If you’re looking for a comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, look no further than CrockPot Chicken Tortellini.

This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach in a delicious marinara sauce, all cooked to perfection in a slow cooker.

Why Make This Recipe

This dish is a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying. It requires minimal prep time, lets the slow cooker do the work, and results in a meal that’s sure to please the whole family.

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:

1. Spray the slow cooker with olive oil.
2. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer.
3. Pour marinara sauce and spices over the chicken.
4. Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours.
5. Shred cooked chicken with forks.
6. Return shredded chicken to the cooker and mix with sauce.
7. Add tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring well.
8. Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
9. Stir in spinach and cook for 10 more minutes.
10. Add Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning.

Prep Time And Nutrition Facts

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 4 hours to cook, making a total of approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes. It serves 4 people, and each serving has about 500 calories, 35 grams of protein, and 20 grams of fat.

How To Serve CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Serve this delicious dish warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley if desired. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that’s sure to impress.

How To Store CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Tips To Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

• Feel free to customize the spices based on your family’s taste preferences.
• For an extra kick, add more red chili flakes or your favorite hot sauce.
• If you’d like a lighter version, you can use whole wheat tortellini and reduce the amount of heavy cream.
• Add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition.

Health And Benefits Of This Recipe

This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is not only delicious, but it’s also nutritious! The chicken provides a great source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. The addition of baby spinach adds vitamins A and C, as well as iron. With the cheese and heavy cream, you get a satisfying meal that’s balanced with healthy fats and carbohydrates. Additionally, using low-sodium marinara sauce can help keep the dish lower in sodium.

Variation (If Any)

You can switch out the chicken for turkey or even use plant-based alternatives if you’re seeking a vegetarian option. Consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substituting the tortellini with other pasta types or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure that it cooks for a longer period of time, possibly 6-8 hours on LOW.

   
   

2. Can I make this recipe in advance?
   Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

   
   

3. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, simply use gluten-free tortellini or pasta as a substitute.

   
   

4. How can I make this dish spicier?
   Add more red chili flakes or incorporate some diced jalapeños or hot sauce into the sauce.

   
   

5. What should I serve with this dish?
   Pair it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

   
   

6. Can I use different types of cheese?
   Yes! You can substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina cheese for a different flavor profile.

   
   

7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
   The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and should shred easily when fully cooked.

   
   

Enjoy your comforting and hearty CrockPot Chicken Tortellini!