When it comes to hearty, satisfying comfort food, few dishes can match the convenient charm of CrockPot Chicken Tortellini. This dish checks all the boxes: it’s rich in flavor, incredibly easy to prepare, and perfect for those long, busy days when you crave a homemade meal but don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. In this article, you’ll discover everything there is to know about making this delicious CrockPot recipe—from the ingredients to tips for perfecting your dish, and even ideas for storage and variations. Let’s get started!
Why We Love This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe. First and foremost, it is a “set it and forget it” recipe that brings the ultimate convenience to meal preparation. As you go about your day, the slow cooker does the hard work of transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece.
The combination of tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, creamy cheese, and the delightful presence of tortellini creates an irresistible dish that everyone at the table can enjoy. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some vegetables, thanks to the addition of vibrant baby spinach that adds both nutrition and a pop of color. You’ll find that this meal is not just easy but highly adaptable, allowing you to make changes based on personal preferences or what’s available in your pantry.
Ingredients about CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Creating a delicious CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is all about choosing the right ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to gather to make this comforting 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
Gathering these ingredients ahead of time can simplify your cooking experience and ensure that you are completely prepared to dive into this flavorful adventure.
How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Directions
Making CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is not only straightforward but also quite enjoyable. The process allows you to layer in flavor and watch as time transforms your ingredients into a delightful final product.
- Prepare Your CrockPot: Begin by spraying your slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking. This simple step ensures that your delicious creation can easily be served later without any fuss.
- Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. This allows for even cooking and ensures that every piece of chicken absorbs the surrounding flavors.
- Pour in the Marinara: Once the chicken is laid out, pour your marinara sauce evenly over the chicken. It’s great to choose a marinara sauce you love, as it will be a starring flavor in this dish.
- Season Well: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning mix, paprika, and red chili flakes over the sauce and chicken. If you like a little spice, feel free to increase the chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Add the Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, making sure it coats everything effectively. This will help in keeping the chicken moist as it cooks and infuse the whole dish with flavor.
- Set and Forget: Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become perfect and tender, soaking up the savory marinara and spices.
- Shred the Chicken: After cooking, shred the chicken with two forks right in the slow cooker. This step works best as the chicken will be fall-apart tender.
- Mix It Together: Return the shredded chicken back into the cooker and give it a good mix with the sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Add Tortellini and Cream: Stir in the tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream. Make sure it’s all mixed through so that every bite contains a balance of flavors and textures.
- Final Cooking: Cover the slow cooker again and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes. The tortellini will absorb some of the sauce and become wonderfully delicious.
- Finish with Spinach and Cheese: Stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the spinach is wilted and incorporated into the dish. Finally, add the grated Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Congratulations! You now have a bowl of creamy, cheesy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini that’s ready to be served.
How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Serving your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is an opportunity to make it even more delightful. Here are some simple suggestions to elevate your dining experience:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Consider garnishing your dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. The bright colors and fresh flavors enhance the overall appearance and taste.
- Serve with Bread: A warm, crusty bread is the perfect companion to this dish. It’s great for soaking up the excess sauce and adds a hearty component to the meal.
- Add a Side Salad: A refreshing side salad with a simple vinaigrette can balance the richness of the tortellini. Choose greens that you enjoy, like arugula or mixed greens.
- Use Individual Bowls: For a restaurant-style presentation, serve the tortellini in individual bowls. Add a sprinkle of additional cheese on top for a gourmet touch.
- Pair with a Beverage: While this recipe does not include alcohol, you can pair your delicious meal with sparkling water, iced tea, or a simple lemon-infused drink for a refreshing contrast.
No matter how you choose to serve your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, it’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Expert Tips: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
While the recipe is simple, a few expert tips can take your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini from good to sensational. Here are some ideas to ensure you achieve the best results:
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Using high-quality marinara sauce and cheese can drastically improve the overall flavor of the dish. Look for brands that use real ingredients without artificial additives.
- Avoid Overcooking: Ensure that you don’t overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. The low and slow method helps, but check for doneness around the 4-hour mark.
- Customize to Your Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices based on what you love. For instance, if you adore garlic, increase the garlic powder or add minced garlic for extra flavor.
- Learn to Layer Flavors: If time allows, sautéing fresh garlic and onions before adding them into the CrockPot can add another layer of flavor to your meal.
- Experiment with Cheese: While mozzarella and Parmesan are delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses that you enjoy, such as provolone or gouda, to add variety.
Applying these expert tips can enhance your experience and result in a remarkably delicious dish.
How to Store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
If you find yourself with leftovers (or want to make it ahead for future meals), proper storage is essential to maintaining the flavor and texture of your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini:
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it into storage containers. This helps to prevent condensation, which can displace moisture in the dish.
- Choose Airtight Containers: Store your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini in airtight containers to keep it fresh. Glass containers are a great choice and are microwave-safe.
- Refrigerate: It’s best to consume the leftovers within 3-4 days if stored in the refrigerator. Always reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Freezing for Later: If you want to extend its shelf life, you can freeze the tortellini. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, but remember that the texture of the tortellini may change slightly upon reheating.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, you can either reheat in the microwave or on the stove. If it appears too thick, add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Properly storing your dish ensures that you can enjoy this hearty meal in the days to come without sacrificing quality.
Variation of CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
While the traditional recipe is fantastic on its own, you might want to try some variations to keep things interesting. Here are some ideas to customize your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini adventure:
- Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with chickpeas or black beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Different Pasta: If you’re not a fan of tortellini, feel free to use other types of pasta such as penne or fusilli. Just be mindful of cooking times, as some pasta types may require adjustments.
- Spice It Up: For those who love a kick, consider adding sautéed jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for some bold flavor.
- Add Extra Veggies: To increase the nutritional value, toss in additional vegetables such as chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini into the slow cooker.
- Switch the Cheese: Experimenting with various cheeses can also create unique flavors. Try a sharp cheddar or pepper jack for a different taste experience.
These variations ensure that your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini remains a flexible dish that you can enjoy numerous ways.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to cook CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?
The best way to cook CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is to layer your ingredients properly in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is fully covered by marinara and broth, then allow it to cook on LOW for 4 hours to achieve tender, juicy chicken.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s recommended to extend the cooking time to ensure thorough cooking. Always check the chicken for doneness before shredding.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to verify this.
Can I adjust the spices in the CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to modify the spices to suit your taste. More garlic, herbs, or even different seasoning blends can add a personalized touch to your dish.
How can I make this dish creamy without heavy cream?
If you want to make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini creamy without heavy cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or a light sour cream. Just stir it in just before serving for a lighter version.
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken Breast (about 4 medium breasts)
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Granules
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning Mix
- 0.5 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes Optional
- 1.5 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 lb Cheese Tortellini
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Shredded
- 0.5 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 cups Baby Spinach
- 0.33 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated
Instructions
- Spray the crockpot with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Pour marinara sauce over the chicken.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes over the sauce and chicken.
- Pour chicken broth into the crockpot, ensuring it coats everything.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours.
- After cooking, shred the chicken in the crockpot with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the sauce, and stir in tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes until tortellini is heated through.
- Stir in baby spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Finish with grated Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!