Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, and truth be told, it might taste even better the next day. Southern flavors settle and sing when allowed to rest. Cook fully, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat gently with a splash of broth.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

You can, but be careful. Frozen chicken will take longer to reach safe temperatures. If you use frozen, add an extra hour and ensure the meat reaches 165 F before shredding.

Will the tortellini get mushy?

Fresh or frozen tortellini will be tender, but overcooking will make it soft. Add tortellini in the last 30 minutes as directed. If you prefer a firmer bite, cook tortellini separately and fold it into the sauce just before serving.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer and use a dairy-free cheese. The texture will change, but the slow-cooked tomato base will still comfort.

How can I add more vegetables?

Fold in roasted vegetables in the last 15 minutes or add thinly sliced carrots and mushrooms early on so they become tender during the long cook.

Easy to Make CrockPot Chicken Tortellini Recipe 2026

Name: CrockPot Chicken Tortellini
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: Olive oil spray; 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless; 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 (optional); 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 lb cheese tortellini; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 cups baby spinach; ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Description

A comforting slow-cooked dish blending marinara, tender chicken, cheese, and spinach that feels like home.

Ingredients

Scale

Olive oil spray
1 ½ lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
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 (optional)
1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 lb cheese tortellini
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup heavy cream
2 cups baby spinach
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Spray the slow cooker with olive oil.
Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer.
Pour marinara sauce and spices over the chicken, then add chicken broth.
Cover and set the slow cooker to LOW for about 4 hours.
Shred cooked chicken with forks.
Return shredded chicken to the cooker and mix with sauce.
Add tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream, stirring well.
Cook on LOW for another 30 minutes.
Stir in spinach and cook for 10 more minutes.
Add Parmesan cheese, taste, and adjust seasoning before serving.

Notes

For best results, use homemade marinara and freshly grated Parmesan. Taste as you go to adjust seasoning.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 240 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg