Why Make This Recipe
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a tasty and comforting meal that is easy to prepare. This dish is perfect for busy days when you want something warm and filling. Using a slow cooker, you can let the flavors blend together while you focus on other tasks. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a hearty meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
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 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 as needed.
How to Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini hot, directly from the slow cooker. You can garnish it with extra Parmesan cheese or some fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley. This dish pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
To store any leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. To do this, put it in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months.
Tips to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
- Cutting the chicken breast into smaller pieces can help it cook faster and absorb more flavor.
- You can adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you prefer less heat, reduce the red chili flakes.
- For a creamier texture, you can add more heavy cream or mozzarella cheese.
Variation
You can add different vegetables to the dish, such as bell peppers or mushrooms. You could also change the type of tortellini used, trying different flavors like spinach or mushroom for added variety.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used. Just add it into the slow cooker along with the heavy cream and mozzarella for the last 30 minutes.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make it healthier, you can use whole wheat tortellini and add more vegetables like zucchini or broccoli.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 2 hours, but the flavors might not develop as rich as when cooked on low.
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Equipment
- Crock-Pot
- Large bowl
- Forks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken breast boneless, skinless
- 32 oz chicken broth
- 28 oz diced tomatoes undrained
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 20 oz refrigerated tortellini fresh
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Cooking
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crock-Pot.
- In a bowl, combine chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken in the Crock-Pot.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded.
- Remove chicken and shred it using two forks, then return it to the Crock-Pot.
- Add the tortellini, heavy cream, and spinach to the Crock-Pot. Stir well.
- Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the spinach has wilted.
- Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.