Introduction
Welcome to a cozy night of comfort food that warms the soul! This Crockpot Chicken Tortellini is the perfect dish for those busy days when you want a hearty meal without the fuss. Just toss a few ingredients into your crockpot and let it simmer gently, filling your kitchen with enticing aromas. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and delightful cheese tortellini, this dish is bound to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3-4 hours 15 minutes (high)
Yield: 4-6 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This forms the flavorful base for our dish.
- Next, add the chicken broth, diced onion, minced garlic, and undrained diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the dried basil, dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces before returning it back to the pot.
- Now, stir in the cheese tortellini and the fresh spinach. Cover the pot and let it cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and cooked.
- Finish off the dish by gently stirring in the heavy cream, allowing it to heat through for about 5 minutes, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
- Serve your delicious creation hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for that extra touch of flavor!
Notes or Tips
For a little extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also brighten up the dish when serving. If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts—just add it in when you’re ready to stir in the tortellini and cream!
Cooking Techniques
Using a crockpot not only makes this meal incredibly convenient, but it also allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Slow cooking retains moisture in the chicken, giving it that succulent tenderness we all crave. Adding the heavy cream at the end keeps it from curdling and enhances the overall richness of this comforting dish.
FAQ
Can I use frozen tortellini? Yes, frozen tortellini can be added directly to the crockpot. Just extend the cooking time by a few minutes until they are heated through.
What can I serve with this dish? This Chicken Tortellini pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light side salad to balance the richness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! Prepare everything in the crockpot and refrigerate overnight. Just make sure to let it sit out for a bit before cooking, or add an extra half hour to the cooking time.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Chicken Tortellini is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings the comforting warmth of home cooking right to your table. Whether it’s a busy weekday dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this dish will surely delight everyone. So grab your crockpot, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a bowl of creamy goodness that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!