This creamy, dreamy Crock Pot Chicken Tortellini Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. Forget the hours spent stirring on the stovetop; this recipe lets your slow cooker do the work, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked tortellini, and rich Alfredo sauce create a harmonious blend of flavors that will quickly become a family favorite.
What Makes this Crock Pot Chicken Tortellini Alfredo Recipe So Special?
This recipe stands out because it simplifies a classic dish without compromising on flavor. Using a slow cooker allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld beautifully. The result is a richer, more cohesive taste than you'd get from a quicker stovetop method. Plus, the hands-off cooking means you can focus on other things while dinner practically makes itself!
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (16 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 (16 oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add Flavor: Sprinkle the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Pour the Alfredo sauce, Rotel, and chicken broth over the chicken. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.
- Add Tortellini: Add the frozen tortellini to the slow cooker. Stir to combine with the sauce.
- Simmer Until Cooked: Cover and cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through and heated through.
- Stir in Parmesan: Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, absolutely! This recipe is designed to work perfectly with frozen tortellini. Just add it to the slow cooker during the final stage of cooking and allow it to heat through.
What kind of tortellini should I use?
Cheese tortellini is the classic choice for this recipe, but you can experiment with other fillings like meat or spinach and ricotta if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture in the slow cooker the day before. Store it in the refrigerator overnight, then add the tortellini and cook as directed on the day you plan to serve it. However, note that the tortellini may become slightly softer if cooked too far ahead.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Parmesan is traditional, you could experiment with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Romano for a different flavor profile. However, be sure to choose a cheese that will melt well in the sauce.
What if I don't have Rotel?
You can omit the Rotel, or substitute it with an equal amount of diced tomatoes, or even a can of diced green chilies. This will slightly alter the flavor, making it less spicy.
This Crock Pot Chicken Tortellini Alfredo recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity, delicious flavor, and minimal cleanup make it a perfect weeknight meal. Enjoy!
