CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a wonderful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. It combines tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and delicious tortellini all cooked in one pot. This recipe allows you to enjoy a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and an easy cooking process, it’s perfect for busy families or anyone who loves a good home-cooked meal. The creamy sauce, paired with the pasta and chicken, offers a delightful taste that makes this dish a popular choice.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

You will love this recipe for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple to make. Just throw everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you. Second, it’s packed with flavor. The marinara sauce, along with the spices and creamy additions, makes every bite delightful. Third, it’s a complete meal that comes together easily. You get your protein, carbs, and greens all in one pot. Finally, this recipe is versatile and can be adjusted to suit your tastes. You can change the vegetables, noodle types, or even add more spices according to what you like!

HOW TO MAKE CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Making CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a simple process. You just need to follow a few steps, gather your ingredients, and let the slow cooker do the magic. This is a no-fuss recipe that results in a delicious and satisfying dish for everyone.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini, you will need the following equipment:

• Slow Cooker
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Forks for shredding the chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Spray the slow cooker with olive oil. This will help prevent sticking and make cleaning easier later.
2. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer. Make sure they fit comfortably in the bottom of the cooker.
3. Pour marinara sauce and spices over the chicken. This blends the flavors nicely as the chicken cooks.
4. Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.
5. Shred cooked chicken with forks. Carefully pull apart the chicken. It will be easy to shred when it’s fully cooked.
6. Return shredded chicken to the cooker and mix with sauce. This makes sure every piece of chicken is coated in the delicious sauce.
7. Add tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring well. This will create a creamy, cheesy mixture.
8. Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes. This allows the tortellini to cook through and absorb flavor.
9. Stir in spinach and cook for 10 more minutes. The spinach will wilt and add a healthy touch to the dish.
10. Add Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle the cheese in and taste your dish to see if it needs salt or more spices.

 

 

HOW TO SERVE CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

Serving CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is easy. You can scoop it right out of the slow cooker, making it a great dish for casual gatherings or family dinners. Consider topping the meal with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper for added flavor. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad to round out the meal.

STORAGE & FREEZING: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for about 3 to 5 days. When you want to reheat it, just warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also freeze the leftovers. Be sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini can be served in various ways. You can pair it with:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks for dipping.
• A crisp garden salad with Italian dressing.
• Steamed vegetables on the side for extra fiber.
• A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added freshness.

VARIATIONS

This recipe is very flexible! Here are some variations you can try:

• Using different proteins: Swap chicken for turkey, sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Change up the cheese: Use different types of cheese, like cheddar, for a different flavor.
• Add more vegetables: Try adding chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for added nutrients.
• Switch the sauce: Use Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a creamy variation.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time.

2. Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook it on high for about 2 hours instead of 4 hours on low.

3. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese and cream substitutes to make it dairy-free.

4. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR CrockPot Chicken Tortellini

To make this recipe even easier, consider these make-ahead tips:

• Prep your ingredients ahead of time: Chop the spinach and measure out the spices the night before. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
• Combine the chicken and marinara sauce: You can place the chicken and sauce in a zip-top bag and keep it frozen. The day you want to cook it, just thaw and place it in the slow cooker.
• Cook the tortellini separately: If you want to save time, you can cook the tortellini according to package instructions and add it to the slow cooker just before serving.

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a delicious, easy meal that everyone will love. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a cozy weekend dinner, this dish fits perfectly into your schedule while serving up hearty, comforting flavors. Enjoy every bite!

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