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Chicken tortellini crockpot meal in slow cooker with tender chicken and pasta

Chicken Tortellini Crockpot Meal: Ultimate Set-and-Forget Recipe

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The ultimate set-and-forget family dinner! This chicken tortellini crockpot meal features tender, shredded chicken and pillowy cheese tortellini swimming in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. Just add ingredients to your slow cooker and come home to amazing aromas and satisfied family members. This comfort food classic adapts easily to different flavor preferences and dietary needs

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 pound fresh cheese tortellini (not dried)
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or alfredo sauce
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach (optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  • Spray slow cooker with cooking spray. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  • Place seasoned chicken in bottom of crockpot in single layer.
  • Pour marinara sauce and chicken broth over chicken. Add minced garlic and remaining seasonings.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until chicken shreds easily with fork.
  • Remove chicken from crockpot and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to slow cooker.
  • Add fresh tortellini, heavy cream, and mozzarella cheese to crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for additional 15-30 minutes until tortellini is tender.
  • If using spinach, stir in during last 5 minutes of cooking until wilted.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • Use fresh or frozen tortellini, never dried – it will become mushy
  • Don’t add tortellini until final cooking phase to prevent overcooking
  • Sauce may look thin but tortellini will absorb liquid as it sits
  • Can substitute chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture
  • Add vegetables like peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms with tortellini
  • Leftovers keep 3-4 days refrigerated – add splash of broth when reheating
  • Author: David Cooper
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of recipe)
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 890 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg