Creamy CrockPot Tortellini
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls in love with cozy crockpot chicken recipes for dinner, this CrockPot chicken tortellini is exactly that kind of magic. Growing up in Orlando, I watched my mama make comforting meals with simple ingredients, and today I carry on that tradition in my own kitchen. This slow cooker chicken dinner is creamy, cheesy, and hearty, making it a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, this easy crockpot meal delivers all the comfort of a restaurant pasta dish without the fuss.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 4 hours 40 minutes | 4 hours 45 minutes | 6 | Easy | American | Fall & Winter |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and comforting: This crockpot chicken dinner wraps tender chicken and cheesy tortellini in a rich, creamy sauce that feels like a warm hug.
- Effortless cooking: Just a few minutes of prep and the slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters love this dish, thanks to the cheesy tortellini and mild seasoning.
- Versatile serving size: You can make this as a cozy dinner for two or scale it up for a larger family gathering.
- Nutritious and filling: With lean chicken, spinach, and pasta, it’s a complete meal that balances protein, carbs, and veggies.
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This CrockPot chicken tortellini is creamy, cheesy, and packed with comfort. An easy slow cooker dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Tender shredded chicken, rich marinara, and cheesy tortellini make it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Olive oil spray
- 1 ½ lb 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
Instructions
1. Spray your slow cooker with olive oil spray or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom.
3. Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, chili flakes, and chicken broth. Make sure chicken is submerged in liquid.
4. Cook on LOW for 4 hours until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
5. Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to slow cooker.
6. Add tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream. Stir well to coat pasta.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 30 minutes until tortellini is tender.
8. Stir in baby spinach and cook for another 10 minutes until wilted.
9. Add Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Don’t overcook the tortellini to avoid mushiness.
Stir occasionally after adding pasta for even coating.
Add extra broth if the sauce thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 539
- Sugar: 6 g
- Fat: 23 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 44 g
Ingredients
- Olive oil spray
- 1 ½ lb 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
Ingredient Tips
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Chicken breast | Boneless, skinless breasts work best, but thighs can be used for extra juiciness. |
| Marinara sauce | Choose a high-quality sauce with no added sugar for the best flavor. |
| Cheese tortellini | Fresh refrigerated tortellini cook faster and give a better texture than frozen. |
| Mozzarella cheese | Shred it yourself for maximum meltiness, since pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents. |
| Baby spinach | Stir it in at the end so it stays bright green and fresh. |
| Heavy cream | Adds richness, but half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter option. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Spray your slow cooker with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour in marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, chili flakes, and chicken broth. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged.
- Cook on LOW for 4 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add cheese tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream. Stir until everything is well combined and the pasta is covered in liquid.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 30 minutes until the tortellini are tender.
- Stir in the spinach and cook for 10 more minutes.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh tortellini for the best texture since frozen may need extra cooking time.
- Always check chicken with a thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked before shredding.
- Add the spinach at the very end so it doesn’t overcook.
- Stir gently when adding pasta to avoid breaking the tortellini.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Layer smartly: Keeping chicken on the bottom helps it cook evenly in the broth.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Tortellini cook quickly, so keep an eye on timing for the perfect bite.
- Balance the creaminess: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
- Season at the end: Parmesan adds saltiness, so adjust seasoning only after it’s added.
Recipe Variations
- Chicken Alfredo Tortellini: Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce for a white-sauce version.
- Veggie-loaded: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost nutrition.
- Spicy kick: Increase chili flakes or add diced jalapeños for heat.
- Pesto twist: Stir in 2 tablespoons of pesto for a fresh, herby flavor.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
This recipe can be made ahead by cooking the chicken and sauce, then storing in the fridge for up to 2 days before adding tortellini. For freezing, store the shredded chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 months, but add fresh tortellini and cream only when reheating to maintain texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crockpot chicken tortellini in wide pasta bowls with extra Parmesan sprinkled on top. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a side of garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce. It’s a dish that looks beautiful and tastes even better.
Pairing Ideas
Pair this meal with a crisp Caesar salad or roasted vegetables for balance. A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy pasta perfectly. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with sparkling water with lemon.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. In the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to avoid drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, but increase the cook time by 10–15 minutes and make sure they are fully tender.
Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW? Yes, cook the chicken on HIGH for 2 hours, then follow the same steps for pasta and cream.
Can I substitute chicken thighs? Absolutely, thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful in the slow cooker.
Can I make this dairy-free? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
What if my sauce is too thin? Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water) to thicken it.
Is this recipe good for meal prep? Yes, it reheats beautifully and makes 6 generous servings.
Can I double the recipe? Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough and add a little extra broth.
Nutrition Information
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
| 1 serving (1/6 recipe) | 539 kcal | 44g | 40g | 23g | 5g | 6g |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This CrockPot chicken tortellini is creamy, cheesy, and comforting, making it the perfect easy dinner slow cooker recipe for busy nights. Give it a try and bring a little cozy joy to your table tonight.
