Name: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 280 min
Total time: 295 min
Ingredients: Olive oil spray; 1 ½ lb 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)

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Craving a delicious, comforting meal that practically makes itself? Our CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is the answer for busy weeknights. This incredibly easy slow cooker recipe brings together tender chicken, a rich and creamy marinara sauce, and cheesy tortellini for a truly satisfying dish. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you can enjoy a hearty dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. It is perfect for any home cook, from beginners to seasoned chefs!

Why You’ll Love This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe

You will adore this recipe for its simplicity and incredible taste! It is designed to make your life easier while delivering a restaurant-quality meal.

Effortless Preparation: Simply combine ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
Deliciously Rich Flavor: Enjoy a creamy marinara sauce that is packed with savory goodness.
Tender Chicken and Cheesy Tortellini: The chicken cooks to perfection, and the tortellini remains al dente.
Hearty Comfort Food: This dish provides warmth and satisfaction with every bite, ideal for cozy evenings.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Prepare it in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner.
Highly Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients and seasonings to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh and pantry staples to create your delightful CrockPot Chicken Tortellini:

Olive oil spray
1 ½ lb 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, freshly grated

Notes & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for quick cooking. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but adjust the cook time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer.
Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite high-quality marinara brand for the best flavor. Look for one with good tomato flavor and minimal added sugar.
Tortellini: Fresh cheese tortellini works beautifully and cooks quickly. If using frozen tortellini, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time. You can also experiment with other pasta shapes like penne or ravioli, adjusting the cooking time as per package directions.
Spices: The blend of garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes creates a balanced flavor. Feel free to adjust the red chili flakes to control the heat level.
Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to better control the overall sodium content of your dish. You can always add more salt later if needed.
Cheeses: Shredded mozzarella melts wonderfully, providing a gooey texture. Heavy cream adds luxurious richness to the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese stirred in at the end brightens the flavors.
Spinach: Baby spinach wilts quickly and adds a touch of freshness and nutrition.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools to whip up this amazing meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

A 6-quart or larger slow cooker (also known as a CrockPot)
An instant-read meat thermometer for safety
Two forks, ideal for shredding cooked chicken
Standard measuring cups and spoons
A sturdy stirring spoon or spatula

Instructions: How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Follow these simple steps for a truly incredible and easy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini. Enjoy creating this delicious meal!

Step 1: Prepare your slow cooker for cooking. Start by spraying the interior of your slow cooker with olive oil spray or your preferred non-stick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Place the chicken breasts carefully into the prepared slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer on the bottom. This ensures even cooking for all the chicken pieces.

Step 3: Now, add the liquids and seasonings. Pour in the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning mix, paprika, red chili flakes, and chicken broth. Stir gently to ensure the seasonings are distributed and the chicken is completely submerged in the liquid. This helps keep the chicken moist as it cooks.

Step 4: Set your slow cooker to cook on the LOW setting for 4 hours. Allow the chicken to cook until it is incredibly tender and fully cooked through.

The USDA recommends that all poultry, including chicken, reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a food thermometer before serving.

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before proceeding.

Step 5: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This technique makes quick work of shredding. Return all of the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.

Step 6: It’s time to add the star ingredients. Into the slow cooker, add the cheese tortellini, the shredded mozzarella cheese, and the heavy cream. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the tortellini are completely covered by the liquid. This ensures they cook evenly.

Step 7: Cover the slow cooker once more and continue to cook on the LOW setting for an additional 30 minutes. During this time, the tortellini will become tender and absorb the wonderful flavors of the sauce. Check for doneness, as cooking times can vary.

Step 8: Gently stir in the fresh baby spinach. Re-cover the slow cooker and allow it to cook for just another 10 minutes. The residual heat will quickly wilt the spinach into the sauce, adding a touch of vibrant green and extra nutrients.

Step 9: Finally, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Taste the dish and adjust any seasonings to your preference, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Serve your amazing CrockPot Chicken Tortellini immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Achieve perfect results every time with these helpful tips for your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini:

Check Chicken Doneness: Always use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety and optimal tenderness.
Submerge Chicken: Make sure the chicken breasts are fully covered by the sauce mixture. This helps them stay moist and prevents them from drying out during slow cooking.
Gentle Stirring: When adding tortellini, stir gently to prevent the pasta from breaking apart or sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Sauce Thickness: The sauce will naturally thicken a bit as it cools. If it seems too thin initially, don’t worry, it will set up nicely.
Seasoning Adjustment: Before serving, always taste the finished dish. Adjust salt, pepper, or other spices to achieve your ideal flavor profile.
Fresh Ingredients: Opting for fresh cheese tortellini and fresh baby spinach can significantly enhance the texture and taste of your meal.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

Make the most of your delicious meal with these ideas.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your creamy pasta alongside crispy garlic bread or a crusty artisan loaf to soak up every drop of sauce.
A simple fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus make a nutritious and colorful side dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover CrockPot Chicken Tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through.
To maintain its creamy consistency, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream when reheating.
Freezing is not recommended for this dish, as the tortellini can become mushy and the sauce’s texture may change.

Variations

Protein Swaps: For a different twist, use boneless chicken thighs. If using pre-cooked shredded chicken, add it during the last 40 minutes of cooking to simply heat through.
Pasta Alternatives: Substitute with cheese ravioli or other hearty pasta shapes. Follow package directions for cooking times to ensure proper doneness.
Add Vegetables: Introduce more veggies by including sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or finely diced carrots earlier in the cooking process.
Spice it Up: If you love a little heat, add extra red chili flakes, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some diced jalapeños to the sauce.
Creamier Sauce: For an even richer and thicker sauce, stir in a block of softened cream cheese along with the heavy cream.

Nutrition Information

This hearty CrockPot Chicken Tortellini offers a balanced meal that is both satisfying and packed with essential nutrients. The addition of spinach contributes vitamins and fiber, while lean chicken provides excellent protein.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	539 kcal
Carbohydrates	40 g
Protein	44 g
Fat	23 g
Saturated Fat	11 g
Trans Fat	0.01 g
Cholesterol	143 mg
Sodium	1286 mg
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	6 g
Serving Size	1 serving
Potassium	786 mg
Vitamin A	1900 IU
Vitamin C	10 mg
Calcium	317 mg
Iron	4 mg

Please note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on the ingredients and cooking method. Actual values may vary based on specific brands and ingredient preparations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use already cooked chicken?

Yes, absolutely! If you have pre-cooked shredded chicken, add it during the last 40 minutes of cooking, just enough time for it to heat through thoroughly with the sauce and tortellini.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

You can use frozen tortellini with great results. Just be aware that you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the tortellini cooking time to ensure it becomes tender.

Can I use cheese ravioli instead of tortellini?

Yes, cheese ravioli makes an excellent substitute for tortellini in this recipe. Just be sure to follow the package directions for cooking time, as ravioli might cook slightly differently.

What kind of Italian seasoning mix should I use?

A standard dried Italian herb blend, commonly found in most grocery stores, works perfectly for this recipe. It typically includes a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and marjorum.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

The sauce will naturally thicken a bit as it sits after cooking. If it’s still too thin for your liking, you can mix a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water) into the hot sauce and cook on high for a few minutes until it thickens.

Conclusion

This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is truly an effortless and exceptionally delicious meal, perfect for any busy schedule. With tender chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked cheesy tortellini, it delivers ultimate comfort food in every bite. We hope this simple, beginner-friendly recipe becomes a new favorite in your home. Give it a try tonight, and don’t forget to rate the recipe, leave your comments, and share your delicious creations on social media!