CROCKPOT CHICKEN TORTELLINI EASY

Craving a dish that’s both comforting and incredibly easy to make? Imagine tender chicken, plump cheese tortellini, and a luscious creamy sauce all melding together in your CrockPot, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma – this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero, I promise!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

• 1 (10.75 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Tortellini:

• 20 oz package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your CrockPot.
2. In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes and green chilies (undrained), chicken broth, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the CrockPot.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

1. Cover the CrockPot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be easily shredded with a fork when done.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

1. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the CrockPot and shred it with two forks.
2. Return the shredded chicken to the CrockPot.

Step 5: Add the Cream Cheese and Tortellini

1. Add the softened cream cheese to the CrockPot and stir until it is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. This will make your sauce extra creamy.
2. Stir in the heavy cream to enrich the sauce even further.
3. Gently fold in the cheese tortellini.

Step 6: Final Touches

1. Cover the CrockPot again and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and heated through. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, as it can become mushy.
2. Serve hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Success

I want to make sure this recipe is foolproof for you, so here are a few of my best tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: This is crucial! Nobody likes mushy tortellini. Add it towards the end of the cooking time and keep a close eye on it.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you’re sensitive to spice, use mild diced tomatoes and green chilies, or omit them altogether. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Make it Cheesy: Feel free to add more cheese! A sprinkle of mozzarella or provolone along with the Parmesan would be delicious.
• Add Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra vegetables? Spinach, chopped bell peppers, or mushrooms would all be great additions. Add them along with the tortellini.
• Thinning the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a splash more chicken broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Use Fresh Tortellini: While dry tortellini will technically work, refrigerated tortellini provides the best texture and flavor.
• Browning the Chicken (Optional): For a richer flavor, you can quickly sear the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the CrockPot. This adds a nice color and depth of flavor.

Variations to Make it Your Own

This recipe is a fantastic base for customization! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Creamy Pesto Chicken Tortellini: Add a few tablespoons of pesto to the sauce for a vibrant, herby flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Tortellini: Add a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a tangy, Mediterranean twist.
• Mushroom and Spinach Chicken Tortellini: Sauté mushrooms and spinach with garlic before adding them to the CrockPot with the tortellini.
• Spicy Italian Sausage Tortellini: Substitute some of the chicken with cooked Italian sausage for a heartier, spicier meal.

Serving Suggestions

This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a complete meal on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to round out your dinner:

• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and delicious accompaniments.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

One of the best things about CrockPot recipes is that they are often great for making ahead!

• Make-Ahead: You can assemble the chicken and sauce mixture in the CrockPot insert the night before and store it in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply place the insert in the CrockPot base and start cooking. Add the tortellini according to the instructions when you get home.
• Storage: Leftover CrockPot Chicken Tortellini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Why I Love This Recipe

Okay, let me tell you *why* this recipe is a winner in my book. First, it’s ridiculously easy – perfect for those nights when you’re short on time and energy. Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Everyone loves creamy, cheesy pasta, right? And third, it’s so versatile. You can easily customize it to your family’s preferences with different vegetables, cheeses, or spices.

Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, so you can come home to a delicious, comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. What’s not to love?

Other Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love the ease and convenience of slow cooker cooking, here are a few other recipes I think you’ll enjoy:

• Craving something similar but soupier? Try this Chicken Tortellini Soup for a comforting bowl of goodness.
• For a hearty and flavorful meal, you can’t go wrong with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken & Potatoes.
• Looking for another creamy pasta dish? The Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Pasta Ultimate is a must-try.
• If you love garlic and parmesan, you’ll adore this Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken.
• Want something a little different? Check out this Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta Crockpot for a fun twist on a classic.
• And of course, you can’t go wrong with the classic Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Final Thoughts

This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a guaranteed win, blending simplicity and flavor in a way that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your CrockPot, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and effortless meal – you’ve got this!