Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Tortellini is the kind of recipe that makes slow cooking truly rewarding. It delivers rich, creamy comfort with minimal hands-on effort, which is exactly what I look for on busy days. I first tried this dish when I needed something filling and family-friendly without spending hours in the kitchen, and it quickly became a regular part of my meal rotation.
What makes this recipe stand out is the way the flavors develop slowly in the crockpot. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, the sauce turns silky and well-balanced, and the tortellini absorbs just enough flavor without becoming overly soft. I have tested this recipe with both fresh and refrigerated tortellini, and both work beautifully. It is a reliable, satisfying meal that feels indulgent while still being practical for weeknight cooking.
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Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Tortellini – A Creamy, Effortless Comfort Meal
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A creamy, comforting crockpot chicken alfredo tortellini made with tender slow-cooked chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and rich Alfredo sauce—perfect for an easy hands-off dinner 😄.
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 (700 ml) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 450 g refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the crockpot.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring well.
- Add the tortellini, gently mixing to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 20–30 minutes, until tortellini is tender.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Do not overcook tortellini to avoid mushy texture.
- You can add spinach or broccoli for extra vegetables.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast
Boneless, skinless chicken breast is ideal for slow cooking. It becomes tender and easy to shred, absorbing the Alfredo sauce as it cooks.
Cheese tortellini
Cheese-filled tortellini adds heartiness and texture. It turns this dish into a complete, filling meal without the need for additional sides.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream forms the base of the Alfredo sauce, creating a rich and smooth texture that coats every ingredient evenly.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth helps thin the sauce slightly and prevents it from becoming too heavy while adding savory depth.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese melts into the sauce, giving it body and a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cream.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds sharpness and enhances the classic Alfredo flavor. It also helps thicken the sauce naturally.
Garlic
Garlic provides warmth and aroma, infusing the sauce with savory flavor as it cooks slowly.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning brings a balanced blend of herbs that complement the creamy sauce and chicken.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors and should be adjusted at the end to taste.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds mild heat and complexity without overpowering the dish.
Fresh parsley
Parsley adds freshness and a light herbal finish just before serving.
Directions
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Season them with salt, black pepper, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the cream cheese in small pieces on top.
Cover and cook on low for four to five hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the crockpot. Stir well to combine the sauce until smooth.
Add the tortellini and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. Cover and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender. Stir once halfway through cooking to prevent sticking. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves six people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes. Cooking time is about four and a half hours on low, with an additional 30 minutes after adding the tortellini. Total time is roughly five hours.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a small splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Variations and Customizations
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Tortellini is very flexible and easy to adapt. For added vegetables, I often stir in steamed broccoli or spinach during the final cooking stage. Mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes also add depth and texture.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can replace part of the heavy cream with half-and-half. For extra richness, adding a small amount of butter at the end enhances the sauce’s smoothness. Those who enjoy bold flavors can mix in roasted garlic or a pinch of nutmeg. You can also use spinach or mushroom-filled tortellini to vary the flavor without changing the cooking method.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 34 g |
| Fat | 29 g |
| Saturated Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Add tortellini last
This prevents overcooking and keeps the pasta tender.
Shred chicken thoroughly
Well-shredded chicken blends better with the sauce.
Adjust thickness at the end
A splash of broth or milk can easily loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, but add a few extra minutes to the final cooking time.
Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on high for about two and a half hours before adding tortellini.
Will the sauce curdle?
No, slow and gentle heat keeps the sauce smooth.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and add extra richness.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the creamy flavor is mild and appealing.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes, broccoli, spinach, or peas are great additions.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Extra Parmesan cheese helps thicken the sauce naturally.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, it reheats well with a little added liquid.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Freezing is not recommended, as cream sauces can separate.
What can I serve with this?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs well.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken Alfredo Tortellini is a dependable, comforting recipe that delivers creamy flavor with very little effort. Perfect for busy days or relaxed family dinners, it is a dish you can rely on for consistent, satisfying results every time.
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