Creamy Crockpot Chicken Tortellini (Printable)

A rich, creamy slow cooker meal with tender chicken, cheese tortellini, and vegetables.

# What You'll Need:

→ Poultry & Produce

01 - 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 medium carrots sliced
03 - 1 medium yellow onion diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic minced
05 - 2 cups baby spinach

→ Soup Base & Dry Seasonings

06 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz) or half-and-half
08 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Pasta & Dairy

11 - 1 lb refrigerated cheese tortellini
12 - 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/2 cup cream cheese cubed softened

# Directions:

01 - Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
02 - Add sliced carrots, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to the cooker. Stir gently to distribute seasonings.
03 - Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
04 - Remove cooked chicken breasts and shred using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker.
05 - Stir in evaporated milk (or half-and-half) and cubed cream cheese. Mix until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
06 - Add tortellini and baby spinach to the pot. Stir, cover, and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until tortellini is tender and spinach is wilted.
07 - Stir in Parmesan cheese just before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It is the ultimate low-effort dinner that tastes like you spent hours at the stove.
  • The creamy broth is so good you will be tempted to drink it straight from the bowl.
02 -
  • If you cook the tortellini too long, they will start to fall apart, so keep an eye on the pot during the last 20 minutes.
  • High fat content in cream cheese prevents it from curdling in the slow cooker.
03 -
  • Using a low-sodium broth gives you total control over the salt level.
  • Stir the spinach in at the very end to keep it bright green.

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