Why Make This Recipe
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a delicious meal that everyone will love. It is easy to make, and its creamy texture with cheese, chicken, and spinach makes it perfect for any day of the week. You can prepare it in your slow cooker, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal or relaxing with family.
This recipe combines tender chicken, flavorful marinara sauce, and cheesy tortellini for a warming comfort food dish. It’s great for busy weekdays or for treating family and friends to a special meal. Plus, it is flexible, allowing you to add your favorite veggies or adjust spices to your liking.
If you’re looking for a dish that is not only comforting but also nutritious, this is it! The baby spinach adds a nice touch of greens to the meal, boosting its vitamins and minerals. So, grab your slow cooker and let’s dive into the details of making this lovely dish.
How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Making CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is simple and straightforward. You will love how easy it is to put everything together. Here’s how you can make this tasty dish step by step.
Ingredients
To make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, you will need the following 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
Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, follow these steps to create your delicious meal:
Spray the Slow Cooker: Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Try to space them out evenly.
Pour Marinara Sauce: Next, pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken. Ensure that all pieces of chicken are covered to infuse flavor.
Season the Sauce: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes over the sauce. This adds a wonderful flavor to your dish.
Cover and Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4 hours. This slow cooking helps the chicken become tender and juicy.
Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. This step allows the chicken to mix well with the sauce.
Add Tortellini and Cheese: Add the tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to coat the tortellini with the sauce.
Cook Again: Cover and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes. This will allow the tortellini to cook and absorb the flavors.
Stir in Spinach: Lastly, stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes. The spinach will wilt and add color and nutrients.
Finish with Parmesan: Before serving, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the dish. You can adjust the seasoning if needed to suit your taste.
How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Serving CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a delightful experience. You can serve it hot, right from the slow cooker, to keep the meal warm. Garnish with a bit more grated Parmesan if you like, as it adds a nice touch.
Pair this dish with a simple side salad for freshness or some garlic bread to soak up the rich sauce. This meal is hearty enough to stand alone, but a light appetizer or dessert can balance it well.
You can also serve the dish in deep bowls to highlight its creamy texture. Be sure to provide plenty of spoons so everyone can dig in together!
How to Store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
If you have leftovers, storing them is easy. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help keep it creamy if it thickens in the fridge.
You can also freeze this dish if you want to save it for later. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container and it can last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Choose Quality Chicken: Use fresh or good-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. Smoked chicken can also add a unique twist.
Customize the Veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms along with spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Adjust Spiciness: If you like it spicier or milder, you can adjust the amount of red chili flakes or skip them altogether.
Don’t Skip the Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is essential for achieving that deliciously creamy consistency. Avoid substitutes if possible for the best results.
Mix and Match Cheeses: You can mix different kinds of cheese, such as adding cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
Variation
If you’re looking for a variation on this classic dish, consider using different proteins. Sliced Italian sausage or cooked ground turkey work well with the same sauce and seasonings.
For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and use chickpeas or mushrooms instead, keeping the rest of the recipe the same for a hearty meal.
Additionally, you can change the type of pasta. Using other pasta shapes like bowtie or penne can also create a fun twist on the recipe.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in a slow cooker. Just be sure to cook it for longer, about 6-8 hours on LOW, until fully cooked.
2. Is it okay to leave this dish on warm?
Yes, most slow cookers have a warm setting that keeps the meal warm without overcooking. This is perfect for serving at gatherings.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make a larger batch, but be sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold everything and adjust the cooking time if necessary.
By following this recipe, you’ll create a wonderful meal that brings comfort and joy to your dining table. Enjoy your cooking adventure with this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe!
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
Method
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes over the sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4 hours.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Add the tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream to the slow cooker and stir everything together.
- Cover and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
- Stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Before serving, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the dish.