There’s something magical about walking into a home filled with the savory aroma of slow-cooked goodness. Picture this: tender chicken dancing in a creamy sauce, mingling with soft tortellini, while delightful spices float through the air. That’s exactly what you get with CrockPot Chicken Tortellini—a dish that’s as comforting as your favorite blanket on a chilly evening. For more inspiration, check out this dinner ideas recipe.
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. The kids were skeptical at first, but as soon as they took a bite, their eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning! This recipe is perfect for those bustling weeknights or lazy Sundays when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delicious CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe simplifies dinner prep and delights your taste buds simultaneously
- You can easily customize it with seasonal veggies or your favorite spices
- The vibrant colors and creamy texture make it irresistibly appealing on any dinner table
- Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends and family
The reactions from my family were priceless; they devoured every last bite and asked for seconds!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor. Nothing beats that aromatic punch!
Cream Cheese: A block of cream cheese adds that luscious creaminess that makes this dish feel indulgent.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness while still achieving a rich flavor.
Tortellini: Fresh or frozen tortellini works perfectly; just toss them in towards the end of cooking.
Spinach or Kale: Toss in some greens for an extra health boost; they wilt beautifully into the creamy sauce.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil and oregano gives depth to this comforting dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Place them in your CrockPot and season generously with salt and pepper for flavor.
Add Aromatics and Creaminess: Mince your garlic and toss it over the chicken along with the cream cheese. The aroma will be heavenly as it begins to melt down.
Pour in the Broth and Seasoning: Carefully add the chicken broth and sprinkle Italian seasoning over everything. Give it a gentle stir to combine all those glorious flavors.
Let It Cook Low and Slow: Cover your CrockPot and set it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better! You’ll know it’s ready when shredding the chicken is effortless.
Tortellini Time!: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in your tortellini (fresh or frozen) along with spinach or kale if you’re feeling adventurous. Let those cook until they’re tender and warm.
Finish It Up!: Once everything is cooked through, shred the chicken right in the pot using two forks. Stir well to combine everything again before serving—don’t forget to top with freshly grated Parmesan!
Now you’ve got yourself a bowl of pure comfort food bliss! Enjoy every creamy bite of this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini masterpiece! For more inspiration, check out this more main dish recipes recipe.
You Must Know
- The beauty of CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is its simplicity; it’s a one-pot wonder that infuses flavors beautifully
- You can toss in leftovers or extra veggies, making it customizable and a perfect weeknight meal
- The aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone asking what’s cooking!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the chicken for extra flavor, then add tortellini and broth. This sequence enhances taste and ensures everything cooks evenly.
Add Your Touch
Consider swapping out chicken for turkey or adding spinach for extra texture and nutrients. This flexibility allows you to experiment and personalize your dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked tortellini, add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to avoid mushiness
- Always taste before serving; adjust seasoning to your liking
- Don’t skip browning the chicken first; it adds incredible depth to your dish
Cooking this dish takes me back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and my mom always made sure there was enough for everyone—seconds included!
FAQ
How long does it take to cook CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?
It usually takes about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well and saves time on prep!
What can I substitute for chicken in this recipe?
You can use turkey, shrimp, or even vegetables for a vegetarian option.
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a delightful one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and soft tortellini, making it the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. With its rich flavors and customizable ingredients, this dish will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, it’s sure to become a staple in your household.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 12 oz tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from chicken breasts and place them in the CrockPot. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add minced garlic and cream cheese over the chicken.
- Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle Italian seasoning. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken shreds easily.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in tortellini and greens until cooked through.
- Shred chicken in the pot using two forks, mix well, and top with grated Parmesan before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider browning the chicken before adding it to the CrockPot. Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or shrimp for different protein options. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently.