Oh, my dear friend! Let me share with you a recipe that’s as cozy as a warm blanket on a chilly evening and just bursting with flavor—CrockPot Chicken Tortellini. This dish really warms the soul! I stumbled upon this gem during one of those busy weeknights when I needed something hearty but didn’t want to fuss too much in the kitchen. It’s a recipe that has become a comfort food staple in my home, and I’m excited for you to experience it too!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Why make this dish? Well, let me tell you! It’s not only simple but also incredibly satisfying. Picture this: tender chicken influenced by aromatic spices, swathed in a rich marinara sauce, enveloping cheesy tortellini in creamy lusciousness. Yes, please! It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s ready to greet you after a long day without you having to lift a finger once it’s in the slow cooker. Plus, it’s a one-pot miracle—less cleanup and more time to savor every delicious bite with your loved ones.
What sets this recipe apart is its versatility. You can come up with variations and tweaks that suit your taste or dietary preferences. And the best part? You can prep it in mere minutes, toss it all in, and carry on with your day while your slow cooker works its magic. As the scent fills your home, you’ll begin to anticipate that first bite, and trust me, it does not disappoint.
Gather these ingredients
Let’s gather what we need for this delicious journey:
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Olive Oil Spray: A little spritz ensures that nothing sticks to your trusty slow cooker.
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Chicken Breast (1 ½ lbs): Aim for about four medium-sized breasts. This lean protein will turn into juicy goodness after cooking.
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Marinara Sauce (2 cups): Grab your favorite jar! A good sauce is the backbone of this dish—think rich, flavorful, and just the right amount of sweetness.
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Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Because who doesn’t love a bit of garlic? It brings depth.
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Onion Granules (1 teaspoon): A subtle oniony sweetness without the fuss of chopping.
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Italian Seasoning Mix (1 teaspoon): This blend of herbs will add that quintessential Italian flavor.
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Paprika (½ teaspoon): For a touch of color and smokiness.
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Red Chili Flakes (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch for that delightful warmth—it’s optional if you’re not into the spice!
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Chicken Broth (1 ½ cups): This adds moisture and helps to meld all those fantastic flavors together.
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Cheese Tortellini (1 lb): The star of the show! Cheese-filled delight, cooked to perfection.
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Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded (1 cup): Extra melted cheese makes everything better!
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Heavy Cream (½ cup): For richness that makes your heart sing.
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Baby Spinach (2 cups): Fresh greens add a wonderful textural contrast and a pop of color.
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Parmesan Cheese, Grated (⅓ cup): A final sprinkle of cheesy goodness to elevate each bite.
Preparing CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Time to get our hands a little messy! Let’s walk through the steps to create this magical dish:
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Prep the Slow Cooker: Give it a good spray with olive oil to ensure easy cleanup later. Trust me, it’s worth it!
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Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the cooker. Think of it as giving them a cozy spot.
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Pour Over Sauce and Spices: Lather those chicken breasts with marinara sauce and jump in the garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes. This is where the aroma really starts to form!
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Set it and Forget it: Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4 hours. This low and slow cooking allows the chicken to become fork-tender and deeply flavored.
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Shred the Chicken: After the time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the sauce. This step is magic—totally transforms the dish!
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Mix it All: Return that shredded chicken to the cooker and mix it gently with the sauce.
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Add the Good Stuff: Toss in the tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream. Stir it all together so every delicious bit is coated.
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Cook Again: Let this concoction cook on LOW for another 30 minutes. You can almost taste it already!
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Throw in Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes until it wilts down.
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Final Touch: Add that grated Parmesan cheese. Taste, adjust seasoning if needed, and get ready to serve!
Best way to enjoy it
This dish is just bursting with possibilities! Serve it directly from the slow cooker for a casual family-style dinner, and don’t forget to top it with additional Parmesan for that cheesy finish. You could also pair it with some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that luscious sauce or a fresh salad to brighten up the meal. How about a glass of red wine on the side? Now we’re talking!
Storage and reheating tips
Storing leftovers? No worries! Transfer the cooled dish to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If you want to freeze, portion it out in freezer-safe containers. It should hold nicely for up to 3 months but do make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Extra tips and advice
To elevate this recipe even further, consider searing the chicken breasts in a skillet for a few minutes before adding them to the slow cooker. It adds a lovely depth of flavor! Feel free to experiment with different greens; kale or Swiss chard could be delightful alternatives to spinach. And if you’re looking for a lighter option, swap out half-and-half for the cream. The flavor might be slightly different, but it can still be delicious!
Creative Twists
Now, if you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to play with this recipe. Swap out the cheese tortellini for a different shape; how about some whole wheat or spinach pasta? Want some veggies? Toss in roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a punch of flavor. You can even toss in different cheeses—think gouda or cheddar for a fun twist!
Ingredients list
- 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 to follow
- Spray the slow cooker with olive oil.
- Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Pour marinara sauce and spices over the chicken.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours.
- Shred cooked chicken with forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the cooker and mix with sauce.
- Add tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream; stir well.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and cook for 10 more minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning.
Common questions
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How long does it take to make? Prep time is about 10-15 minutes, and cooking time is about 4 hours on LOW.
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Can I use frozen chicken? Yes! Just extend the cooking time a bit as it may take longer to cook through.
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What should I serve with it? A fresh salad or garlic bread is perfect for balancing out this hearty dish.
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Can it be made ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge for easy assembly in the morning.
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Is it freezer-friendly? Yes! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
I cannot wait for you to try this! It’s comforting, delicious, and oh-so-easy. Don’t forget to let your creativity shine; the kitchen is your playground! Try it, and let me know how it goes—maybe we can swap our twists on this recipe!
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Description
This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a satisfying and easy dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, rich marinara, creamy tortellini, and fresh spinach come together in this one-pot miracle.Ingredients for CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Directions
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Prep the Slow Cooker
Spray the slow cooker with olive oil. -
Arrange Chicken
Place chicken breasts in a single layer.This ensures even cooking. -
Add Sauce and Spices
Pour marinara sauce and spices over the chicken.Lather well. -
Set Slow Cooker
Cover and set to LOW for about 4 hours.Make sure it is covered tightly. -
Shred Chicken
After cooking, shred chicken with forks in the sauce.This adds flavor to the dish. -
Mix Ingredients
Mix the shredded chicken back into the sauce. -
Add Tortellini and Cheese
Add tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream; stir to combine. -
Cook Again
Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.This allows for flavors to meld. -
Add Spinach
Stir in baby spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes.Until the spinach is wilted. -
Finish with Parmesan
Add grated Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.This enhances the flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 700kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 39g60%
- Saturated Fat 18g90%
- Trans Fat 0.5g
- Cholesterol 125mg42%
- Sodium 1200mg50%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 45g90%
- Vitamin A 2500 IU
- Vitamin C 30 mg
- Calcium 700 mg
- Iron 3 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 80 mcg
- Thiamin 0.4 mg
- Riboflavin 0.5 mg
- Niacin 10 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 90 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 600 mg
- Magnesium 50 mg
- Zinc 4 mg
- Selenium 40 mcg
- Copper 0.5 mg
- Manganese 0.7 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
