This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a warm and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner, preparing a cozy meal for yourself, or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe has you covered. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s sure to impress even the most discerning palates while being incredibly simple to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just toss everything in the CrockPot and let it do the work for you—minimal hands-on time required!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of marinara sauce, seasonings, and creamy cheese creates a dish bursting with flavor.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to all ages, making it a go-to option for families with picky eaters.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can substitute various ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand, ensuring there’s always a way to make it your own.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: This hearty meal warms you up from the inside out, making it ideal for chilly days.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools and equipment before you start. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Meat thermometer
• Mixing spoon
• Forks (for shredding)

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows for low-and-slow cooking, which enhances flavors and ensures tender meat.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to replicating the recipe’s deliciousness every time.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures that chicken is cooked to safe temperatures, providing peace of mind.
• Mixing spoon: A sturdy spoon is essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly without damaging delicate pasta.

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Ingredients

This CrockPot chicken tortellini is a cozy yet super easy meal that will please even the pickiest eaters!

Ingredients:
– Olive oil spray
– 1 1/2 lb chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts)
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion granules
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
– 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
– 1 lb cheese tortellini
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 2 cups baby spinach
– 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

• Spray your slow cooker with olive oil or your choice of non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Arrange Chicken

• Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Ingredients

• Pour in the marinara sauce along with garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning mix, paprika, red chili flakes, and chicken broth. Ensure that the chicken is fully submerged in liquid.

Step 4: Cook Chicken

• Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for about 4 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

• Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

• Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Add in tortellini, shredded mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream. Stir well to ensure all tortellini are covered with liquid.

Step 7: Cook Tortellini

• Cover your slow cooker again and cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes or until tortellini become tender.

Step 8: Add Spinach

• Stir in the baby spinach and continue cooking for another ten minutes until wilted.

Step 9: Finish Up

• Finally, stir in grated Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning as needed, and serve immediately.

Enjoy this flavorful CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in!

How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal experience.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil and Parsley: Finely chop fresh basil and parsley to sprinkle on top for a burst of flavor.
• Chives: Add chopped chives for a mild onion flavor that complements the dish well.

Topped with Extra Cheese

• Additional Mozzarella: For cheese lovers, sprinkle more shredded mozzarella on top before serving for extra creaminess.
• Ricotta: A dollop of ricotta adds richness and pairs beautifully with the marinara sauce.

Accompanied by Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Crusty Baguette: A sliced baguette can be perfect for dipping into the creamy tortellini.

With a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: A simple Caesar salad provides a crisp contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Mixed Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for freshness alongside your hearty main dish.

How to Perfect CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

To achieve the best results with your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, consider these helpful tips:

• Bold Seasoning: Increase the seasoning for an enhanced flavor profile. Feel free to adjust spices based on your taste preferences.
• Bold Chicken Quality: Use high-quality chicken breast for better texture and taste. Fresh chicken will yield juicier results.
• Bold Cooking Time: Don’t rush the cooking process. Slow cooking ensures flavors meld beautifully together.
• Bold Broth Choice: Use low-sodium chicken broth for better control over saltiness while maintaining rich flavor.
• Bold Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Best Side Dishes for CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Pairing side dishes with your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up sauce.
2. Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
3. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Parmesan and croutons offers a refreshing crunch.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a hearty and colorful side option.
5. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a delightful contrast.
6. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes can offer a nutritious balance to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes will help you perfect your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the seasoning – Not seasoning the chicken can make the dish bland. Always ensure to add all spices and seasonings for maximum flavor.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker – Adding too many ingredients can lead to uneven cooking. Stick to the recipe amounts for best results.
• Not shredding the chicken properly – Failing to shred the chicken thoroughly may result in large chunks that don’t mix well with the tortellini. Use two forks and pull apart until it’s well shredded.
• Ignoring cook times – Cooking for too long can dry out the chicken or overcook the tortellini. Keep an eye on your timing based on your slow cooker settings.
• Forgetting to stir – Not stirring before serving can leave some tortellini uncooked. Give it a good stir just after adding cream and cheese to ensure even cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the dish cool completely before sealing it in a container.

Freezing CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated evenly.
• Stovetop – Place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making CrockPot Chicken Tortellini:

Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?

Yes! You can add frozen tortellini directly into the slow cooker without thawing.

How do I customize my CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?

Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also use different types of cheese.

What if I don’t have marinara sauce?

You can substitute marinara with any tomato-based sauce you prefer, or even a homemade sauce if you have one.

How do I adjust the spice level?

To make your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini spicier, simply increase the amount of red chili flakes or add fresh chili peppers.

Final Thoughts

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is not only easy to prepare but also highly customizable. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Try adding your favorite veggies or switch up the cheese to suit your taste! Enjoy this creamy and delicious meal that everyone will love!

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CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 17 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken with creamy cheese tortellini in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings, this dish requires minimal preparation—just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the magic! With its delightful flavors and hearty texture, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Serve it with fresh herbs or crusty bread for a complete meal that warms you from the inside out.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• Olive oil spray
• 1 1/2 lb chicken breast
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion granules
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 lb cheese tortellini
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

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Instructions

1. Spray the slow cooker with olive oil.
2. Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, red chili flakes, and chicken broth to cover the chicken.
4. Cook on LOW for about 4 hours until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the slow cooker.
6. Stir in tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream; mix well.
7. Cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes until tortellini are tender.
8. Stir in baby spinach and cook for another 10 minutes until wilted.
9. Serve immediately after stirring in grated Parmesan cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours and 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms. Adjust seasonings according to your taste preferences for a more personalized flavor profile.