I’m excited to share one of my favorite comfort food recipes: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini. Whenever I whip this up, it becomes an instant favorite at the dinner table. The melding of tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and cheesy tortellini is simply irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this dish serves as the perfect solution for satisfying cravings and delighting loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This recipe is a treasure for many reasons. Firstly, it’s a one-pot wonder that brings together convenience and flavor. Using just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that feels decadent yet is budget-friendly. The slow cooking process allows for deep flavors to develop, ensuring each bite is packed with deliciousness.

Perfect for busy families, this meal can simmer away while you tackle other evening tasks. And, let’s not forget that it’s kid-approved! The combination of creamy cheese and flavorful chicken makes it appealing even to the pickiest eaters.

"I made this for my kids last week and they couldn’t get enough! It’s hands-off cooking at its best!" — A happy home cook

Preparing CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Making this comforting dish is a breeze. The preparation is simple: spray the slow cooker, layer the chicken and marinara, and let it work its magic. After a few hours, you’ll shred the chicken, stir in the tortellini and cheese, and finish with some fresh spinach. The whole process is straightforward and allows for some flexibility if you want to tweak the ingredients.

What You’ll Need

Here’s the complete list to gather before you start cooking:

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

Feel free to substitute the chicken with turkey or even a vegetarian protein, and consider using your favorite pasta if you can’t find tortellini!

Directions to Follow

Spray the slow cooker with olive oil.
Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom.
Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, followed by the garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4 hours.
Once cooked, shred the chicken using forks and return it to the sauce.
Stir in the tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream until well combined.
Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
Gently fold in the baby spinach and allow to cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Finally, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is delightful on its own, but here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Serve alongside garlic bread for the perfect accompaniment.
A simple mixed salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the dish beautifully.
For a touch of freshness, top each serving with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

If you happen to have leftovers (which is often rare with this dish!), store them in airtight containers. It’s best to refrigerate them within two hours of serving. The dish can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

For longer storage, consider freezing portions. Just ensure you let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Pro Chef Tips

Timing Matters: Be careful not to overcook the chicken. When it begins to shred easily, it’s done.
Add Flavor: Consider adding a bay leaf or some Italian sausage for an extra depth of flavor.
Creamy Texture: For a creamier dish, add a little more heavy cream at the end—just be sure to adjust the seasoning afterward!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations you can try:

Swap out cheese tortellini for spinach or mushroom-filled variations for a flavor change.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
For a spice kick, swap the red chili flakes with chopped jalapeños.

Your Questions Answered

How long does this take to cook?

This dish takes about 4 hours on LOW in the slow cooker, followed by an additional 40 minutes for the tortellini and spinach.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely! Just add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Is this dish safe to freeze?

Yes! Ensure it is cooled before freezing, and remember to reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. With CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, you get all the flavors of home-cooked goodness with minimal effort, making it a staple for any busy kitchen!

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Author: majestyrecipes
Total Time: 255 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting, one-pot dish featuring tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and cheesy tortellini, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Olive oil spray
1 ½ lbs chicken breast
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

Instructions

Spray the slow cooker with olive oil.
Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom.
Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, followed by the garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4 hours.
Once cooked, shred the chicken using forks and return it to the sauce.
Stir in the tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream until well combined.
Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
Gently fold in the baby spinach and allow to cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Finally, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.

Notes

For creamier texture, add more heavy cream at the end. Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or a vegetarian protein.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 240 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: CrockPot, Chicken, Tortellini, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Kid-Friendly