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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups frozen cheese tortellini - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream The main ingredients in Crockpot Chicken Tortellini are simple yet vital. Chicken breasts give the dish its protein. Frozen cheese tortellini adds a creamy, cheesy flavor. Chicken broth keeps everything moist and flavorful. Heavy cream brings richness to the meal, making it feel comforting. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Seasonings enhance the flavor of this dish. Italian seasoning brings a mix of herbs that scream comfort. Salt helps to balance the flavors, while black pepper adds just a hint of heat. These seasonings are essential for bringing life to the chicken and broth. - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh) - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving - Fresh basil, for garnish (optional) Additional ingredients create layers of flavor. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Diced tomatoes bring a fresh taste and a pop of color. Onion and garlic build a strong base flavor. When you top the dish with Parmesan and basil, it becomes a feast for the eyes and the palate. {{ingredient_image_1}} Adding Chicken and Vegetables First, I put one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the crockpot. Then, I add one medium onion, finely chopped, and three cloves of minced garlic. Next, I toss in one cup of diced tomatoes. This can be fresh or canned. After that, I pour in four cups of chicken broth. Seasoning the Mixture To season, I sprinkle in one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. I stir everything together well. This mix creates a strong base for our dish. Low vs. High Cooking Times I cover the crockpot and set it to cook. If I want to take my time, I choose low for six hours. If I’m in a hurry, I select high for three hours. Either way, the chicken will be tender and ready to shred. Shredding the Chicken Once the chicken is cooked, I use two forks to shred it right in the crockpot. This keeps all those tasty juices in the mix. Adding Tortellini and Cream Next, I add two cups of frozen cheese tortellini and one cup of heavy cream. I stir gently to mix everything. Then, I cover the pot again and let it cook on high for an extra 30 minutes. This step allows the tortellini to cook through. Incorporating Spinach Finally, I stir in one cup of chopped baby spinach. I let it wilt for about five minutes. This adds a nice pop of color and nutrition to the dish. Now, it’s ready to serve! Best Practices for Shredding Chicken Shredding chicken in the crockpot is easy. After cooking, use two forks. Grab one fork to hold the chicken in place. Use the other fork to pull apart the meat. This makes nice, thin pieces. Make sure to do this while the chicken is still hot. It shreds better this way. Avoiding Overcooked Tortellini To avoid overcooked tortellini, add them at the right time. Stir in frozen tortellini about 30 minutes before the cooking ends. This gives them enough time to cook. Check them after 20 minutes to see if they are tender. This way, you keep their perfect shape and texture. Garnishing with Herbs and Cheese Serving your dish with fresh herbs is a great idea. Sprinkle parsley or basil on top for color. Grated Parmesan cheese adds flavor and richness. Use a light hand with the cheese for a nice balance. This makes your meal look inviting. Pairing with Side Dishes Crockpot chicken tortellini pairs well with many sides. Try a simple green salad for freshness. Crusty bread complements the creamy soup. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for extra nutrition. Choose sides that you enjoy to make the meal complete. Gluten-Free Options If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free tortellini. Many stores sell these now. Check the label to make sure they fit your needs. You can also use rice or quinoa for a different take on the dish. Dairy-Free Alternatives To make this dish dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut milk. The flavor will change, but it remains creamy. You can also skip the cheese or use a dairy-free option. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal without worry. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor of your dish. Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your dish before serving and adjust the seasoning according to your preference for the best flavor. Cook Tortellini Separately: For a firmer texture, consider cooking the tortellini separately and adding them just before serving. Pair with Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce for a complete meal experience. {{image_2}} Alternative Proteins You can switch chicken for turkey or even shrimp. Both options add a new taste. For a veggie twist, try chickpeas or lentils. They cook well and soak up flavors. Vegetable Additions Add more veggies to boost nutrition. Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers work great. Just chop them up and toss them in. You can even use frozen mixed veggies for ease. Spicy Version Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. They bring a nice kick to the dish. You can also use spicy sausage for extra flavor. Herb-Infused Options Fresh herbs can make a big difference. Try adding thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch. You can also mix in some parsley or dill before serving for freshness. Casserole Style For a cozy casserole, bake it in a dish after cooking. Top it with cheese, then bake until bubbly. This gives a nice crust and adds flavor. Soup Style If you prefer a soup, just add extra broth. This makes it more liquidy and hearty. Serve it in bowls with crusty bread on the side for dipping. - Proper Storage Containers: Use airtight containers to keep your meal fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they are clean and dry before use. - Shelf Life: Your leftovers can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. After that, the taste and quality may drop. - How to Freeze and Reheat: To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight. - Best Practices for Quality Retention: For best taste, use the dish within 2 to 3 months. Label your containers with the date. This helps track freshness. - Microwave vs. Stovetop Methods: The microwave is quick but may not heat evenly. For stovetop, add a splash of broth to a pan and heat over medium. Stir often. - Tips for Maintaining Flavor and Texture: Add a bit of cream or cheese when reheating. This keeps the dish creamy and flavorful. Avoid high heat to prevent overcooking. To cook tortellini in a crockpot, you should add it after the chicken is done. This way, the tortellini cooks just right. You should cook on high for 30 minutes. This ensures they are tender but not mushy. Stir them gently into the creamy broth. For the best result, ensure that the chicken is fully shredded before adding the tortellini. This keeps everything well mixed. The timing is important, so set a timer. If you check on them, do so gently. Yes, you can use fresh tortellini. However, you need to change the cooking time. Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen. Add it to the crockpot during the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking. This way, they will hold their shape and flavor. Cooking them too long can turn them mushy. Watch for the cooking instructions to ensure they are done. Taste them to check for doneness. If they are soft and warm, they are ready to serve. You can serve this dish with a variety of sides. Crusty bread is a great choice. It helps to soak up the creamy broth. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Consider a simple side of steamed veggies as well. If you like, top the dish with grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh basil can enhance the flavor, too. These toppings can make your meal more special. Enjoy it with family and friends for a comforting dinner. In this post, we explored how to make delicious Crockpot Chicken Tortellini. We covered key ingredients like chicken, cheese tortellini, and spices. I shared easy step-by-step instructions for cooking and tips for serving. You can even adjust the recipe for different dietary needs. Remember, cooking should be fun and flexible. Enjoy trying new flavors and variations. Your modified dish can become a family favorite!

Crockpot Creamy Chicken Tortellini

A comforting and creamy chicken dish with tortellini, perfect for a cozy meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups frozen cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 serving Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • 1 serving Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In the crockpot, add the chicken breasts, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  • Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.
  • Add the frozen cheese tortellini and heavy cream to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
  • Cover and continue to cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt for about 5 minutes before serving.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Notes

Serve warm with grated Parmesan and fresh basil for garnish.
Keyword chicken, creamy, crockpot, easy, tortellini