Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Chicken Tortellini recipe is a comforting and easy meal that comes together with minimal effort. Creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken and spinach, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat)
- 12 oz frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen)
- 2 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic.
- Step 2: Add the diced chicken, minced garlic, chicken broth, cream cheese, and dried herbs into the crockpot. Mix well to combine.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Step 4: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen tortellini and spinach. Cover and continue cooking until the tortellini is tender and the spinach is wilted.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh tortellini if available; reduce cooking time after adding it to avoid overcooking.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or grated Parmesan before serving.
- Swap the spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green option.
- To make it spicier, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian herbs.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream cheese and spinach.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for even cooking in the crockpot. If using frozen, increase the cooking time slightly and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before adding tortellini.
Do I have to add the tortellini and spinach halfway through cooking?
Yes, adding the tortellini and spinach about 30 minutes before serving prevents them from overcooking and becoming mushy. This way, the tortellini remains tender and the spinach retains some texture.
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Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Crockpot Chicken Tortellini recipe combines tender chicken, creamy cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and aromatic Italian herbs in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a hands-off, satisfying meal that requires minimal preparation and offers hearty, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Broth
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), diced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Dairy and Pasta
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese
- 12 oz frozen cheese tortellini
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach)
- 2 tsp dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor infusion.
- Combine in Crockpot: Add the diced chicken, minced garlic, low-sodium chicken broth, full-fat cream cheese, and dried Italian herbs into the crockpot. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly for uniform flavor during slow cooking.
- Cook Chicken Mixture: Cover the crockpot and cook on low setting for 6 hours or alternatively on high setting for 3 hours, allowing the chicken to soften and flavors to blend together.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: Approximately 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen cheese tortellini and fresh or frozen spinach. This timing ensures the tortellini cooks through without becoming mushy and the spinach wilts perfectly.
- Season and Serve: Before serving, taste the stew and adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper as desired to balance the flavors.
Notes
- Using low-sodium broth allows better control over the salt content in the final dish.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
- If fresh spinach is unavailable, frozen spinach works well but be sure to drain excess liquid if necessary.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your crockpot model, so check tenderness before adding tortellini.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: crockpot chicken, chicken tortellini, slow cooker dinner, creamy chicken pasta, easy crockpot recipe, comfort food, Italian herbs, cheese tortellini
