CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a delightful and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This meal combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich marinara sauce, creating a wonderful balance of flavors. The vibrant colors of the spinach and cheese add visual appeal that will make your dining table inviting and attractive, whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
As you dive into this recipe, you’ll experience the warm aromas wafting through your kitchen, enticing everyone around. The creamy texture and rich taste are truly inviting. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to create this delicious meal, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions. So, let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses wholesome, fresh components like chicken, spinach, and marinara sauce for great flavor.
- Ease of Preparation: Simply toss everything into your CrockPot, making it perfect for busy days.
- Nutrition: Packed with protein and veggies, this dish is both filling and nourishing.
- Versatility: Easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or seasonings.
- Presentation: The colorful blend of ingredients looks beautiful on your plate.
You’ll love how this recipe meets all your needs!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 6 hours
Note that times may vary.
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
- Spray the inside of your CrockPot with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the CrockPot.
- In a bowl, mix together the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Add the chicken broth to the pot.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, shred the chicken right inside the pot.
- Stir in the cheese tortellini, mozzarella cheese, heavy cream, and baby spinach.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the tortellini is cooked through.
- Before serving, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve in bowls with extra cheese sprinkled on top for a beautiful finish.
- Accompaniments: Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Portions: This recipe serves 4-6 people, making it great for family dinners or meal prep.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.
This dish is sure to impress!
Additional Tips
- Flavor Enhancement: Add crushed garlic and fresh herbs like basil for extra flavor.
- Customization: Try adding sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to amp up the vegetables.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Italian Sausage Version: Swap chicken for Italian sausage for a spicier kick.
- Vegetarian Delight: Use vegetable broth, mix in fresh vegetables, and replace chicken with chickpeas.
- Spicy Twist: Add more red chili flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra spicy version.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For freezing, let it cool and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Special Equipment
- CrockPot
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Serving spoon
FAQ’s
- Can I use frozen ingredients? Yes, you can use frozen chicken and tortellini; just adjust cooking times slightly.
- Is this dish healthy? It contains lean protein, vegetables, and can be made lighter with cream alternatives.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare and store in the fridge for an easy weeknight meal.
- Can I customize the recipe? Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or change the seasonings to suit your taste.
- Are these cooking methods flexible? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop or oven if needed; just watch the cooking times closely.
Conclusion
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a fantastic choice for a quick, hearty, and nutritious meal. Its blend of flavors and textures will surely become a family favorite, great for cozy dinners or meal prepping. This dish is both satisfying and comforting, so gather your ingredients and start cooking! Enjoy the warm, inviting experience this meal brings.
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
A delightful and hearty dish combining tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich marinara sauce, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs 1 ½ lbs chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts)
- 2 cups 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon onion granules
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
- 0.5 teaspoon ½ teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1.5 cups 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 lb 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 1 cup 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups 2 cups baby spinach
- 0.33 cup ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
Preparation
- Spray the inside of your CrockPot with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the CrockPot.
- In a bowl, mix together the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
- Add the chicken broth to the pot.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, shred the chicken right inside the pot.
- Stir in the cheese tortellini, mozzarella cheese, heavy cream, and baby spinach.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the tortellini is cooked through.
- Before serving, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For best presentation, serve in bowls with extra cheese sprinkled on top. Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
