I’ll never forget the Tuesday my toddler declared war on forks, and I needed a dinner solution that required minimal coordination. That’s the night I accidentally stumbled upon a version of what is now my go-to CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe. Trust me, if I can conquer dinner chaos with a toddler armed with mashed potatoes, you can absolutely master this dish, and you’ll end up with a warm, comforting meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Fall Head-Over-Heels for CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Okay, friend, let’s be real. Life gets busy. Sometimes, the idea of spending hours slaving away in the kitchen just isn’t appealing. That’s where the magic of the slow cooker comes in! This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe is a weeknight wonder, a comforting hug in a bowl, and a total crowd-pleaser, all rolled into one.
Here’s why I think you’re going to adore it:
- Effortless Prep: Seriously, it takes about 15 minutes to throw everything into the CrockPot. That’s less time than it takes to order takeout!
- Flavor Explosion: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish is incredibly satisfying.
- Customizable: Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Prefer a different type of cheese? No problem! This recipe is super adaptable to your tastes.
- Kid-Friendly: My kids devour this. Need I say more?
- Freezer-Friendly (Leftovers, if you have any!): This freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the list! Most of these are pantry staples.
- Chicken Breasts: I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can also use chicken thighs, but they’ll result in a richer flavor. About 1.5-2 pounds.
- Cheese Tortellini: Fresh or dried tortellini will work. I prefer the refrigerated kind for a slightly softer texture, but honestly, both are great. A 20-ounce package is perfect.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese adds richness and creaminess. Let it soften at room temperature for easier mixing. 8 ounces.
- Crushed Tomatoes: A 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes forms the base of the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth helps thin out the sauce and adds flavor. 1 cup.
- Heavy Cream: For extra indulgence! 1/2 cup. You can substitute half-and-half or milk, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor. 1 tablespoon.
- Garlic Powder: Because everything is better with garlic! 1 teaspoon.
- Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor. 1 teaspoon.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!
- Optional Add-Ins: Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, cooked Italian sausage, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, red pepper flakes (for a little kick!).
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!
Alright, let’s walk through this together. Don’t worry, it’s incredibly simple.
- Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your CrockPot.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth over the chicken.
- Season Generously: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken and sauce.
- Slow Cook: Cover the CrockPot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the CrockPot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the CrockPot.
- Stir in the Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the CrockPot and stir until it’s completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. This is where the magic happens!
- Add the Tortellini: Stir in the tortellini and any optional add-ins you’re using.
- Finish with Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Cook Until Tortellini is Tender: Cover the CrockPot and cook on high for 15-30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and heated through. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, as it can become mushy.
- Serve and Enjoy! Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, shredded mozzarella, or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips and Tricks for CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Perfection
Even though this recipe is super easy, here are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. If you’re cooking on high, check the chicken after 3 hours.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: This will make it much easier to incorporate into the sauce. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: As mentioned before, overcooked tortellini can become mushy. Keep a close eye on it during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or heavy cream. If it’s too thin, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water.
- Add Veggies for Extra Nutrients: Spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers are all great additions. Add them along with the tortellini.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Use Cooked Chicken: Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts. Just shred it and add it to the CrockPot with the cream cheese and tortellini.
- Cheese, Please!: Stir in a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese or Parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking for an extra cheesy dish.
Variations to Spice Things Up
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic recipe. Now, let’s get creative! Here are a few variations to try:
- Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini: Add 1/4 cup of pesto to the CrockPot along with the cream cheese for a burst of fresh, herby flavor.
- Spicy Sausage and Chicken Tortellini: Brown some Italian sausage before adding it to the CrockPot along with the chicken. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Tortellini: Add a handful of fresh basil leaves to the CrockPot along with the cream cheese.
- Mushroom and Spinach Chicken Tortellini: Sauté some mushrooms and spinach before adding them to the CrockPot along with the tortellini.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Tortellini: Add 1/2 cup of sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) to the CrockPot along with the tortellini.
- Alfredo Chicken Tortellini: Replace the crushed tomatoes with a jar of Alfredo sauce for an even creamier and richer dish.
Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal
This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it a complete meal:
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread with pasta?
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are all great options.
- Steamed Green Beans: A simple and healthy side dish.
- Crusty Bread: For soaking up all that delicious sauce!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is a big “if”!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Storing: Let the CrockPot Chicken Tortellini cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I know you probably have some questions, so here are a few frequently asked questions about CrockPot Chicken Tortellini:
- Can I use frozen chicken?
- While it’s generally recommended to use thawed chicken for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken breasts in a pinch. Just add about 1-2 hours to the cooking time. Make sure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
- Can I use a different type of tortellini?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of tortellini you like, such as spinach and cheese, meat-filled, or even mushroom tortellini. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of tortellini you use.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, you can! Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative for topping.
- My sauce is too thick/thin. How do I fix it?
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water and cook for a few more minutes until it thickens up.
- Can I add other vegetables?
- Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini. Just add them along with the tortellini so they have enough time to cook through.
Other Delicious Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you loved this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe, here are a few other recipes you might enjoy:
- Craving some spicy chicken? Try this Bang Bang Chicken recipe.
- Looking for a quick and easy pasta dish? Garlic Parmesan Spaghetti is always a winner.
- Want a comforting casserole that’s also low-carb? Give this Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole a try.
- For a truly unforgettable pasta experience, check out this Marry Me Chicken Pasta.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the CrockPot Magic!
There you have it! A super easy, incredibly delicious CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. So, dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Happy cooking, friend!
Can I use frozen chicken in this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but add about 1-2 hours to the cooking time. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
What kind of tortellini can I use for this recipe?
You can use any type of tortellini you like, such as spinach and cheese, meat-filled, or mushroom tortellini. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type.
How do I fix the sauce if it’s too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth or heavy cream. If it’s too thin, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water and cook until it thickens.
Can I make this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese alternative for topping.
Crockpot Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your CrockPot.
- Pour the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken and sauce.
- Cover the CrockPot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the CrockPot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the CrockPot.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the CrockPot and stir until it’s completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Stir in the tortellini and any optional add-ins you’re using.
- Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Cover the CrockPot and cook on high for 15-30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and heated through. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, as it can become mushy.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil, shredded mozzarella, or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
