Can I use frozen chicken breasts for CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe. However, you may need to extend the cooking time by 30-45 minutes to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Be sure to check the internal temperature to reach 165°F for safe consumption.

Can I make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and cook the next day. Just make sure to refrigerate the chicken and sauce mixture separately from the tortellini, and then combine everything when ready to cook.

How do I store leftovers of CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?

Leftovers of this dish will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container, and when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out.

Can I freeze CrockPot Chicken Tortellini?

While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the tortellini may change when thawed and reheated, becoming a bit softer. If freezing, it's best to store the chicken and sauce separately from the tortellini and assemble when ready to serve.

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini – 30-Minute Recipe for Busy Nights

Name: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h 30 min
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless); 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion granules; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional); 1 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 lb cheese tortellini; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 cups fresh baby spinach; ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Description

CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich marinara-based sauce. It’s a super easy, hands-off meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The dish is flavorful, satisfying, and requires minimal effort, making it a family favorite for all ages.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ lb chicken breast (boneless, skinless)
2 cups marinara sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion granules
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 lb cheese tortellini
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh baby spinach
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Spray your slow cooker with olive oil or a non-stick spray. Place the chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom of the slow cooker.
Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, then add garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes (if using).
Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is completely submerged in liquid.
Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Add the tortellini, shredded mozzarella, and heavy cream to the slow cooker, making sure the tortellini is fully covered by the liquid.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.
Stir in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the dish, stir, and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

The sauce may appear thin initially, but the tortellini will absorb it as the dish sits.
For a spicier dish, add more red chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
Frozen tortellini can be used, but you may need to extend the cooking time by 10-15 minutes.
Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the liquid to keep it moist and tender.
If you don’t have fresh tortellini, other pasta like penne or rigatoni can be used as a substitute.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 539 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 1286mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 44g
Cholesterol: 143mg