Description
A cozy, hands-off slow cooker casserole of tender chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, vibrant basil pesto, and melted cheeses, finished with spinach for a comforting, family-friendly meal. Trust me, you’re going to love this, it’s worth every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup basil pesto
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Your Equipment: Set the slow cooker to Low heat. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat while you prep other ingredients.
- Combine Ingredients: Lightly season chicken with salt and pepper. Add a splash of oil to the hot skillet and sear the chicken 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown, then remove and slice or shred as desired.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Place the seared chicken into the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and pesto. Add minced garlic and half of the Parmesan. Stir gently to combine into a creamy sauce base.
- Assemble the Dish: Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 3 to 4 hours until chicken is tender. About 40 minutes before serving, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir gently to combine.
- Cook to Perfection: Continue cooking for 30 to 40 minutes until tortellini are tender but not mushy and the spinach has wilted into the sauce. Check seasoning and add salt and pepper if needed.
- Finishing Touches: Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top. Cover for 10 minutes to allow cheese to melt and form a gooey finish. If desired, broil briefly in an oven-safe dish for a golden top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon portions into bowls or onto plates, garnish with a drizzle of olive oil or fresh basil leaves, and serve with garlic bread or a crisp salad. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.
Notes
- Brown the chicken first: Searing adds flavor and depth to the final dish.
- Add tortellini later: Stirring them in near the end keeps them tender and prevents mushiness.
- Adjust consistency: If the casserole is too thick, loosen with warm chicken broth before serving.
- Storage tip: Cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: tortellini, slow cooker, chicken, pesto, cheesy casserole, comfort food, make-ahead