why make this recipe
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is an easy and comforting dish that tastes great and requires little effort. This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something delicious waiting for you at dinner time. It combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and flavorful marinara sauce, making it a hit with everyone in the family. Plus, cooking it in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it!
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 the 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 your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if you like. It pairs well with some crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
how to store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, but note that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
tips to make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
- Make sure to cut the chicken breasts evenly for cooking.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste preferences; add more chili flakes for extra heat.
- Stir the mixture well every so often for better flavor mixing, if possible.
variation
You can easily switch the chicken for turkey or even use cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add them directly to the slow cooker at the same time as the other ingredients.
Q: How do I make this dish spicier?
A: You can add more red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prep the ingredients and store them in the fridge in a sealed container. Just put them in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts) Cut evenly for cooking
- 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 Adjust for spiciness
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb cheese tortellini Can use frozen tortellini
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 0.33 cup Parmesan cheese, grated For garnishing
Instructions
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 the 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.