Description
This cozy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender bite-sized chicken breasts are slow-cooked with garlic, Italian seasoning, and creamy cheese broth, then combined with fresh or frozen tortellini and spinach for a hearty, flavorful meal. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this dish balances creamy textures and fresh greens for a family-friendly favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Vegetables & Herbs
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Dairy
- 8 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Pantry & Others
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 12 oz tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them into the CrockPot along with the minced garlic to build a flavorful base.
- Add Liquids and Cream Cheese: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add the cream cheese in dollops; stir gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Season: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the mixture and mix well to distribute the flavors throughout.
- Add Tortellini: Add the tortellini directly into the pot without thawing if frozen; stir gently to coat them with the broth and seasoning.
- Add Spinach: Toss in fresh spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep it tender yet vibrant.
- Cook: Cover the CrockPot and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tortellini is tender.
- Serve: Serve the dish hot with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for a savory finish.
Notes
- You can use either fresh or frozen tortellini without thawing before adding to the CrockPot.
- Adjust seasoning to taste – the Parmesan cheese adds saltiness, so start with less salt and add more if needed.
- Adding spinach in the last 30 minutes prevents it from overcooking and losing its bright color and nutrients.
- For a richer dish, consider using full-fat cream cheese and Parmesan.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: CrockPot chicken tortellini, slow cooker chicken recipe, creamy chicken pasta, comfort food, easy dinner recipe
