Crockpot Chicken Tortellini (Print View)
Tender chicken and cheese tortellini simmer in a savory, herb-infused creamy broth for a hearty, family-friendly meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Poultry
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 cups baby spinach
03 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Soup Base
06 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 1 can evaporated milk or half-and-half
08 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Tortellini
11 - 1 lb refrigerated cheese tortellini
→ Dairy
12 - 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
13 - 1/2 cup cream cheese, cubed, softened
# How To Make It:
01 - Place the whole chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the sliced carrots, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
02 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when it is tender enough to be easily shredded.
03 - Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, then return the shredded chicken to the pot.
04 - Stir the evaporated milk (or half-and-half) and the cubed cream cheese into the slow cooker. Mix continuously until the cream cheese has melted completely and the broth is smooth and creamy.
05 - Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and baby spinach to the mixture. Stir well, cover, and cook on high heat for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. Wait until the tortellini is tender and the spinach has wilted.
06 - Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese just before serving. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The broth becomes incredibly rich and savory without needing constant attention
- It is a complete meal in a single bowl that even picky eaters devour
02 -
- Do not add the tortellini at the beginning or it will completely disintegrate
- Full fat dairy helps prevent the sauce from separating during the long heating process
03 -
- Sautéing the onions and garlic in a pan before adding them adds a depth of flavor
- Stir the spinach in at the very end so it stays bright green and fresh