Crockpot Chicken Tortellini is the ultimate dish for busy weeknights when you want something delicious but don’t have the time to spend hours in the kitchen. Imagine coming home to a warm, aromatic hug of cheesy tortellini and tender chicken, simmered to perfection in a rich sauce that practically begs to be savored. chicken ramen recipe It’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds, and yes, it’s as good as it sounds.
If you’re anything like me, you’ve had those days when dinner plans fall apart faster than my New Year’s resolutions. But fear not! This Crockpot Chicken Tortellini recipe is here to save the day. creamy ranch chicken It’s simple, comforting, and guaranteed to impress even your pickiest eaters. chicken and rice soup Plus, it fills your home with an aroma so inviting that neighbors might start showing up for dinner uninvited!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Crockpot Chicken Tortellini recipe is quick and hassle-free, perfect for busy families or meal prep enthusiasts. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a mouthwatering dish that feels indulgent yet healthy. Visually stunning with vibrant colors, it also doubles as a showstopper for gatherings or potlucks. Enjoy it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience. [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made this dish; my kids practically danced around the kitchen waiting for it to finish cooking. Their squeals of delight when they took their first bite? Priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work best, ensuring they’re evenly cooked and tender.
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Fresh Tortellini: Use cheese-filled tortellini for that extra flavor punch; frozen works great too!
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Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control seasoning while adding depth.
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Cream Cheese: This adds a creamy richness; feel free to use reduced-fat options if desired.
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Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts beautifully into the dish for added nutrition and color.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses aromatic goodness throughout the entire meal.
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Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings everything together beautifully.
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Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese on top before serving for an extra touch of decadence.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop your chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic. This keeps things moving smoothly without scrambling at the last minute.
Add Ingredients to Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Add garlic and Italian seasoning over them. Pour in the chicken broth so everything is well combined.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Cut your cream cheese into cubes and add them on top of the chicken mixture. This will melt beautifully during cooking, creating a creamy sauce.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover your crockpot and cook on low heat for about 6 hours or high heat for 3 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when everything smells heavenly!
Add Tortellini and Spinach: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in your tortellini and fresh spinach. Cover again until tortellini is tender and spinach has wilted.
Serve with Parmesan!: Once done cooking, serve hot garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Pair with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Making this Crockpot Chicken Tortellini isn’t just about feeding your family; it’s about crafting memories around the dinner table filled with laughter and joy! Enjoy every cheesy bite! chicken and dumplings.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Crockpot Chicken Tortellini is a delightful dish that’s not just easy but incredibly satisfying. The aromatic blend of spices and creamy texture brings comfort to any dinner table. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, where deliciousness meets convenience. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by seasoning your chicken before placing it in the crockpot. Next, add broth and other ingredients, ensuring everything cooks evenly for maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out tortellini flavors or add vegetables like spinach and mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor diversity.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to preserve texture and flavor.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use fresh ingredients whenever possible for enhanced flavor. Avoid overcooking by checking chicken doneness with a meat thermometer at 165°F. Pair with a side salad for a complete meal. [/info_box]
Cooking this dish always reminds me of family dinners where laughter and stories flowed as freely as the sauce. One time, my cousin mistook cayenne pepper for paprika—let’s just say it turned into a fiery evening!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just increase the cooking time by an hour.
What type of tortellini works best?
Any cheese or meat tortellini will work great; choose your favorite!
Is there a vegetarian version of Crockpot Chicken Tortellini?
For more inspiration, check out this Crockpot Chicken Pierogi Stew recipe.
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead.
Crockpot Chicken Tortellini
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Crockpot Chicken Tortellini is a comforting one-pot meal that combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and vibrant spinach in a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish simmers to perfection in your slow cooker, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. Simply throw in the ingredients and let the crockpot do the work for you. Enjoy it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that will impress even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups cheese-filled tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing garlic.
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot and sprinkle minced garlic and Italian seasoning on top.
- Pour in the chicken broth to combine everything.
- Cut cream cheese into cubes and distribute over the chicken mixture.
- Cover and cook on low for about 6 hours or high for 3 hours until fully cooked.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in tortellini and spinach, cover, and cook until tortellini is tender.
- Serve hot topped with freshly grated Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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