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CrockPot Chicken Tortellini 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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