Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Tortellini (Printable)
Creamy tortellini and chicken simmered with basil pesto and melted cheeses for an easy family-friendly weeknight meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
→ Pasta
02 - 18 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
→ Dairy
03 - 1 cup heavy cream
04 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
05 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
→ Pesto & Seasonings
07 - ½ cup basil pesto sauce
08 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning
10 - ½ tsp salt
11 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ Vegetables
12 - 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
13 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
# How to Cook:
01 - Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
02 - Arrange the cubed chicken breasts evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to coat.
03 - Scatter the minced garlic over the seasoned chicken, then distribute the cubed cream cheese in small dollops across the top.
04 - Pour the heavy cream and basil pesto sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir gently to combine all ingredients without disturbing the chicken layer too much.
05 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 3 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
06 - After 3 hours, stir in the cheese tortellini, halved cherry tomatoes (if using), and chopped baby spinach. Fold gently to incorporate without breaking the tortellini.
07 - Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the surface of the casserole.
08 - Cover and continue cooking on low for an additional 30 to 45 minutes, until the tortellini is cooked through and the cheese on top is fully melted and bubbly.
09 - Stir the casserole thoroughly before serving to distribute the melted cheese and sauce evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The slow cooker does nearly all the work while you go about your day, and the results taste like you stood over a stove for hours.
- Creamy, cheesy, and packed with Italian flavor, this dish wins over picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.
02 -
- Adding the tortellini too early will turn it to mush, so wait until the final 45 minutes before stirring it in.
- Resist the urge to lift the lid during the first 3 hour cook, because each peek lets precious heat escape and extends the cooking time.
03 -
- Use a five to six quart slow cooker for best results, since a smaller one will overflow and a larger one will cook too quickly.
- Dice the cream cheese small so it melts evenly and does not leave cold pockets in the sauce.