Description
This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a comforting and creamy Italian-inspired slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich marinara sauce with garlic and Italian seasonings. The dish is enriched with cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, making it a hearty, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. Finished with fresh basil garnish, this meal combines convenience with deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauce
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
Main Additions
- 1 (16 oz) package cheese tortellini
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the CrockPot to create the base of the dish.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken to infuse the meat with savory flavor.
- Add Flavorings: Add the minced garlic, marinara sauce, and chicken broth over the chicken, combining all ingredients for a rich sauce.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the CrockPot and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the CrockPot, shred them thoroughly using two forks, and then return the shredded chicken to the CrockPot.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: Place the cheese tortellini and chopped fresh spinach on top of the shredded chicken in the CrockPot.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese to add creaminess and depth to the sauce.
- Finish Cooking: Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, until the tortellini are tender and fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the dish just before serving to add a bright, herbal note.
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding and cooking.
- If you prefer, fresh or frozen tortellini may be used, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk but expect a slightly less creamy sauce.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with baby kale or Swiss chard if desired.
- Garnishing with fresh basil adds a fresh aroma and flavor, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Ensure the CrockPot lid fits tightly to maintain heat during cooking for best results.
- Cooking on low heat is essential for tender chicken; do not rush this step.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
