Why You’ll Enjoy This Crowd-Pleaser
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a delightful dish perfect for any day of the week. It offers a wonderful mix of flavors and is incredibly easy to prepare. Using a slow cooker means less time in the kitchen and more time to do what you love. Plus, it feeds a crowd, making it just right for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
Simple Steps to Make Your Own 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
- Start by spraying your slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the cooker.
- Pour marinara sauce and sprinkle the spices over the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4 hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the cooker and mix it well with the sauce.
- Add in the tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring everything together.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
- Add the baby spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Finish by stirring in the Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Dish
Once you’ve made your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, serve it straight from the slow cooker for a homey feel. You can use bowls and top each serving with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for a nice touch. A side of garlic bread or a fresh salad would pair beautifully with it too!
Storing Leftovers Like a Pro
If you happen to have leftovers, just transfer them to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and save it for another day!
Tips for Perfecting Your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce and spices for a few hours before cooking.
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less red chili flakes.
- If you want to pack in more veggies, consider adding chopped bell peppers or mushrooms.
Fun Variations to Try
Feel free to switch up the type of pasta. Instead of cheese tortellini, you can use any other pasta you prefer, like penne or fettuccine. You could also add other veggies like zucchini or carrots if you want to customize it to your taste.
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, this dish is rich in protein and offers plenty of vitamins from the spinach and other ingredients.
Family-Friendly Serving Ideas
This dish is great for family dinners. Kids love the cheesy tortellini, and parents appreciate the healthy ingredients. Serve it with a side of steamed veggies or your family’s favorite salad for a complete meal.
Perfect Pairings for Your Meal
A light, crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc pairs nicely with this comforting dish. For a non-alcoholic option, consider serving it with sparkling water with a twist of lemon.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
2. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
3. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the slow cooker in the morning, store it in the fridge, and then cook it later in the day for dinner. Just remember to add 30 extra minutes to the cooking time if you’re starting with cold ingredients.
Enjoy making your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini! It’s a great dish to share with family and friends.
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts) You can use frozen chicken breasts, just add an extra hour to the cooking time.
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion granules
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes Adjust the spice level as preferred.
- 1.5 cups chicken broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- 1 lb cheese tortellini You can substitute with any pasta like penne or fettuccine.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups baby spinach Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini or carrots.
- 0.33 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Preparation
- Spray your slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the cooker.
- Pour marinara sauce and sprinkle the spices over the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4 hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the cooker and mix it well with the sauce.
- Add in the tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring everything together.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
- Add the baby spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Finish by stirring in the Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
