When you’re craving a cozy, creamy pasta dinner but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Recipe is your perfect solution. Made with tender shredded chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and either a creamy Alfredo base or a hearty tomato version, this slow cooker recipe is comforting, satisfying, and wonderfully simple.
The magic of this dish lies in the timing. The chicken and sauce cook low and slow, building rich flavor, while the tortellini, spinach, and cheese are added at the end to keep them fresh and delicious. It’s an easy, family-friendly dinner that feels special without requiring a lot of hands-on effort.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 5 hours 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Servings: 6
Ingredients (Creamy Alfredo Version)
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 (10–12 oz) jars Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 (18–20 oz) package refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Notes:
- Use refrigerated tortellini for faster cooking; frozen may take closer to 30 minutes.
- Substitute Alfredo sauce with a lighter cream sauce if desired.
- Fresh spinach works best, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained.
Step-by-Step Instructions (Alfredo Version)
- Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick spray.
- Add base ingredients: Place chicken breasts in the bottom. In a bowl, whisk together Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Pour over chicken.
- Cook chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Shred: Remove chicken and shred with two forks, then return to the sauce.
- Add pasta: Stir in tortellini. Cook for 15–30 minutes, until pasta is tender.
- Finish: Add spinach, stir until wilted (about 5 minutes). Stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Season with salt and pepper, then enjoy hot.
Variation: Tomato-Based Chicken Tortellini
Prefer a tomato-style pasta? Try this hearty twist!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 (18–20 oz) package cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Combine chicken breasts, marinara sauce, broth, and seasonings in the crockpot.
- Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or until chicken is done. Shred chicken and return it.
- Stir in tortellini and mozzarella cheese, ensuring pasta is submerged.
- Cook for another 30 minutes, until tortellini is soft and cheese is melted.
- Garnish with Parmesan before serving.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Keep pasta from getting mushy: Always add tortellini near the end of cooking.
- Make it cheesy: Add extra mozzarella or a sprinkle of Italian blend for gooey texture.
- Boost flavor: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for depth.
- Low-carb option: Skip tortellini and serve the creamy chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, Alfredo version, approx.)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Note: Values may vary based on sauces and tortellini used.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended with tortellini (pasta may become mushy), but you can freeze the chicken and sauce base before adding pasta.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, just add 5–10 minutes more cooking time.
2. Can I make this with chicken thighs?
Absolutely—thighs add extra richness and stay juicy.
3. How do I thicken the sauce?
Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese or a cornstarch slurry at the end for a creamier consistency.
4. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but use a large slow cooker (6–7 quarts) to fit everything comfortably.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Tortellini recipe is the ultimate busy-day dinner—creamy, flavorful, and family-friendly. Whether you prefer the Alfredo version with spinach or the tomato-based twist, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your comfort food cravings.
