Why Make This Recipe
Crockpot Chicken Tortellini is a fantastic choice for busy days when you want a warm, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is straightforward and allows the slow cooker to do the work for you. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy tortellini, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s packed with spinach, making it a balanced meal.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat)
- 12 oz frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen)
- 2 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
3-Step Directions:
- Assemble Ingredients: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic. Add the chicken, garlic, chicken broth, cream cheese, and dried herbs to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Finish & Serve: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen tortellini and spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Tortellini
Serve the Crockpot Chicken Tortellini warm in bowls. You can sprinkle some extra cheese on top or add freshly cracked pepper for extra flavor. It goes well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Tortellini
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. It can last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Crockpot Chicken Tortellini
- For a little extra flavor, consider adding some chopped onions or bell peppers.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) about 30 minutes before it’s done cooking.
- Make sure to stir gently when adding the tortellini so they don’t break apart.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by using different types of tortellini or adding in other vegetables like carrots or zucchini. For a spicier dish, try adding some red pepper flakes!
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, if you use fresh tortellini, reduce the cooking time a bit to avoid overcooking.
2. Can I substitute the cream cheese?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a lower-fat cream cheese if you like, but be aware that it may change the creaminess.
3. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any veggies you like. Just make sure they are chopped small enough to cook through in the crockpot.
Crockpot Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
Method
- Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic.
- Add the chicken, garlic, chicken broth, cream cheese, and dried herbs to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen tortellini and spinach.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.
