Savory Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Delight

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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup carrots, diced - 1 cup celery, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup heavy cream - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Salt and pepper for seasoning Gathering these ingredients is key. The shredded chicken adds protein and flavor. Cheese tortellini brings a creamy, cheesy texture. Chicken broth is vital for a rich base. For vegetables, diced carrots and celery add crunch. Minced garlic brings depth. Diced tomatoes add a bright note. Fresh spinach gives color and nutrition. Italian seasoning ties all the flavors together. The heavy cream is a game-changer, creating a luxurious finish. Grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a savory kick. Don’t forget salt and pepper. They enhance every bite. With these ingredients, you are ready to create a warm, comforting dish that delights everyone at the table. To start, gather your ingredients. In your slow cooker, combine: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup carrots, diced - 1 cup celery, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Stir everything well to mix. This step builds a tasty base for your dish. Next, cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Check the vegetables for tenderness after the cooking time. They should be soft, but not mushy. This ensures a great texture in your meal. After cooking, it’s time to add more flavor. Gently stir in: - 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini Make sure the tortellini are submerged in the broth. Then, pour in: - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups fresh spinach Stir once more to combine everything. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes on low. This lets the tortellini cook and the spinach wilt. Taste the dish and add salt and pepper if needed. Now you're ready to serve! How to shred chicken effectively Start with cooked chicken. Use two forks to pull apart the meat. This method is quick and easy. You can also use your hands for better control. Just make sure the chicken is cool enough to handle. Shredded chicken works well in this recipe. Ensuring tortellini is cooked perfectly Add the cheese tortellini during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This step keeps them tender, not mushy. Stir gently to cover them with broth. This helps them absorb flavors and cook evenly. Suggested additions to boost flavor Try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley. They add a burst of freshness. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for heat. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the dish. Substituting ingredients for dietary preferences Need a dairy-free option? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can swap cheese tortellini for a gluten-free pasta. These changes keep the dish delicious for everyone. Overcooking vegetables Keep an eye on cooking times. Overcooked veggies can turn mushy and lose flavor. Check for tenderness after cooking for six hours on low. If you’re in a rush, high heat for three hours works too. Not using enough seasoning Taste your dish before serving. Add salt and pepper as needed. Under-seasoned food can taste bland. A little extra seasoning makes a big difference in flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish to fit your needs. Using turkey is a great choice. It keeps the dish light and tasty. Ground beef is another option. It adds a rich flavor to the broth. For those who avoid meat, try chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and texture without meat. Though cheese tortellini is delicious, you can switch things up. Use any pasta shape you like. Bow tie, rotini, or even penne work well. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great pasta that holds up well in soup. You can customize the veggies based on what you have. Seasonal vegetables add fresh flavor. Try zucchini or bell peppers in summer. In the fall, add squash or sweet potatoes. You can also mix in different greens like kale or chard. They add nutrients and color to your meal. To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Use an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. I suggest dividing it into smaller portions. This way, you can heat only what you need. When reheating, use the microwave or a pot on the stove. Heat it slowly and stir often to warm it evenly. To freeze leftovers, place them in freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top. The soup will expand when frozen. For best results, eat it within three months. When ready to eat, move it to the fridge overnight. This helps it thaw slowly. You can also thaw it in the microwave if you're in a hurry. Reheat on the stove or microwave until hot. This dish lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to check for signs of spoilage. If it smells sour or looks off, throw it away. If you see mold, it’s also time to toss it. Always trust your senses. If in doubt, it’s safer to discard it. Enjoy your meal while it’s fresh! You should cook tortellini for about 30 minutes on low. This timing keeps the pasta from getting mushy. If you leave it too long, the tortellini may break apart. Check them after 20 minutes for doneness. You want them tender but not overcooked. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember to cook it longer. If you use frozen chicken, add an extra hour on low heat or 30 minutes on high heat. This ensures the chicken cooks through. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. The fresh crunch of greens balances the creamy tortellini. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. Another option is to offer some roasted veggies on the side. They add color and nutrients to your plate. This blog post covered how to make a tasty slow cooker chicken tortellini dish. We discussed the key ingredients like chicken, tortellini, and broth, along with veggies and seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions for a successful cook, highlighting tips for perfect results. Don’t forget, you can easily customize this recipe to fit your tastes. Whether you’re using turkey or adding seasonal veggies, enjoy experimenting! With proper storage, your leftovers will last, making this a great choice for meal prep. Try it out and enjoy a cozy meal!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’re on the hunt for a warm, comforting meal, my Savory Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini Delight is here for you! Packed with tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a rich broth, this dish is a family favorite. Perfect for busy days, just set it and forget it! Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and steps that will fill your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas. You’ll love how easy and delicious dinner can be!

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

– 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini

– 4 cups chicken broth

Vegetables and Seasoning

– 1 cup carrots, diced

– 1 cup celery, diced

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

– 2 cups fresh spinach

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Additional Ingredients

– 1 cup heavy cream

– Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

– Salt and pepper for seasoning

Gathering these ingredients is key. The shredded chicken adds protein and flavor. Cheese tortellini brings a creamy, cheesy texture. Chicken broth is vital for a rich base. For vegetables, diced carrots and celery add crunch. Minced garlic brings depth. Diced tomatoes add a bright note. Fresh spinach gives color and nutrition. Italian seasoning ties all the flavors together.

