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How To Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe – Creamy, Cheesy & Comforting Pasta Dinner

There’s nothing better than a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that basically cooks itself. This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe is exactly that—juicy chicken breasts, tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, marinara sauce, and melty cheese, all slow-cooked together in one pot. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s hearty, comforting, and family-friendly. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting while you go about your day, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a bubbling pot of cheesy pasta goodness waiting for you. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy, this recipe will quickly become a regular in your rotation.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein
  • 1 ½ lbs chicken breast
Vegetables & Greens
  • 2 cups baby spinach fresh
Pantry & Seasonings
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion granules
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning mix
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp red chili flakes
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
Pasta
  • 1 lb cheese tortellini fresh or refrigerated
Dairy
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese grated
Oils
  • Olive oil spray

Equipment

  • Slow cooker (crockpot)
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the crockpot base
  1. Spray the crockpot lightly with olive oil spray.
  2. Add chicken breasts, marinara sauce, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
  1. Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender.
Step 3: Shred the chicken
  1. Remove chicken breasts, shred with two forks, and return to the crockpot.
Step 4: Add pasta and cream
  1. Stir in tortellini, heavy cream, and baby spinach.
  2. Cover and cook on high for 20–30 minutes, until tortellini is tender and spinach is wilted.
Step 5: Add the cheese
  1. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Serve hot
  1. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not recommended (tortellini may get mushy).
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if too thick.
🥄 Variations
Protein Swap: Use chicken thighs, turkey, or even Italian sausage.
Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers with the spinach.
Cheese Lovers: Add ricotta or provolone for an extra gooey dish.
Spicy Kick: Add more red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and part-skim mozzarella.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just increase cook time slightly in Step 4.
Do I need to cook tortellini before adding it?
No, it cooks directly in the sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, omit chicken and add more spinach, beans, or veggies.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble ingredients (except pasta and dairy) and refrigerate overnight before cooking.
What’s the best marinara to use?
Any high-quality store-bought or homemade sauce works well.
How do I prevent pasta from overcooking?
Add tortellini near the end and cook just until tender.
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes, ravioli or gnocchi work well too.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but make sure your crockpot is large enough.
What sides pair best?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
Can I use low-fat dairy?
Yes, but the sauce won’t be as creamy.
🏁 Conclusion
This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe is the definition of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and effortlessly delicious. With juicy chicken, tender tortellini, and a rich sauce, it’s a meal that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for busy weeknights.
It’s versatile, customizable, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table. Once you try it, this slow cooker recipe will quickly become a family favorite.