Enjoy every creamy spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Creating the perfect CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a breeze, especially with some handy tips up your sleeve! Here are a few pro tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality marinara sauce will enhance the flavors of your dish significantly, making it taste more homemade and comforting.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spices based on your personal preferences. Adding a bit more garlic powder or Italian seasoning can really elevate the overall flavor profile.
• Add vegetables for extra nutrition: Toss in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini along with the spinach. This not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds color and texture to your meal.
• Don’t rush the cooking process: Allowing the chicken to cook for the full 4 hours on LOW ensures it’s incredibly tender and easy to shred. Patience pays off!
• Save leftovers properly: Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.

How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

This delightful dish is not just hearty but also visually appealing! Here are some ideas on how to present your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini for maximum enjoyment.

Garnishes

• Fresh basil leaves: A few torn basil leaves sprinkled on top add a fragrant touch and a burst of freshness.
• Extra cheese: A sprinkle of additional mozzarella or Parmesan cheese right before serving makes it look extra indulgent.
• Cracked black pepper: A dash of freshly cracked black pepper offers a subtle kick and enhances the overall flavor.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: This classic accompaniment is perfect for soaking up that rich marinara sauce. Crisped and buttery, it adds a delightful crunch next to your creamy tortellini.
• Side Salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish without overpowering it. The freshness helps balance out flavors beautifully.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious contrast and adds vibrant color to your plate. It’s also an excellent way to sneak in more veggies!
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting seasonal vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers brings out their natural sweetness and makes for an irresistible side that pairs perfectly with this comforting dish.

Enjoy creating this wonderful meal that warms both body and soul!

Make Ahead and Storage

This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe is fantastic for meal prep! Not only does it save you time on busy weeknights, but it also makes delicious leftovers that can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best to consume them within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• When storing, separate the tortellini from the sauce if possible, to prevent it from getting too soft.

Freezing

• Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months; just label them with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat or in a microwave until heated through, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making CrockPot Chicken Tortellini!

Can I use frozen chicken breast in my CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast! Just add an extra hour to your cooking time on LOW. Ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before serving.

How long will CrockPot Chicken Tortellini last in the fridge?

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini can last in the fridge for about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with your favorite plant-based protein, such as tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delightful vegetarian version.

What can I serve with CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this cozy and comforting CrockPot Chicken Tortellini! It’s a dish that not only warms your belly but also fills your home with incredible aromas. Cooking should be joyful and effortless, and this recipe embodies just that. Dive into this easy weeknight meal and savor every bite—happy cooking!