why make this recipe
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a fantastic dish for busy families. It’s easy to prepare and cooks slowly, letting the flavors blend together perfectly. This recipe combines juicy chicken, creamy tortellini, and delicious marinara sauce, making it a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it requires minimal hands-on time, leaving you free to do other things while it cooks.
how to make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
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
Directions:
- Spray the slow cooker with olive oil.
- Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer in the cooker.
- Pour marinara sauce and spices over the chicken.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the cooker and mix it with the sauce.
- Add the tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach and cook for 10 more minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
how to serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Serve this dish hot, right from the slow cooker. You can sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for added flavor. Pair it with a side salad or some warm bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
how to store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It can last up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish in a freezer-safe container, where it can last up to 3 months.
tips to make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in some of the marinara sauce the night before.
- You can add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Adjust the amount of red chili flakes based on how spicy you want the dish.
variation
You can use other types of pre-cooked protein, like rotisserie chicken, instead of raw chicken breasts. Additionally, using different types of cheese tortellini or even spinach tortellini can give this dish a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add them into the slow cooker in the same step as fresh tortellini.
2. What can I use instead of chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or water can be used as a substitute.
3. How do I reheat the leftovers?
To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm it up slowly on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy.
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
- Total Time: 285
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: N/A
Description
A comforting dish combining juicy chicken, creamy tortellini, and marinara sauce, perfect for busy families.
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
- Spray the slow cooker with olive oil.
- Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer in the cooker.
- Pour marinara sauce and spices over the chicken.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 240 minutes.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the cooker and mix it with the sauce.
- Add the tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
- Stir in the spinach and cook for 10 more minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in some of the marinara sauce the night before. This dish can be served hot, sprinkled with extra Parmesan on top, and paired with a side salad or warm bread.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 270
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: CrockPot, Chicken Tortellini, Slow Cooker, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food