Name: 6 servings 1x Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h 40 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Olive oil spray; 1 ½ lbs chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts); 2 cups marinara sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion granules; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 lb cheese tortellini; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 cups baby spinach; ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 12 reviews

If you’re searching for the ultimate slow-cooked comfort meal, look no further than this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini. Imagine plump cheese tortellini, succulent shredded chicken, and gooey mozzarella all mingling in a luscious marinara bath—ready to warm up any day. What makes this extra special is that it yields 6 servings 1x, making it perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week. Every bite brings a bit of cozy, Italian-inspired joy with minimal hands-on work required.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s beautiful about this recipe is how each ingredient brings its own color, bite, and creaminess to your table. Even with a simple lineup, every component works together so you can achieve a comfort dish worthy of a cherished spot in your dinner rotation.

Olive oil spray: Keeps everything from sticking to your slow cooker so you scoop out every last bit without hassle.
Chicken breasts (1 ½ lbs): Boneless, skinless chicken breasts create the hearty base; try to use similar sizes for even cooking.
Marinara sauce (2 cups): Adds rich tomato flavor and all the saucy goodness that melds wonderfully with pasta and cheese.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers a gently pungent background without overpowering the dish.
Onion granules (1 teaspoon): Add savory, warm notes that round out the flavors.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Your shortcut to that unmistakable Italian herb flair.
Paprika (½ teaspoon): A touch of smoky warmth and gentle color.
Red chili flakes (¼ teaspoon): Just a little for balanced heat; adjust to taste if you prefer spicier or milder.
Chicken broth (1 ½ cups): Deepens the savory undertones and helps everything stay ultra-juicy.
Cheese tortellini (1 lb): These pillowy pasta bites turn this meal from good to can’t-stop-eating.
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (1 cup): Brings the oozy, melted cheese factor we all crave.
Heavy cream (½ cup): Swirls in that unmistakable creamy texture—swap for half-and-half for a lighter touch.
Baby spinach (2 cups): Bright green freshness and a boost of nutrients near the end of cooking.
Parmesan cheese, grated (⅓ cup): Finishes everything off with nutty, salty sparkle.

How to Make 6 servings 1x

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Start by giving your slow cooker a generous spritz of olive oil spray. This quick step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures that all those delicious cheesy edges stay in your bowl instead of stuck to the pot. Trust me, future you will be thankful!

Step 2: Arrange Chicken

Lay your chicken breasts in a single, even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. Choosing similar-sized pieces is key for even cooking, so every portion of your 6 servings 1x will turn out juicy and tender.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Spices

Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle on your garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of red chili flakes. Give it a gentle wiggle so the sauce and spices nestle around each chicken breast. These layers create deeply seasoned chicken that anchors this cozy dish.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours. Resist peeking—just let the magic happen! This gentle slow-cooking yields irresistibly tender chicken that’s still juicy and never dry.

Step 5: Shred and Return Chicken

Once the timer is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Place the shredded chicken back in the sauce, giving it a loving stir to soak up all those zesty Italian flavors.

Step 6: Add Tortellini, Cheese, and Cream

Now, toss in the cheese tortellini, shredded mozzarella, and heavy cream. Stir everything together so the pasta is evenly coated and nestled into the sauce. This is where your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini starts smelling absolutely irresistible.

Step 7: Cook a Little Longer

Cover and let your slow cooker work some more magic on LOW for another 30 minutes. The tortellini will soften perfectly, soaking up the flavors, while the cheese melts into creamy bliss.

Step 8: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan

Stir in the baby spinach, pop the lid back on, and let everything get acquainted for 10 more minutes—just enough for the greens to wilt beautifully. Finish with a dusting of grated Parmesan, then pause to taste and adjust seasoning before serving your crowd-pleasing 6 servings 1x.

How to Serve 6 servings 1x

Garnishes

Sprinkle each bowl with extra Parmesan, a few ribbons of fresh basil, or even a twist of cracked black pepper. This simple touch adds color and really lets everyone tailor their bowl of CrockPot Chicken Tortellini to personal perfection.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving 6 servings 1x for a cozy dinner, pair it with crunchy garlic bread, a classic Caesar salad, or some roasted veggies. Each side balances the richness of the tortellini while stretching your meal just that little bit further.

Creative Ways to Present

For special gatherings, ladle your CrockPot Chicken Tortellini into large soup bowls and top with an extra drizzle of olive oil for shine. Or, serve family-style straight from the slow cooker so everyone can scoop their own hearty portion—perfect for casual get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate. The flavors just deepen overnight, making your next-day lunch or quick dinner even dreamier. This recipe for 6 servings 1x ensures there’s enough for everyone, yet not so much that it lingers too long in the fridge.

Freezing

You can freeze CrockPot Chicken Tortellini for up to two months. Let the mixture cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and add a label so future you can pull it out with confidence. If you’re thinking ahead for busy nights, choose sturdy tortellini—they hold up best after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened. Stir often until hot, and finish with a fresh sprinkle of cheese to bring back that just-made feel—making your 6 servings 1x just as inviting as day one.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to add extra cooking time and check for doneness. For the best results and food safety, thaw the chicken briefly or use fresh whenever possible.

What kind of tortellini works best?

Cheese tortellini is classic, but you can experiment with spinach or meat-filled varieties. Just remember to use the refrigerated kind, since dry or frozen pasta might require adjusted cooking times.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely—simply swap the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative like coconut or cashew cream, and choose your favorite plant-based cheeses. The creamy comfort still shines through!

How do I prevent the tortellini from getting mushy?

Add the tortellini only toward the end of the slow-cooking process, as described. This gives you perfectly plump, tender pasta instead of mush. Slice into a piece before serving to check it’s done to your liking.

Is this dish spicy?

The red chili flakes add a mild kick, but you’re totally in control. Add less for a gentle warmth or a little extra for more heat. That’s the beauty of making 6 servings 1x at home—you call the shots!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving an easy, soul-warming meal to share, CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is a guaranteed hit. Whether you’re making 6 servings 1x for a family dinner or prepping lunches ahead, it offers effortless comfort and big Italian flavors that keep everyone coming back for more. Give it a try, and let this dish become a staple at your table!