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Crockpot Cheese Tortellini with Chicken

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini with Chicken

A creamy and comforting Crockpot Cheese Tortellini with Chicken recipe perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with garlic, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning are combined with cheesy tortellini, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese to create a rich, velvety sauce. This hands-off recipe is easy to prepare, family-friendly, and fully customizable to suit your dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
  • 2 large chicken breasts (thick-cut preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh spinach or fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Base: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add minced garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning evenly over the chicken to create a flavorful base.
  2. Slow Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to become rich and savory.
  3. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot to absorb more flavor.
  4. Add Tortellini and Dairy: Stir in the cheese tortellini, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese, transforming the broth into a creamy sauce that coats the tortellini and chicken.
  5. Cook Tortellini Until Tender: Cook on low for an additional 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the tortellini is tender but not overcooked.
  6. Add Fresh Greens and Serve: If using spinach or fresh basil, stir it in at the end and let it wilt for a few minutes before serving to add freshness and vibrant color.

Notes

  • Use fresh tortellini for a more delicate texture; frozen works well if fresh is unavailable.
  • Do not add tortellini too early to prevent mushiness; add near the end of cooking.
  • Choose thick-cut chicken breasts for juicier and easier shredding results.
  • Stir gently when mixing in tortellini to avoid breaking pasta or shredding chicken too much.
  • Enhance flavor by adding fresh basil or parsley right before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, slow cooker, cheese tortellini, chicken, creamy sauce, easy dinner, family-friendly, comfort food