This Easy Crockpot Chicken Tortellini is a warm hug in a bowl! Tender chicken and cheesy tortellini swim in a tasty sauce, making it super comforting and simple to prepare.
You just toss everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic. I love serving it with crusty bread for dipping—it’s the perfect cozy meal for busy days! 🍞❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish because they cook evenly and shred easily. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken can be a quick substitute!
Marinara Sauce: You can use any jarred pasta sauce you love. I often go for tomato basil sauce for that extra flavor, but homemade sauce works too if you have some on hand.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or low-fat milk, but be aware it won’t be as rich.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is my favorite, but you could also use spinach or meat-filled varieties. Frozen tortellini works just as well if you can’t find fresh!
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds color and nutrition. If you don’t have it, kale or frozen spinach can be good options—just make sure to adjust the cooking time.
How Can I Get Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding the chicken properly makes a difference in the dish’s texture. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. Start by holding one fork steady while using the other to shred.
- Shred the chicken to whatever size you prefer—smaller pieces mix better into the sauce.
Timing is key! Shred when the chicken is still warm so it breaks apart easily. This will help to bring all those delicious flavors together in your dish.
Easy Crockpot Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (about 2 medium) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups marinara or tomato basil pasta sauce
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 4-5 hours of cooking on low (or 2-3 hours on high). After that, you’ll have a delicious and comforting meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Place the Chicken in the Crockpot:
Start by putting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. It’s the foundation of this yummy dish!
2. Add the Sauces:
Pour the marinara sauce and chicken broth over the chicken. This will create a flavorful base for your meal.
3. Season It Up:
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if you want a little kick), and add salt and pepper to taste. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You want the chicken to be cooked through and super tender.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is ready, take it out of the crockpot and shred it with two forks. It should fall apart easily!
6. Add the Cream:
Stir the heavy cream into the sauce left in the crockpot, and then return the shredded chicken back into the mix.
7. Toss in the Tortellini and Spinach:
Now add the refrigerated tortellini and fresh spinach to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine everything well.
8. Cook the Tortellini:
Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender.
9. Final Touches:
Once the tortellini are cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
10. Serve it Up:
Garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves if you’d like. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cheesy comfort food delight!
Dig in and relish every bite of your Easy Crockpot Chicken Tortellini!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Chicken Tortellini
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to extend the cooking time by an hour or so. Follow the same steps, but check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before shredding.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with 1 can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or 2 cups of cooked, diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and keep the rest of the ingredients the same for a delicious vegetarian option.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth if the mixture seems too thick.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots. Just chop them roughly and add them in with the tortellini and spinach in step 7 for extra flavor and nutrition!
