CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a delightful dish that seamlessly merges convenience with incredible flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or dinners when you want something delicious without the heavy lifting, this recipe brings together tender chicken, creamy broth, and cheesy tortellini that will please everyone around your table.
Why We Love This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe
There’s something truly comforting about a meal cooked slowly in a CrockPot. This recipe is not only easy to make but also saves you time in the kitchen. You can throw everything in the pot and let it do all the work. The result? A creamy, savory bowl of goodness that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Plus, using tortellini gives this dish a gourmet feel without the fuss. It’s a hit among kids and adults alike, making it a go-to family favorite.
Ingredients about CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
To prepare a delightful CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini (9-ounce)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional, for extra nutrition and flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling on top before serving)
How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Directions
Making CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a simple yet rewarding process. Let’s walk through the steps together.
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your CrockPot. This will ensure that they cook evenly and soak up all the flavors from the broth and seasonings.
- Add the Broth: Pour in the 3 cups of chicken broth over the chicken. This will create a flavorful base for your dish.
- Season It Up: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to your liking. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to adjust the garlic powder to your taste.
- Cook: Set the CrockPot to low and cook for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time on low will yield tender chicken that shreds easily.
- Break Up the Chicken: When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Use a couple of forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot, ensuring it combines well with the broth.
- Add Cream and Tortellini: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream to the mixture, and then add the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Mix everything together until the tortellini is well surrounded by the creamy broth.
- Add Spinach (Optional): If you’re including spinach for some extra nutrition, toss in the 2 cups of fresh spinach at this stage. Stir until it wilts into the dish.
- Cook Again: Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through. Stir occasionally to keep everything well mixed.
- Serve: Once the tortellini is cooked, it’s ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for that finishing touch.
This simple yet delicious recipe transforms basic ingredients into a hearty meal that feels both comforting and special.
How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
When it comes to serving your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, presentation is key. Ladle generous portions into deep bowls, ensuring each bowl has a good balance of chicken, tortellini, and broth. The creamy texture paired with the soft tortellini makes for a satisfying dish.
A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top not only adds a beautiful touch but also enhances the overall flavor of the dish. For added freshness, consider garnishing with freshly chopped herbs, like parsley or basil.
Pair your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the creamy broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can also balance the richness of the dish beautifully. This will make for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Expert Tips: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
To make your cooking experience even smoother and the dish even tastier, consider these expert tips:
- Adjust the Cream: If you prefer a lighter version, you can reduce the heavy cream to ¾ cup or substitute it with half-and-half. This will still give you that creamy texture without being overly rich.
- Cook the Tortellini Separately: For a firmer texture, you can cook the tortellini separately and add it to the pot just before serving. This can prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Add More Flavors: Feel free to spice things up! Adding Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of lemon juice can elevate the flavors to your liking.
- Customize Your Greens: If spinach is not your choice, consider adding chopped kale or even arugula for a peppery twist. These greens provide delightful flavors alongside the creamy broth.
- Watch the Cooking Time: Since slow cookers can vary, always keep an eye on the cooking times. Make sure the chicken is cooked through and the tortellini is al dente for the best results.
With these tips in mind, you can customize this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe to suit your preferences and impress your diners.
How to Store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Storing your leftover CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is straightforward. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a great option for meal prep or planned leftovers.
If you want to preserve it for an extended time, consider freezing it. Place the cooled tortellini in freezer-friendly containers or bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variation of CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Feel free to get creative with your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini by trying out these delicious variations:
- Different Meats: Switch the chicken for turkey or even ground beef for a different flavor profile. Just remember to adjust the cooking times accordingly based on the meat you choose.
- Vegetarian Version: For a meatless dish, simply omit the chicken and load up on your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms work wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Add Beans: Want to add some protein without additional meat? Throw in a can of drained and rinsed cannellini or kidney beans. This will add texture and heartiness to your meal.
- Spice It Up: If you enjoy a kick, sprinkle in some chili flakes or diced jalapeños. This will add a delightful heat that complements the creamy sauce well.
- Cheese Variations: Try different types of cheese, like mozzarella or provolone, to mix up the flavors. Shredded cheese can be added during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra cheesy finish.
These variations make it easy to adapt the recipe based on your family’s preferences or any dietary restrictions, while still holding true to the comforting essence of this beloved dish.
FAQ
What is CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a delicious and easy dish made with chicken breasts, cheese tortellini, chicken broth, heavy cream, and optional vegetables like spinach, all cooked slowly for maximum flavor.
How long does it take to cook CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?
Cooking CrockPot Chicken Tortellini takes about 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. The key is to ensure the chicken is tender and the tortellini is cooked through.
Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated. Just be sure to add an extra 10-15 minutes to your cooking time to ensure they cook through properly.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make a healthier version, consider using less heavy cream, adding more vegetables, or substituting the cheese tortellini for whole wheat or spinach tortellini.
How do I store leftovers of CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to allow it to cool before storing.
With these insights, you can venture confidently into making your own CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, a dish that is bound to be a satisfying staple in your recipe repertoire!
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version.
- 1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini (9-ounce) Can use frozen tortellini; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- 2 cups fresh spinach Optional, for extra nutrition and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adjust to taste.
- Salt and pepper To taste.
- Grated Parmesan cheese For sprinkling on top before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your CrockPot.
- Pour in the 3 cups of chicken broth over the chicken.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Set the CrockPot to low and cook for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and add the cheese tortellini.
- If using spinach, add it now and stir until it wilts.
- Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
Serving
- Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
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