CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Introduction

This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days. Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy tortellini come together effortlessly in your slow cooker for a hearty meal the whole family will love.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Spray the inside of your CrockPot with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Step 2: Add the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, red chili flakes, and chicken broth over the chicken. Stir gently to combine.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the CrockPot.
5. Step 5: Add the cheese tortellini, mozzarella cheese, heavy cream, and baby spinach. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
6. Step 6: Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes or until the tortellini is tender and the spinach has wilted.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving. Stir gently and enjoy your creamy chicken tortellini!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté the chicken breasts briefly in a pan before adding them to the CrockPot.
• Use spinach or kale depending on your preference for a slight texture change.
• Substitute marinara with arrabbiata sauce for a spicier version.
• If you like a thicker sauce, reduce chicken broth to 1 cup or cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to avoid overcooking the tortellini. Adding a splash of broth or cream when reheating helps maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, but cooking time will increase. It’s best to cook on low for 6–7 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked before shredding.

Can I make this recipe without the CrockPot?

Absolutely. You can cook the chicken in a large pot or Dutch oven, add the ingredients, and simmer covered on low heat, following similar timing and steps.

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 146 reviews

This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked meal combining tender chicken breasts, cheese tortellini, and a rich tomato-cream sauce with Italian herbs and spices. Finished with fresh baby spinach and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this dish is perfect for a hearty yet easy weeknight dinner.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours low or 2-3 hours high + 30 minutes additional
• Total Time: 5-7 hours
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sauce 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
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

Pasta and Cheese Ingredients

• 1 lb cheese tortellini
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups baby spinach
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Olive oil spray

Instructions

1. Prepare and season the chicken: Spray the inside of the slow cooker with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes. Pour the marinara sauce and chicken broth over the chicken evenly.
2. Slow cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook the chicken on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
3. Shred the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with the sauce.
4. Add the tortellini and cream: Add the cheese tortellini and heavy cream into the crockpot. Stir gently to mix all ingredients and ensure the tortellini is submerged in the sauce.
5. Cook the tortellini: Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes or until the tortellini is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Add spinach and cheeses: About 5 minutes before the cooking time is complete, stir in the baby spinach, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
7. Final stir and serve: Give the mixture a final stir to combine all flavors. Serve hot, pairing the creamy chicken tortellini with a light salad or garlic bread if desired.

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen baby spinach as preferred; frozen should be thawed and drained.
• For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce may be less rich.
• If you want more spice, increase red chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

Keywords: CrockPot chicken tortellini, slow cooker chicken recipe, cheesy tortellini, creamy chicken pasta, easy meal, comfort food, Italian slow cooker recipe