Creamy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe – The Easiest Comfort Food You’ll Ever Make
There’s nothing quite like a cozy bowl of creamy, cheesy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini on a busy weeknight. This recipe is pure comfort in a bowl — tender chicken, rich cream sauce, and pillowy tortellini all come together in one effortless slow cooker dish. Whether you’re feeding the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts (and save you time).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this CrockPot Chicken Tortellini because it’s ridiculously simple to make and tastes like something from your favorite Italian restaurant. It requires minimal prep and lets the slow cooker do all the hard work. Plus, it’s creamy, hearty, and kid-approved. The sauce thickens beautifully while the tortellini soaks up all that flavor, making it perfect for cold evenings or lazy Sundays. You can even customize it — add veggies, swap sauces, or make it lighter without losing flavor.
Serving Size, Prep Time & Cook Time
Serving Size: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours on low (or 2 hours on high)
Total Time: About 4 hours 10 minutes
Kitchen Equipment Required
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 CrockPot (4–6 quarts)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A mixing bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 (19 oz) bag of frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional but recommended)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
- Prepare the base: Add chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to your CrockPot. Stir slightly to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours (or high for 2).
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Add tortellini and spinach: Stir in the frozen tortellini and spinach, then top with mozzarella.
- Cook again: Cover and cook for another 20–30 minutes on low, or until the tortellini are tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve hot: Garnish with a sprinkle of parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Making the Perfect CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
- Use room-temp cream cheese so it melts evenly into the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the tortellini — they cook fast and can get mushy if left too long.
- Add veggies like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture.
- For extra flavor, sear your chicken in a skillet before adding it to the CrockPot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding tortellini too early: This is the #1 mistake. Always add them in the last 30 minutes.
- Skipping the broth: Without enough liquid, your sauce can turn too thick or burn.
- Using low-fat dairy: It can separate under heat, so stick with full-fat ingredients for the best texture.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the protein: Try shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage.
- Go vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth with mushrooms and extra spinach.
- Change the flavor: Replace cream of chicken soup with Alfredo sauce or use pesto for a fresher twist.
- Add heat: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
How to Store and Meal Prep
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken mixture (before adding tortellini) for up to 2 months. Add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
For meal prep, portion it into microwave-safe containers — it reheats beautifully and stays creamy.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Serve this creamy CrockPot Chicken Tortellini with:
- A side of garlic bread or warm baguette
- A crisp Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli for balance
- A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and chopped parsley for a restaurant-style finish
FAQs
Can I use refrigerated tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes! Just add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking instead of 30.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely. Cook the chicken in a large pot, add the sauce ingredients, and simmer. Stir in the tortellini at the end until tender.
Can I add other cheeses?
Of course! Parmesan, asiago, or even cheddar can be great add-ins depending on your flavor preference.
Is it okay to use low-sodium broth?
Yes, but you may want to add a little extra seasoning to balance the flavor.
Related Post: Easy Mediterranean Chicken Gyros.
This CrockPot Chicken Tortellini recipe is your weeknight dinner hero — rich, creamy, and practically effortless. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings comfort to your table with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Once you try it, you’ll want it in your regular meal rotation. Perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family — this recipe truly does it all.
CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Equipment
- 1 CrockPot (4–6 quarts)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A mixing bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 19 oz bag of frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups baby spinach optional but recommended
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Add chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to your CrockPot. Stir slightly to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours (or high for 2).
- Shred the chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Add tortellini and spinach: Stir in the frozen tortellini and spinach, then top with mozzarella.
- Cook again: Cover and cook for another 20–30 minutes on low, or until the tortellini are tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve hot: Garnish with a sprinkle of parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Tips for Making the Perfect CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
- Use room-temp cream cheese so it melts evenly into the sauce.
- Don’t overcook the tortellini — they cook fast and can get mushy if left too long.
- Add veggies like mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture.
- For extra flavor, sear your chicken in a skillet before adding it to the CrockPot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding tortellini too early: This is the #1 mistake. Always add them in the last 30 minutes.
- Skipping the broth: Without enough liquid, your sauce can turn too thick or burn.
- Using low-fat dairy: It can separate under heat, so stick with full-fat ingredients for the best texture.
Variations and Substitutions
- Swap the protein: Try shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or Italian sausage.
- Go vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth with mushrooms and extra spinach.
- Change the flavor: Replace cream of chicken soup with Alfredo sauce or use pesto for a fresher twist.
- Add heat: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
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