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CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe

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3.8 from 11 reviews

This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make slow cooker meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful marinara sauce with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of spice. Combined with cheese tortellini, creamy mozzarella, heavy cream, and fresh spinach, it results in a rich, cheesy dish perfect for a family dinner with minimal hands-on time.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Sauce

  • Olive oil spray
  • 1 1/2 lb chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion granules
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth

Pasta and Cheese

  • 1 lb cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Greens and Toppings

  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray your slow cooker with olive oil or a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Add Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom of the slow cooker for even cooking.
  3. Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, red chili flakes, and chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
  4. Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (check with a meat thermometer).
  5. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
  6. Combine with Pasta and Dairy: Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker, add cheese tortellini, shredded mozzarella, and heavy cream. Stir to fully combine and cover the tortellini with liquid.
  7. Cook Tortellini: Cover and cook on LOW for 30 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
  8. Add Spinach: Stir in baby spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes until wilted.
  9. Finish and Serve: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, adjust seasoning as needed, and serve immediately for a creamy, hearty meal.

Notes

  • Use fresh baby spinach for best texture and flavor.
  • Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for food safety.
  • If using frozen tortellini, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
  • For a spicier dish, increase red chili flakes according to taste.
  • This dish can be doubled in a larger slow cooker for more servings.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American