CrockPot Chicken Tortellini: A Comforting Feast for Every Season

There’s something undeniably comforting about coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of delicious food cooking away in your CrockPot. As the days grow cooler and the nights stretch longer, it’s the perfect time to cozy up with a hearty dish, and our CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is simply the ideal recipe for this season.

Imagine tender chicken slowly cooked with savory marinara sauce, all blended with creamy cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a medley of zesty seasonings. Not only does this dish fill your belly, but it also warms your heart—bringing together family and friends around the dinner table. Chicken breasts, rich marinara, and those delightful little pockets of cheese all meld beautifully over hours, creating a comforting, from-scratch dinner that tastes like it took hours to prepare (though it really is easy as pie!).

If you’re looking to impress your loved ones or treat yourself to sheer indulgence, this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is calling your name! So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started on this delightful recipe that’s perfect for the season ahead.

Ingredients & Equipment

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 (optional for a little heat!)
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 lb cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 cups baby spinach
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Cooking utensils (spoons for mixing and serving)
• Forks for shredding chicken
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle for serving

Brief Notes

Make sure to use a good quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. You can use either fresh or frozen tortellini; however, if you opt for frozen, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing Your Chicken and Sauce

1. Spray the Slow Cooker: Begin by lightly spraying the slow cooker with olive oil. This not only prevents sticking but also adds a hint of flavor to the dish.

2. Arrange Chicken Breasts: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly, soaking up all the delicious flavors.

3. Add Marinara and Seasonings: Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken. Then sprinkle the garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning mix, paprika, and red chili flakes (if using) onto the chicken and sauce. This mix of spices creates a mouthwatering aroma that will fill your kitchen.

4. Pour in Chicken Broth: Gently pour in the chicken broth, which will keep the chicken moist and help develop the flavor of the sauce.

5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4 hours. This gives the chicken enough time to become tender and flavorful. If you’re in a pinch, you can set it on HIGH for about 2 hours, but the LOW setting is recommended for the best results.

Shredding Chicken and Adding Tortellini

6. Shred the Chicken: After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. This is where the magic happens—the chicken will easily fall apart and mix in with the sauce.

7. Mix the Chicken with the Sauce: Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and mix it well to ensure everything is combined and coated.

8. Add Tortellini and Cheese: Next, stir in the cheese tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream. This combination adds a rich creaminess to your dish that’s simply irresistible.

9. Final Cooking Steps: Cover the slow cooker again and let it cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes. This is the perfect time for the tortellini to cook through.

10. Add Fresh Spinach: After 30 minutes, stir in the baby spinach and cook for another 10 minutes, just so the spinach wilts beautifully and adds a burst of color and nutrition to your dish.

11. Finish with Parmesan: Lastly, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed. A pinch of salt and pepper may be all you need!

Kitchen Tips and Variations

• Roasted versus Boiled Tortellini: If you prefer a little extra flavor, consider roasting the tortellini in the oven with some olive oil and spices before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in some chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.
• Herb Freshness: Fresh basil or parsley can be added just before serving for an extra pop of freshness and color!

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, you can easily store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3–4 days. Make sure to let it cool down to room temperature before sealing it up.

Freezing

This dish freezes exceptionally well! Portion the meal into airtight containers or freezer bags and label them with the date. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through.

Make-Ahead

You can assemble the dish the night before, placing all the raw ingredients in the slow cooker. Cover and refrigerate, then simply set it to cook in the morning before heading out for the day. By dinnertime, you’ll come home to a ready-made meal!

How to Use / Serve This Dish

Our CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is delightful served in large bowls, reminiscent of a warm hug on a chilly evening. You can garnish it with extra cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a gourmet feel.

Pair this dish with a light salad, perhaps a simple mixed green salad topped with lemon vinaigrette, or some crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic parmesan green beans would complement this dish beautifully, bringing seasonal flavors to your table.

FAQ Section

1. Can I substitute the chicken breast for another protein?

Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs, turkey, or even shrimp. Just ensure to adjust the cooking times as necessary.

2. What if I don’t have chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth or even water in a pinch; however, the flavor may be slightly less robust.

3. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, for a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken and use vegetable broth, and bulk up the dish with more vegetables and perhaps some canned chickpeas for protein.

4. How long does this dish last in the fridge?

Your leftovers can stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days. Just make sure they’re sealed properly!

5. Can I add more spices?

Absolutely! Feel free to tweak the spices according to your taste. Fresh herbs can also elevate the flavor profile.

Final Thoughts / Encouragement

As the leaves turn vibrant shades and the crisp air calls for comfort food, this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini stands out as a deliciously fulfilling choice. With every spoonful, you’ll find yourself wrapped in warmth and joy, perfect for creating cherished memories around the dinner table.

Whether you’re feeding a family or simply treating yourself, this dish is sure to satisfy. So grab your slow cooker, gather the ingredients, and dive into this comforting culinary adventure! Don’t forget to share your experiences and variations when you give this recipe a try—we’d love to hear how your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini turned out! Happy cooking!

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

A comforting dish of tender chicken, savory marinara sauce, creamy cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach, perfect for cozy family dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken and Sauce

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast about 4 medium breasts
• 2 cups marinara sauce use a good quality for best flavor
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion granules
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.25 teaspoon red chili flakes optional for heat
• 1.5 cups chicken broth

For the Tortellini and Final Touches

• 1 lbs cheese tortellini fresh or frozen
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 0.33 cups Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

 

Preparing Your Chicken and Sauce

• Spray the 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 over the chicken, and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes.
• Gently pour in the chicken broth.
• Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours, or on HIGH for about 2 hours.

Shredding Chicken and Adding Tortellini

• Carefully remove the lid and shred the chicken using two forks.
• Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and mix well.
• Stir in the cheese tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream.
• Cover and let it cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes.
• After 30 minutes, stir in the baby spinach and cook for another 10 minutes.
• Lastly, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Notes

This dish can be made ahead of time. Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keyword Chicken Tortellini, Comfort Food, CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, Hearty Dinner, Slow Cooker Recipe