CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Delight
A Comforting Meal: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Are you searching for a meal that’s both heartwarming and convenient? My experience with CrockPot Chicken Tortellini has led me to create this dish countless times. This recipe combines tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach, all simmered to perfection in a savory marinara sauce. It’s the kind of food that feels like a warm hug after a long day and is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
What makes this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini stand out? For starters, it’s a one-pot meal that saves time and effort. Throw everything in the slow cooker, set it, and let it do the cooking! The rich blend of spices combined with creamy tortellini definitely earns kid-approved status, too. You can whip this up for a quick weeknight dinner or impress guests at a holiday brunch—it works for almost any occasion!
“This dish is now a staple in my home! Simple to prepare and absolutely delicious! My kids devoured every bite.” – A happy home cook
Preparing CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
When you’re ready to make this delightful dish, you’ll find that the steps are straightforward. Here’s a quick overview of how the cooking process comes together:
- Spray your slow cooker with olive oil.
- Layer the chicken and pour marinara sauce and spices on top.
- Let it cook and then shred the chicken.
- Add in tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream before it finishes cooking.
- Finally, stir in fresh spinach and top with Parmesan.
Now, let’s dive into the specifics of what you need for the recipe!
What You’ll Need
To create this delicious meal, gather the following ingredients:
- 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
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or use a plant-based tortellini if you’re looking for a vegetarian option!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple directions for a scrumptious meal:
- Spray the slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with forks and return it to the cooker, mixing it back with the sauce.
- Stir in the tortellini, shredded mozzarella, and heavy cream until well combined.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
- Gently fold in the baby spinach, cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
- Finally, add grated Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
How can you serve this delicious meal? For a satisfying dinner, serve the CrockPot Chicken Tortellini in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added color. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. It’s also fantastic as leftovers the next day—if there are any!
How to Store & Freeze
If you find yourself with leftovers (which might be hard), here’s how to keep them fresh. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. In the refrigerator, it can stay good for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the tortellini dish for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To enhance your cooking experience, consider these pro tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh baby spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. Refrigerated tortellini will also yield a better texture.
- Don’t rush the cooking: Allowing the chicken to cook slowly ensures it becomes tender and flavorful.
- Adjust spice levels to taste: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the red chili flakes or omit them altogether.
Creative Twists
Want to put your stamp on this recipe? Here are some ideas for creative variations:
- Add vegetables: Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more texture.
- Swap out proteins: Chicken thighs can make for a juicier meal, or go for shrimp towards the end of cooking for a seafood twist.
- Try different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like gouda or feta for a different flavor profile.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Prep time is minimal—about 15 minutes! The slow cooker handles the rest.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! If using frozen chicken breasts, just add an extra hour to the cooking time.
Is it safe to freeze this meal?
Yes, it’s safe to freeze, just make sure to cool it completely before storing.
This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is sure to become a favorite in your household with its easy preparation and delightful flavors. Enjoy your cooking journey!
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
Method
- Spray the slow cooker with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken breasts in a single layer.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over the chicken and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for about 4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken with forks and return it to the cooker, mixing it back with the sauce.
- Stir in the tortellini, shredded mozzarella, and heavy cream until well combined.
- Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
- Gently fold in the baby spinach, cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
- Finally, add grated Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
