Name: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h 40 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Olive oil spray; 1½ 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; 1½ cups chicken broth; 1 lb cheese tortellini; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 cups baby spinach; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like that this recipe comes together with very little effort—just layer, cook, and let the crockpot do the work. The chicken becomes fall-apart tender, the tortellini soaks up all the flavors, and the sauce is creamy and cheesy without being heavy. It’s the kind of dish I turn to when I want something hearty, flavorful, and family-friendly with minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

Directions

I spray my slow cooker with olive oil.
I arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom.
I pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and chili flakes.
I cover and cook on low for about 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
I shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the sauce in the slow cooker.
I stir in the tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, mixing everything well.
I cover and cook on low for another 30 minutes until the pasta is tender and the cheese has melted.
I add spinach and let it cook for about 10 more minutes, just until wilted.
Finally, I stir in Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning to taste before serving warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. It takes 10 minutes of prep time and about 4 hours 40 minutes of cooking time in the slow cooker.

Variations

Sometimes I swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
I’ve used different tortellini fillings like spinach and ricotta or mushroom for a flavor change.
For a lighter dish, I replace the heavy cream with half-and-half.
I like to add mushrooms or zucchini to sneak in more vegetables.
If I want it extra cheesy, I top it with more mozzarella and broil for a bubbly finish.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. I don’t recommend freezing because tortellini doesn’t hold up well once thawed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, I can add frozen tortellini, but I extend the cooking time by about 10–15 minutes until it’s heated through and tender.

Can I make this ahead of time?

I often cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then add the tortellini, cream, and cheese just before serving for the best texture.

Can I use jarred marinara sauce?

Absolutely—I like to use my favorite jarred marinara to keep things simple, though homemade sauce makes it even richer.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, I can cook it on high for about 2–3 hours for the chicken, then add tortellini and finish as directed.

What can I serve with this dish?

I like to serve it with garlic bread, a fresh side salad, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

Conclusion

This CrockPot chicken tortellini is a cozy, hearty dinner that always satisfies. I love how the slow cooker does most of the work, leaving me with tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and a creamy sauce that feels like pure comfort. It’s a dish I come back to again and again, especially on chilly evenings when I need something warm and filling.