The heavy cream is a game-changer, creating a luxurious finish. Grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a savory kick. Don’t forget salt and pepper. They enhance every bite. With these ingredients, you are ready to create a warm, comforting dish that delights everyone at the table.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Slow Cooker Mixture

To start, gather your ingredients. In your slow cooker, combine:

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

– 4 cups chicken broth

– 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

– 1 cup carrots, diced

– 1 cup celery, diced

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Stir everything well to mix. This step builds a tasty base for your dish.

Cooking Process

Next, cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Check the vegetables for tenderness after the cooking time. They should be soft, but not mushy. This ensures a great texture in your meal.

Adding Tortellini and Cream

After cooking, it’s time to add more flavor. Gently stir in:

– 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini

Make sure the tortellini are submerged in the broth. Then, pour in:

– 1 cup heavy cream

– 2 cups fresh spinach

Stir once more to combine everything. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes on low. This lets the tortellini cook and the spinach wilt. Taste the dish and add salt and pepper if needed. Now you’re ready to serve!

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

How to shred chicken effectively

Start with cooked chicken. Use two forks to pull apart the meat. This method is quick and easy. You can also use your hands for better control. Just make sure the chicken is cool enough to handle. Shredded chicken works well in this recipe.

Ensuring tortellini is cooked perfectly

Add the cheese tortellini during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This step keeps them tender, not mushy. Stir gently to cover them with broth. This helps them absorb flavors and cook evenly.

Flavor Enhancements

Suggested additions to boost flavor

Try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley. They add a burst of freshness. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for heat. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the dish.

Substituting ingredients for dietary preferences

Need a dairy-free option? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can swap cheese tortellini for a gluten-free pasta. These changes keep the dish delicious for everyone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking vegetables

Keep an eye on cooking times. Overcooked veggies can turn mushy and lose flavor. Check for tenderness after cooking for six hours on low. If you’re in a rush, high heat for three hours works too.

Not using enough seasoning

Taste your dish before serving. Add salt and pepper as needed. Under-seasoned food can taste bland. A little extra seasoning makes a big difference in flavor.

Variations

Protein Alternatives

You can change the protein in this dish to fit your needs. Using turkey is a great choice. It keeps the dish light and tasty. Ground beef is another option. It adds a rich flavor to the broth. For those who avoid meat, try chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and texture without meat.

Tortellini Alternatives

Though cheese tortellini is delicious, you can switch things up. Use any pasta shape you like. Bow tie, rotini, or even penne work well. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great pasta that holds up well in soup.

Customizing Vegetables

You can customize the veggies based on what you have. Seasonal vegetables add fresh flavor. Try zucchini or bell peppers in summer. In the fall, add squash or sweet potatoes. You can also mix in different greens like kale or chard. They add nutrients and color to your meal.

Storage Info

Leftover Storage

To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Use an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. I suggest dividing it into smaller portions. This way, you can heat only what you need. When reheating, use the microwave or a pot on the stove. Heat it slowly and stir often to warm it evenly.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze leftovers, place them in freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top. The soup will expand when frozen. For best results, eat it within three months. When ready to eat, move it to the fridge overnight. This helps it thaw slowly. You can also thaw it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.

Shelf Life

This dish lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to check for signs of spoilage. If it smells sour or looks off, throw it away. If you see mold, it’s also time to toss it. Always trust your senses. If in doubt, it’s safer to discard it. Enjoy your meal while it’s fresh!

FAQs

How long can I cook tortellini in the slow cooker?

You should cook tortellini for about 30 minutes on low. This timing keeps the pasta from getting mushy. If you leave it too long, the tortellini may break apart. Check them after 20 minutes for doneness. You want them tender but not overcooked.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember to cook it longer. If you use frozen chicken, add an extra hour on low heat or 30 minutes on high heat. This ensures the chicken cooks through. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini?

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. The fresh crunch of greens balances the creamy tortellini. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. Another option is to offer some roasted veggies on the side. They add color and nutrients to your plate.

This blog post covered how to make a tasty slow cooker chicken tortellini dish. We discussed the key ingredients like chicken, tortellini, and broth, along with veggies and seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions for a successful cook, highlighting tips for perfect results. Don’t forget, you can easily customize this recipe to fit your tastes. Whether you’re using turkey or adding seasonal veggies, enjoy experimenting! With proper storage, your leftovers will last, making this a great choice for meal prep. Try it out and enjoy a cozy meal!

- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup carrots, diced - 1 cup celery, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup heavy cream - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving - Salt and pepper for seasoning Gathering these ingredients is key. The shredded chicken adds protein and flavor. Cheese tortellini brings a creamy, cheesy texture. Chicken broth is vital for a rich base. For vegetables, diced carrots and celery add crunch. Minced garlic brings depth. Diced tomatoes add a bright note. Fresh spinach gives color and nutrition. Italian seasoning ties all the flavors together. The heavy cream is a game-changer, creating a luxurious finish. Grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a savory kick. Don’t forget salt and pepper. They enhance every bite. With these ingredients, you are ready to create a warm, comforting dish that delights everyone at the table. To start, gather your ingredients. In your slow cooker, combine: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained - 1 cup carrots, diced - 1 cup celery, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Stir everything well to mix. This step builds a tasty base for your dish. Next, cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Check the vegetables for tenderness after the cooking time. They should be soft, but not mushy. This ensures a great texture in your meal. After cooking, it’s time to add more flavor. Gently stir in: - 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini Make sure the tortellini are submerged in the broth. Then, pour in: - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups fresh spinach Stir once more to combine everything. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes on low. This lets the tortellini cook and the spinach wilt. Taste the dish and add salt and pepper if needed. Now you're ready to serve! How to shred chicken effectively Start with cooked chicken. Use two forks to pull apart the meat. This method is quick and easy. You can also use your hands for better control. Just make sure the chicken is cool enough to handle. Shredded chicken works well in this recipe. Ensuring tortellini is cooked perfectly Add the cheese tortellini during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This step keeps them tender, not mushy. Stir gently to cover them with broth. This helps them absorb flavors and cook evenly. Suggested additions to boost flavor Try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley. They add a burst of freshness. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for heat. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the dish. Substituting ingredients for dietary preferences Need a dairy-free option? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. You can swap cheese tortellini for a gluten-free pasta. These changes keep the dish delicious for everyone. Overcooking vegetables Keep an eye on cooking times. Overcooked veggies can turn mushy and lose flavor. Check for tenderness after cooking for six hours on low. If you’re in a rush, high heat for three hours works too. Not using enough seasoning Taste your dish before serving. Add salt and pepper as needed. Under-seasoned food can taste bland. A little extra seasoning makes a big difference in flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish to fit your needs. Using turkey is a great choice. It keeps the dish light and tasty. Ground beef is another option. It adds a rich flavor to the broth. For those who avoid meat, try chickpeas or lentils. They add protein and texture without meat. Though cheese tortellini is delicious, you can switch things up. Use any pasta shape you like. Bow tie, rotini, or even penne work well. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great pasta that holds up well in soup. You can customize the veggies based on what you have. Seasonal vegetables add fresh flavor. Try zucchini or bell peppers in summer. In the fall, add squash or sweet potatoes. You can also mix in different greens like kale or chard. They add nutrients and color to your meal. To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Use an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. I suggest dividing it into smaller portions. This way, you can heat only what you need. When reheating, use the microwave or a pot on the stove. Heat it slowly and stir often to warm it evenly. To freeze leftovers, place them in freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top. The soup will expand when frozen. For best results, eat it within three months. When ready to eat, move it to the fridge overnight. This helps it thaw slowly. You can also thaw it in the microwave if you're in a hurry. Reheat on the stove or microwave until hot. This dish lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to check for signs of spoilage. If it smells sour or looks off, throw it away. If you see mold, it’s also time to toss it. Always trust your senses. If in doubt, it’s safer to discard it. Enjoy your meal while it’s fresh! You should cook tortellini for about 30 minutes on low. This timing keeps the pasta from getting mushy. If you leave it too long, the tortellini may break apart. Check them after 20 minutes for doneness. You want them tender but not overcooked. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember to cook it longer. If you use frozen chicken, add an extra hour on low heat or 30 minutes on high heat. This ensures the chicken cooks through. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad. The fresh crunch of greens balances the creamy tortellini. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. Another option is to offer some roasted veggies on the side. They add color and nutrients to your plate. This blog post covered how to make a tasty slow cooker chicken tortellini dish. We discussed the key ingredients like chicken, tortellini, and broth, along with veggies and seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions for a successful cook, highlighting tips for perfect results. Don’t forget, you can easily customize this recipe to fit your tastes. Whether you’re using turkey or adding seasonal veggies, enjoy experimenting! With proper storage, your leftovers will last, making this a great choice for meal prep. Try it out and enjoy a cozy meal!

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini

Discover the deliciousness of Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini with this easy recipe! Packed with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and creamy tortellini, it’s the perfect comfort meal for any day. Just toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you. In just a few hours, you’ll have a hearty dish that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

4 cups chicken broth

1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup heavy cream

2 cups fresh spinach

1 cup carrots, diced

1 cup celery, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions
 

In a slow cooker, combine the shredded chicken, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), carrots, celery, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir to mix everything well.

    Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the vegetables are tender.

      After cooking, add the cheese tortellini to the slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure they are submerged in the broth.

        Pour in the heavy cream and add the fresh spinach. Stir again to combine all ingredients.

          Cover and cook an additional 30 minutes on low, or until the tortellini are cooked through and the spinach is wilted.

            Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.

              Serve hot in bowls, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese on top.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 6 hrs 30 mins | Servings: 6

                  WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?