Why You’ll Fall for This Dish
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a warm, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy days. It’s simple to make, and you only need one pot! With juicy chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach, this dish brings together great flavors that everyone in your family will love. Plus, you can set it and forget it, making meal prep super easy.
Cooking Up CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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
Step-by-Step Directions
- Start by spraying your slow cooker with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the pot.
- 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, shred it with forks right in the pot.
- Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and give it a good mix.
- Add the tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring everything together.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
- Stir in the baby spinach and let it cook for 10 more minutes.
- Finally, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions for CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
This dish is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious! Serve it hot straight from the slow cooker. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few fresh herbs for a pop of color. It goes great with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping.
Storing Your Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The dish will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can easily reheat it in the microwave or on the stove. Just add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick when warming up!
Clever Tips for the Best CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
- If you like a little extra spice, add more red chili flakes.
- You can use frozen tortellini; just add a few minutes to the cooking time.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based alternative.
Fun Variations to Try
Feel free to change it up! You can toss in different veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. You might also substitute the chicken for Italian sausage or even use a plant-based chicken alternative for a vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of CrockPot Chicken Tortellini provides a hearty mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbs, making it a balanced meal. On average, one serving contains around 500 calories, depending on the specific ingredients used.
Great Pairing Suggestions
This comforting dish pairs well with:
- A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread for a satisfying crunch.
- Roasted vegetables seasoned with herbs.
Common Questions About CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
1. Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes! You can freeze the dish for up to three months. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-friendly container.
2. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap mozzarella for provolone, or try adding a sprinkle of goat cheese on top for a different flavor.
3. How can I make it thicker?
To make the sauce thicker, you can mix in a cornstarch slurry (equal parts corn starch and cold water) about 15 minutes before serving, stirring it in until your desired consistency is reached.
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 Add more for extra spice
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 lb cheese tortellini Frozen tortellini can be used, just add a few minutes to cooking time.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup heavy cream For a lighter version, swap for half-and-half or plant-based alternative.
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Preparation
- Spray your slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer in the pot.
- Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle the spices.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to LOW for about 4 hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with forks in the pot.
- Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and mix well.
- Add tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring everything together.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
- Stir in baby spinach and let it cook for 10 more minutes.
- Finally, sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.