As I walked into the kitchen, the rich aroma of marinara sauce filled the air, making my heart feel warm and my stomach rumble. There’s something comforting about a Bowl of Chicken Tortellini simmering away in the slow cooker. This recipe is special to me because it brings the family together around the table, creating moments filled with laughter and shared stories. It’s a meal that’s not just about eating; it’s about enjoying time with loved ones. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love how this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a delightful dish.
why make this recipe
This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends. It’s a one-pot wonder that takes minimal effort and brings maximum flavor. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to spend more time with your family while it cooks. Plus, it combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy tortellini, creating a meal everyone will love. It’s also easy to customize with your favorite veggies or spices, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
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.
- 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, stirring well.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and cook for 10 more minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning.
how to serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Serve this dish warm in bowls, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. It pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. The creamy sauce and cheesy tortellini make every bite delightful, ensuring everyone comes back for seconds.
how to store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
tips to make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
- For added flavor, try marinating the chicken in the marinade sauce for a few hours before cooking.
- If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a bit of cream cheese or reduce the chicken broth.
- Experiment with different vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for added nutrition and taste.
variation
For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with extra vegetables and perhaps some beans or lentils for protein. You could also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your tortellini is cheese or vegetable-based.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add it according to the cooking times mentioned, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients a day before and store them in the fridge. Then, all you have to do is put everything in the slow cooker on the day you want to serve it.
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts)
- 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
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 0.33 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Cooking Preparation
- Olive oil spray To spray the slow cooker.
Method
Preparation
- 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, stirring well.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and cook for 10 more minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning.