Discover the ultimate weeknight dinner solution with this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini. This recipe offers a completely hands-off approach to creating a flavor-packed, creamy, and satisfying meal that your whole family will adore.
Key Ingredients for CrockPot Chicken Tortellini:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (16 ounce) package refrigerated tortellini (cheese, spinach, or a blend)
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup)
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini:
This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe is a dream for busy cooks, promising a delicious, creamy, and deeply satisfying meal with minimal effort. The magic happens thanks to the slow cooker’s ability to meld flavors, creating a rich sauce that perfectly coats tender chicken and plump tortellini. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low, it’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it dinner solution.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of your slow cooker. There’s no need to trim or cut the chicken at this stage; it will easily shred after cooking.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup) over the chicken in the slow cooker. Next, add the undrained can of diced tomatoes and green chilies.
- Incorporate Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 6-7 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and very tender and easily shreds. The exact cooking time will depend on your slow cooker’s settings and the size of your chicken pieces.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Add Tortellini and Finish Cooking: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the package of refrigerated tortellini directly into the slow cooker. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Cook the Tortellini: Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the tortellini are cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Once the tortellini are cooked and the sauce is creamy and heated through, ladle the CrockPot Chicken Tortellini into bowls. Garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, delicious meal.
Why You’ll Love This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini:
This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is an absolute winner because of its incredibly rich and creamy sauce, which perfectly encases tender shredded chicken and plump, chewy tortellini. It’s a budget-friendly marvel that rivals your favorite restaurant pasta dishes, saving you money without sacrificing flavor. The mild kick from the diced tomatoes and green chilies, combined with classic Italian seasoning, creates a symphony of taste that’s both comforting and exciting.
Forget complicated recipes that tie you to the kitchen; this is the ultimate “dump and go” meal that delivers maximum flavor for minimal effort. It’s the perfect antidote to a busy day, offering a warm hug in a bowl that’s even more satisfying than traditional lasagna. So, ditch the takeout menus and give this incredible CrockPot Chicken Tortellini a try – your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigeration: Allow the CrockPot Chicken Tortellini to cool completely before storing. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating on Stovetop: The best way to reheat this dish is on the stovetop. Combine leftovers in a saucepan, add a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems too thick, and heat gently over medium-low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Reheating in Microwave: You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the desired amount in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely to prevent splattering, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze this dish. Portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the tortellini’s texture might be slightly softer after freezing and thawing.
Final Thoughts:
This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini is the epitome of effortless comfort food, delivering a warm, flavorful meal that’s incredibly easy to make. Give it a try for your next busy weeknight – you won’t be disappointed by its simple deliciousness.
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of your slow cooker. There’s no need to trim or cut the chicken at this stage; it will easily shred after cooking.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Pour the can of condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup) over the chicken in the slow cooker. Next, add the undrained can of diced tomatoes and green chilies.1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
- Pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker.1 cup chicken broth, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 6-7 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and very tender and easily shreds. The exact cooking time will depend on your slow cooker’s settings and the size of your chicken pieces.
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the package of refrigerated tortellini directly into the slow cooker. Stir everything gently to combine.1 (16 ounce) package refrigerated tortellini
- Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the tortellini are cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the tortellini are cooked and the sauce is creamy and heated through, ladle the CrockPot Chicken Tortellini into bowls. Garnish with shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, delicious meal.1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, Fresh parsley, chopped