Name: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 medium-sized chicken breasts; 1 jar marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion granules; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 package cheese tortellini; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups baby spinach; Olive oil spray; Parmesan cheese for topping

There’s something special about coming home to a warm, comforting meal waiting for you. With this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, life is a little easier and so much tastier! Imagine the marvelous mix of juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy tortellini, all infused with delightful Italian flavors. It feels like a big hug in a bowl!

why make this recipe

The best part? You can set it and forget it! Just pop everything into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. Perfect for those busy days or when you simply want to chill out at home. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some veggies with the baby spinach. Your family will love this dish, and you’ll love how simple it is to prepare!

how to make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

First things first—let’s gather everything we need. You’ll want an olive oil spray, some tender chicken breasts (about 4 medium-sized ones should do), marinara sauce, and a few spices to bring it all together. Oh, and don’t forget your cheese tortellini, mozzarella, heavy cream, and baby spinach.

Start by spraying your slow cooker with a little olive oil. This makes sure everything mixes beautifully and doesn’t stick. Then, lay the chicken breasts in a single layer. Pour that luscious marinara sauce all over the chicken, and sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes. It’s going to smell amazing!

Next, cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours. While it’s working, feel free to relax or tackle something else on your to-do list. After the time is up, carefully shred the cooked chicken with a couple of forks right in the pot. Mix it up with the sauce for that extra flavor boost!

Now it’s time for the star of the show—the tortellini! Toss in the cheese tortellini, along with the mozzarella and heavy cream. Stir everything well, and let it cook on LOW for another 30 minutes. The kitchen will smell so good; you might find it hard to wait!

Just when you think it can’t get better, stir in the baby spinach and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes. Finally, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and give it a taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning if you’d like. It’s as easy as that!

how to serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Serve this delicious dish straight from the pot into your favorite bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan if you’re feeling indulgent! It pairs perfectly with some fresh bread—maybe a side of sourdough garlic rolls to soak up all that scrumptious sauce.

how to store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

If you have any leftovers (if you can believe it!), just let the chicken tortellini cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it in portions for a quick weeknight meal. Just remember that creamy dishes may change a bit in texture when frozen. But rest assured, it’ll still taste great!

tips to make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Want to brighten up this dish even more? Feel free to add in some diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini! They’ll add a nice crunch and a pop of color. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, serve it alongside a salad like chickpea salad to round out your meal.

Also, you can easily switch up the cheese. Try adding in some cheddar or goat cheese for a different flavor twist!

variation (if any)

If you want to make this dish vegetarian, simply swap the chicken for a can of drained white beans and increase the broth a bit. You can also use vegetable broth to keep everything veggie-friendly. There are so many ways to make it your own!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! Just pop the frozen chicken breasts straight into the slow cooker. You might need to add an extra hour to the cooking time.

Is it necessary to shred the chicken?
Not at all! You can leave the chicken breasts whole if you prefer. They’ll still be delicious, and you can slice them up when you serve.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything the night before. Just store the chicken, spices, and sauce in the fridge. In the morning, throw it all in the slow cooker before you head out.

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