CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food with a serious wow factor, this Creamy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Tender shredded chicken, pillowy cheese tortellini, and a luscious, velvety sauce all come together in your slow cooker—no fuss, just pure, cozy bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Creamy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is that the ingredient list is both cozy and refreshingly simple. Every item serves a purpose—adding flavor, creaminess, or a vibrant pop of color—so you get a dish that’s as inviting as it is satisfying.

• Olive oil spray: Prevents sticking and keeps the chicken juicy as it simmers away.
• Chicken breast: Lean, tender, and perfect for soaking up all those saucy flavors.
• Marinara sauce: Brings a rich tomato base with subtle sweetness and depth.
• Garlic powder & onion granules: Infuse every bite with savory, aromatic notes without needing to chop.
• Italian seasoning & paprika: Add a blend of herby warmth and a little smokiness, elevating the overall flavor profile.
• Red chili flakes: Offers a gentle kick that balances the creamy sauce—add more or less to suit your spice level.
• Chicken broth: Deepens the savory flavor and helps keep the chicken ultra-moist during cooking.
• Cheese tortellini: These soft, cheesy pillows take on all the creamy goodness and bring a playful texture.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts to gooey, stretchy perfection, making each bite deliciously irresistible.
• Heavy cream: Swirls through the sauce for silkiness and that rich, decadent finish.
• Baby spinach: Adds color and a mild, earthy freshness that lightens up the dish just the right amount.
• Parmesan cheese: For a nutty, salty finale that ties everything together with classic Italian flair.

Variations

One of the joys of this recipe is how flexible it is—there’s plenty of room to play! You can easily tweak Creamy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini to fit what’s on hand, your family’s preferences, or any dietary needs.

• Switch Up the Protein: Try boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra richness—or swap in sliced Italian sausage for bold, spicy flavor.
• Make It Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use extra cheese tortellini, along with vegetable broth, for a meatless version that’s still super satisfying.
• Use Different Tortellini: Spinach-ricotta or mushroom-filled tortellini bring new flavors and textures to this creamy slow-cooker meal.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini during the last hour for a colorful, veggie-packed twist.

How to Make Creamy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker & Chicken

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a generous mist of olive oil spray. This little step ensures nothing sticks and keeps cleaning up fabulously easy. Lay your chicken breasts out in a single layer on the bottom so each one cooks evenly and soaks up all the flavor.

Step 2: Add Sauce & Seasonings

Pour in the marinara sauce, whip in your garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, red chili flakes, and finally the chicken broth. Gently stir everything together—your goal is to submerge every bit of chicken under that savory liquid. The slow simmer melds these flavors perfectly while the chicken turns juicy and tender.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Pop the lid on and set your CrockPot to LOW. Let it work its magic for about 4 hours, or until your chicken reaches that safe and succulent 165°F mark. If you have a meat thermometer, it’s your best friend here—juicy, never dry chicken is the key to the whole dish.

Step 4: Shred & Return Chicken

Once the chicken’s perfectly cooked, gently lift it out and use two forks to shred it—it’ll be so tender, this step is oddly satisfying! Slide all that shredded goodness right back into the slow cooker so it can share its flavor with the sauce.

Step 5: Add Tortellini, Cheese, and Cream

Toss in your cheese tortellini, a heaping cup of shredded mozzarella, and a splash of heavy cream. Stir to make sure every tortellini is dunked in that luscious sauce—this is where the Creamy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini magic really begins!

Step 6: Final Touches—Spinach & Parmesan

Cover again and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes, just until the tortellini are soft and dreamy. Stir in the fresh baby spinach and let everything mingle for about 10 more minutes. Last but not least, finish with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Taste, adjust the seasoning as needed, and serve piping hot!

How to Serve Creamy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Garnishes

This dish truly shines when you top it with even more freshly grated Parmesan, a dusting of cracked black pepper, and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil. The herbs add freshness while the cheese gives every bite a savory kick—pure perfection!

Side Dishes

Pile bowls of Creamy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini high and serve them with crusty garlic bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls—perfect for sopping up all that dreamy sauce. A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness and adds a lively crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy gathering, ladle the tortellini into shallow bowls and finish each one tableside with a cloud of Parmesan and a drizzle of good olive oil. Or, set up a ‘pasta bar’ where guests can add extra cheese, chili flakes, and fresh herbs to customize their own bowls—fun, interactive, and sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen overnight, making for an even more satisfying second (or third!) helping.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, freeze portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. The texture of the tortellini may soften a bit, but the flavor remains cozy and delicious—just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure everything stays creamy and the tortellini don’t overcook.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to snuggle up with a bowl of this Creamy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini—each bite is a dreamy mix of comfort, flavor, and heartwarming satisfaction. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy Sunday dinner, this is the kind of recipe that brings everyone running to the table. Give it a try and let this slow-cooker magic win your heart (and your taste buds) in one creamy, cheesy swoop!

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