CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Introduction

This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a comforting and easy slow-cooker meal that combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and rich marinara sauce. Perfect for busy days, it requires minimal prep and delivers delicious, hearty flavors everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spray the slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer inside the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for about 4 hours, until the chicken is completely cooked and tender.
5. Step 5: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker.
6. Step 6: Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to combine well.
7. Step 7: Add the cheese tortellini, shredded mozzarella, and heavy cream, mixing everything together thoroughly.
8. Step 8: Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes, allowing the tortellini to cook through and the cheese to melt.
9. Step 9: Stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes until wilted.
10. Step 10: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or a dash of crushed red pepper for heat.
• Use fresh tortellini if available; reduce the last cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
• Swap baby spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different green twist.
• Make it vegetarian by replacing chicken with mushrooms or vegan protein and using vegetable broth.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but increase the cooking time by about 1 to 2 hours to ensure the chicken cooks through safely in the slow cooker.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight, then cook the next day. Just add tortellini, cheese, and spinach later as instructed to keep the texture perfect.

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 110 reviews

This hearty CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe combines tender slow-cooked chicken, rich marinara sauce, and creamy cheese tortellini for a comforting one-pot meal. Enhanced with garlic, Italian herbs, and fresh spinach, it’s an effortless and satisfying dish perfect for busy days.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Dairy

• 1 ½ lbs chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Vegetables and Herbs

• 2 cups baby spinach

Sauces and Liquids

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

Spices and Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion granules
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes

Other

• 1 lb cheese tortellini
• Olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Arrange the chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Add marinara and spices: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes to evenly coat.
4. Cook chicken: Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW. Let the chicken cook for about 4 hours until it’s tender and cooked through.
5. Shred chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker for ease and integrating flavors.
6. Mix shredded chicken with sauce: Stir the shredded chicken thoroughly into the sauce ensuring it’s well combined.
7. Add tortellini, cheese, and cream: Pour in the cheese tortellini, shredded mozzarella, and heavy cream. Stir gently to combine everything evenly.
8. Cook further: Return the covered slow cooker to LOW and allow it to cook for another 30 minutes, letting the tortellini soften and the cheese melt into the sauce.
9. Add spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes until wilted and bright green.
10. Finish with Parmesan and seasoning: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving warm.

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen spinach according to preference; frozen should be thawed and drained before adding.
• Feel free to swap chicken breasts for thighs for moister meat.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
• Cheese tortellini can be replaced with spinach or mushroom tortellini depending on taste.
• Cooking times may vary depending on slow cooker model and size.

Keywords: CrockPot chicken tortellini, slow cooker recipes, easy chicken dinner, creamy tortellini, one-pot meal