A Cozy Comfort Food Delight
Ever craved a meal that’s both warm and inviting, with the kind of creamy goodness that wraps around you like a cozy blanket? You’re in for a treat with this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini! It’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely packed with flavor, making it the perfect dinner for both busy weeknights and cozy weekends. Plus, you can whip it up without breaking a sweat, thanks to the slow cooker that does all the heavy lifting for you!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you dive into this recipe? Well, for starters, it’s beyond easy—just throw everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cleanup is a breeze, too, with just one pot to wash! Who doesn’t appreciate a little less dish duty? And let’s be honest, it’s great for families; even picky eaters can’t resist the cheesy, savory deliciousness of this dish. 🙌
Ingredients:
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 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 as needed.
How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini (Overview)
Making this dish feels almost like a delightful magic trick. Start by spraying the slow cooker with oil—because, let’s face it, nobody wants a sticky mess. Layer the chicken, blanket it with marinara goodness, and sprinkle in your spices. After a leisurely simmer, shred that chicken like a pro, mix in the tortellini and cream, and let it all come together in perfect harmony. Pro tip: Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Dishing up this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is half the fun! Serve it hot with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a pop of color. Pair it with garlic bread for some crunchy contrast, or a fresh salad to balance all the creaminess. The luscious aroma wafting from your kitchen will have everyone rushing to the table, forks at the ready! 🍽️
How to Store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for a rainy day—it’ll keep well for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy again, just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to revive the creaminess.
Tips to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Here are some insider tricks to elevate your dish:
- Timing is crucial: Don’t rush the shredding. Let the chicken rest a bit before pulling it apart for juicy results.
- Swap the cheese if you’re feeling adventurous! Try adding ricotta or a lactose-free option.
- Add more vegetables: Sneak in some bell peppers or mushrooms for an extra nutrient boost.
- For a kick, play around with spices. A little extra chili can bring the heat if you like it spicy.
Variation
Want to switch things up? You can easily turn this into a vegan delight by substituting chicken with chickpeas or tofu and using vegetable broth. Swap out dairy-based products for nut milk and vegan cheese, and voilà—you’ve got a comforting meal that everyone can enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep everything the night before and pop it in the slow cooker in the morning.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it looks dry.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
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
For Cooking
- olive oil spray For greasing the slow cooker
Instructions
Preparation
- Spray the slow cooker with olive oil.
- Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Pour marinara sauce and spices over the chicken.
Cooking
- 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 as needed.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
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