Easy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini: An Irresistible & Effortless Chicken Tortellini Dinner 🍲🧄✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful, and simple-to-make dinner, look no further than this CrockPot chicken tortellini recipe. This slow cooker chicken tortellini dish combines tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich broth, making it the perfect crockpot pasta recipe for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. With minimal prep time and hands-off cooking, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss. Dive into this effortless chicken tortellini that the whole family will love!
2. Ingredients Needed for This Easy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Dinner
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 package (9 oz) of refrigerated or frozen tortellini (cheese or spinach & cheese)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup asparagus or spinach, chopped (optional for added greens)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnishing (optional)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making This Effortless Chicken Tortellini Dinner
Preparing the Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and dice the chicken. Finely chop the onion and garlic, and prepare any greens you’d like to include.
Cooking the Chicken and Aromatics
Place the diced chicken, diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker. Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth, then cook on low for 4-5 hours until chicken is tender and flavors meld.
Adding the Tortellini and Greens
About 30 minutes before serving, open the slow cooker and stir in the tortellini and chopped greens (if using). Pour the remaining 1 cup of chicken broth if needed to ensure the pasta is submerged. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
Finishing Touches
Once cooked, stir in shredded cheese and adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Easy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain the creamy texture. Avoid freezing if possible, as pasta and cheese tend to become mushy upon thawing.
5. Serving Suggestions for This Crockpot Pasta Recipe
- Pair this chicken tortellini with a light side salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with crusty garlic bread or breadsticks for a satisfying dinner.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Accompany with a glass of chilled white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Can I use fresh or frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes, both fresh and frozen tortellini work perfectly. Adjust cooking time slightly if using refrigerated tortellini, as they might cook faster.
Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?
Absolutely! Try using cooked sausage, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just adapt the cooking method accordingly.
How long does it take to prepare this crockpot meal?
Preparation time is approximately 10-15 minutes, with a total cooking time of about 4-5 hours in the slow cooker.
Is this recipe suitable for keto or low-carb diets?
This dish contains pasta, so it’s not low-carb. To make it keto-friendly, consider substituting with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower tortellini.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – This spacious slow cooker makes it easy to prep and cook the entire meal effortlessly, freeing up your stove for other tasks.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Quickly chop vegetables or greens for added flavor and nutrition.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set – A great set for easy cooking and cleanup of side dishes or supporting ingredients.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Perfect for chilling drinks to pair with your delicious crockpot dinner.
8. Tips to Make This Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Dinner Extra Delicious
- Use high-quality cheese tortellini for the best flavor and texture.
- Add a splash of cream or milk at the end for extra creaminess.
- Experiment with different greens like kale or arugula for variety.
- Make ahead and refrigerate unset for even more convenience.
9. Conclusion
With this CrockPot chicken tortellini recipe, you can enjoy a savory, cheesy, and comforting dinner with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or when entertaining guests. The simplicity of the slow cooker means you can focus on other tasks while this delightful meal cooks itself. Give it a try and indulge in this effortless chicken tortellini dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household!
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Easy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Dinner
This crockpot chicken tortellini recipe is a simple, flavorful meal that combines tender tortellini, shredded chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce, all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker.
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) frozen tortellini
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place cooked shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Add frozen tortellini to the mixture and gently stir ensuring tortellini are submerged.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or until tortellini are tender.
- Stir in grated Parmesan and chopped spinach. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- This recipe can be made with fresh tortellini if preferred; reduce cook time accordingly.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes during cooking.
- Reheat leftovers gently to avoid overcooking tortellini.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Easy, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg