Total Time: 4–6 hours
Difficulty Level: Easy, dump-and-go comfort food
Few dinners deliver weeknight magic like this Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini. It’s creamy, extra cheesy, and unbelievably cozy—one of those meals where the aroma alone feels like a warm blanket. The tender shredded chicken melts into a velvety sauce, while the cheese-stuffed tortellini become little pockets of pure comfort.
This recipe is special because it takes minimal prep, uses affordable ingredients, and tastes like something you simmered lovingly on the stove—when really, the slow cooker did the work. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, busy school nights, or anytime you crave a bowl of creamy, carb-hugging goodness.
Expect around 480–520 calories per serving, depending on toppings and the tortellini you choose.
Key Ingredients
Chicken Breasts – Lean protein that shreds beautifully into the sauce
Cheese Tortellini – Pillowy, cheesy pasta that thickens the broth as it cooks
Chicken Broth – Light base that becomes richer as flavors develop
Cream Cheese – The heart of the creaminess; creates a silky texture
Heavy Cream – Adds richness and body to the final sauce
Shredded Parmesan – Salty, nutty depth that ties everything together
Carrots – Adds sweetness and color
Spinach – Folds in fresh green vibrancy at the end
Garlic – Warm, savory aroma
Yellow Onion – Builds flavor in the base
Italian Seasoning – Perfect herbal balance
Smoked Paprika – Adds warmth and slight smokiness
Salt & Pepper – Essential to enhance the creaminess
Olive Oil (optional) – A touch of richness
Fresh Basil (optional) – Bright herbal pop for serving
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
1. Build the Slow Cooker Base
Add diced carrots, chopped onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth and stir lightly.
2. Add Chicken
Place chicken breasts on top of the vegetables. Add a small drizzle of olive oil if you want extra richness.
3. Cook Until Tender
- Low: 5–6 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
Chicken should be fork-tender and shred easily.
4. Add the Creamy Components
Remove chicken, shred, and return it to the pot. Add cream cheese (cubed so it melts evenly) and heavy cream. Allow everything to melt together for about 10–15 minutes on low heat.
5. Add Tortellini + Spinach
Stir in the cheese tortellini and spinach.
Cook on LOW for an additional 20–30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the sauce is creamy.
6. Finish with Cheese
Stir in Parmesan at the end for extra creaminess and a lightly thickened finish. Sauce should be velvety with glossy texture cues.
Serving Suggestions
Family-Style Bowl
Serve in a large, deep pot or wide bowl at the center of the table. Add extra Parmesan on top.
Individual Cozy Bowls
Garnish with fresh basil, cracked black pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Serve with Sides
- Garlic bread
- Roasted broccoli
- Mixed green salad
- Italian-style breadsticks
Meal-Prep Containers
Divide into airtight containers, adding an extra splash of broth or cream before reheating to restore sauce consistency.
Storage + Meal Prep
Refrigerate:
Keeps for 3–4 days. The sauce thickens as it chills.
Freeze:
It’s best not to freeze this recipe because tortellini and dairy can separate or become mushy.
Reheat:
Warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Add fresh spinach or Parmesan to “refresh” the bowl.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini is a creamy, cheesy hug in a bowl—simple enough for rushed evenings yet satisfying enough for a Sunday supper. It’s forgiving, customizable, and always hits the spot, especially when you want something comforting with minimal effort.
I hope you make this cozy crockpot favorite your own. Swap the veggies, adjust the creaminess, or add herbs you love. And when you try it, let me know how it turned out—I love hearing your delicious twists!
