Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Tortellini
This Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Tortellini is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner. Chicken breasts slowly cook in your favorite red pasta sauce, then get combined with creamy Boursin cheese and tender tortellini for a cheesy, comforting meal that takes very little hands-on time.
If you love an easy crockpot dinner, this Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Tortellini needs to be on your list! It starts with just a few simple ingredients, including chicken breasts, your favorite red pasta sauce, garlic salt, and Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese.
The chicken cooks low and slow until tender, and then the magic happens. The chicken is removed while the Boursin cheese is stirred into the pasta sauce, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce for the tortellini. Add the chicken back in, finish it with plenty of mozzarella cheese, and you have a cozy dinner that feels like you spent much more time in the kitchen than you actually did.
I love using cheese tortellini, but you can easily switch it up with your favorite flavor. It's an easy recipe to customize based on what your family likes or what you already have in the refrigerator.
why you'll love this recipe:
-Minimal prep
-Easy crockpot dinner
-Only a handful of ingredients
-Creamy and cheesy
-Family-friendly
-Easy to customize
-Perfect for busy weeknights
📝 Ingredients
- 1 jar your favorite red pasta sauce
- 1.5–2 lb chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- 1 round Boursin Garlic & Fine Herbs cheese
- 10–12 oz cheese tortellini, or your favorite flavor
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
- Fresh parsley, optional, for serving
👩🍳 Directions
- 1
Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the jar of pasta sauce over the chicken. Then pour 1/4 cup of chicken broth into the pasta sauce jar, shake it up, and pour it in. Then sprinkle in the garlic salt.
- 2
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- 3
Once the cook time is up, remove the chicken from the crockpot and set aside. Stir the Boursin cheese into the pasta sauce until melted and creamy.
- 4
Add the tortellini to the crockpot and stir to coat it in the sauce. Cover and continue cooking on LOW until the tortellini is tender.
- 5
While the tortellini cooks, slice or shred the chicken. Add it back to the crockpot, stir everything together, and let it all cook for about 5 more minutes.
- 6
Stir in shredded mozzarella, or sprinkle it over the top and let it melt.
- 7
Top with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
📸 More Photos
💡 Tips for Success
- Use your favorite pasta sauce: Since the pasta sauce is the base of this recipe, use a jarred sauce you already love.
- Don’t add the tortellini too early: The tortellini goes in after the chicken has finished cooking so it doesn’t become overly soft or mushy.
- Customize the tortellini: Cheese tortellini is my favorite, but spinach and cheese, three cheese, or another variety will work too.
- Shred or slice the chicken: Both work! Shredding lets the chicken mix throughout the creamy tortellini, while slicing gives you bigger pieces in each serving.
- Make it extra cheesy: Stir mozzarella directly into the finished dish or sprinkle it over the top and let it melt.
- Keep an eye on the tortellini: Cooking times vary by brand and whether you use refrigerated or frozen tortellini, so check it as it cooks and remove it once tender.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken?
For food safety and cooking consistency, I recommend using thawed chicken breasts for this recipe rather than adding frozen chicken directly to the crockpot.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes. You can use frozen tortellini, but it may take longer to become tender than refrigerated tortellini. Keep an eye on it and cook until tender.
Can I use a different Boursin flavor?
Absolutely! Garlic & Fine Herbs is my favorite, but other Boursin flavors can work well depending on the flavor profile you want.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Tortellini works especially well because it cooks quickly and adds a cheesy filling to the dish. If substituting another pasta, keep in mind that cooking times will vary.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts. The cooking time may vary slightly, so cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and is tender.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
You can freeze the finished dish, although the texture of the tortellini and creamy sauce may change slightly after thawing and reheating. For the best texture, I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerated.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers would all be easy additions. Keep in mind that vegetables can change the amount of liquid in the finished dish.
What should I serve with cheesy chicken tortellini?
This is a hearty meal on its own, but it's delicious with garlic bread, a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli.
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Made this recipe?
Tag me on Instagram @holleyinthekitchen — I'd love to see it!Recipe from Holley in the Kitchen: https://holleyinthekitchen.com/recipe/crockpot-cheesy-chicken-tortellini