Imagine coming home to a mouthwatering aroma of Italian-inspired goodness that practically cooks itself! This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Tortellini is the ultimate weeknight dinner hack that combines tender, juicy chicken, cheesy tortellini, and rich marinara sauce into one irresistible dish. Perfect for busy families and food lovers who want maximum flavor with minimal effort, this recipe will transform your slow cooker into a gourmet kitchen miracle that'll have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated tortellini
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure they are completely covered and coated with sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW heat for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the marinara sauce.
- Add the refrigerated tortellini to the slow cooker, gently stirring to ensure they are submerged in the sauce and mixed with the shredded chicken.
- Cover and continue cooking on LOW for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the tortellini are soft and heated through.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the dish.
- Cover and let the cheese melt for 5-10 minutes until it's fully melted and slightly bubbly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy your Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Tortellini!
Tips
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Use fresh chicken breasts and a marinara sauce you truly love, as these will be the foundation of your dish's flavor.
- Don't overcook the tortellini: Add them later in the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy. The 30-45 minute window is crucial for perfect texture.
- For extra flavor, consider briefly searing the chicken breasts before placing them in the slow cooker to enhance the depth of taste.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid reduction.
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and richer flavor.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Experiment with different cheese blends or add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 110mg
