If you are looking for a cozy, indulgent dinner that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of tender chicken, gooey cheese tortellini, and a creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. Each bite sings with comforting flavors, making it the perfect dish to prepare ahead of time and come home to after a busy day. You’ll love how effortlessly the slow cooker turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that truly deserves its charming name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini Recipe relies on a handful of key ingredients that combine to create a luxurious texture and balanced flavor. From the richness of heavy cream to the aromatic punch of fresh garlic and basil, each component plays an essential role.
- 600 g chicken breasts or cutlets: Trimmed for lean, tender protein that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 600 g fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star pasta, providing a satisfying, cheesy bite.
- 1 jar (approx. 200 g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Adds a tangy, sweet depth that brightens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 onion, finely chopped: Creates a savory base with its sweetness when sautéed.
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with an intoxicating aroma and gentle heat.
- 350 ml chicken stock: Builds a flavorful broth that keeps everything moist and delicious.
- 250 ml heavy cream: Brings richness and a silky smooth texture to the sauce.
- 80 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and ummh! – use a little extra for garnish too.
- 15 fresh basil leaves, sliced: Brightens the dish with herbal freshness and color.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter: For browning the chicken and adding lusciousness to the base.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Works alongside butter for a nice sear and flavor boost.
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning mix: Enhances the Mediterranean flair with herbs like oregano and thyme.
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning: Adds a subtle kick that keeps every mouthful interesting.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional): Perfect for thickening the sauce if you prefer a more luscious finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating your slow cooker on the sauté function. Add butter and olive oil, then carefully brown the chicken breasts for about 2 minutes on each side to lock in the juices and create that beautiful caramelized flavor. Once browned, push the chicken to the side and add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic—sauté these just until fragrant, about 1 minute. If your slow cooker doesn’t have a sauté feature, simply add the raw seasoned chicken, onions, and garlic right to the base.
Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce
Next, pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream, followed by the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. This step is where the magic starts happening, as the slow cooker melds all these ingredients together into a rich, savory sauce. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors before moving on.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on High for 3 hours. During this time, the chicken will become irresistibly tender and soak up the creamy sauce. When the cooking time is up, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker with two forks. This way, the chicken will mingle with the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Tortellini
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which melts into the sauce creating an irresistible creaminess. Next, add the cheese tortellini, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly. Cover and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes or until the tortellini is perfectly tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Basil
Finally, fold in the sliced fresh basil leaves for a fresh hit of color and herbal brightness. Switch your slow cooker to the ‘keep warm’ setting so the dish stays at the perfect serving temperature. Just before serving, garnish each bowl with a little extra Parmesan cheese for an elegant, cheesy finish.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Dusting extra freshly grated Parmesan on top adds a lovely salty finish and visual appeal. A few torn basil leaves or even a light drizzle of good olive oil can elevate the presentation and flavor even more, making the dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This rich and satisfying dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance out the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm, crusty bread is an easy and beloved choice for mopping up the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this meal family-style in the slow cooker directly on the table for a casual, inviting feel. Alternatively, plating individual portions in shallow bowls garnished with parsley or microgreens can create a stunning presentation that looks gourmet but is incredibly easy to pull off.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making it taste even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that tortellini may soften slightly upon freezing, but it remains delicious.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming without breaking up the tortellini. If the sauce thickened too much, add a splash of chicken stock or cream to loosen it back up.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini in the Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it first or add it toward the end of the cooking time to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
Is it necessary to brown the chicken before slow cooking?
Browning is optional but highly recommended because it adds wonderful flavor and a richer color to your dish.
Can I substitute chicken for another protein?
Absolutely! Shrimp, sausage, or even a mix of vegetables can be delicious substitutions if you want a different twist on the recipe.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Can this recipe be doubled for a crowd?
Yes, just be mindful of your slow cooker’s capacity. You may need to cook in batches or use a larger cooker to maintain even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes when I want impressive flavor with minimal fuss. It’s cozy, comforting, and indulgent without feeling heavy or complicated. Trust me – once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again for family dinners or casual get-togethers. Give it a whirl, and prepare for lots of happy smiles around your table!
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Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini is a creamy, flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender shredded chicken, cheesy tortellini, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan-infused sauce. Perfect for an easy, comforting dinner with minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this recipe uses your slow cooker to develop deep flavors and tender textures in under four hours.
Ingredients
Meat & Cheese
- 600 g chicken breasts or cutlets, trimmed
- 600 g fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini, thawed if frozen
- 80 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
Produce
- 1 jar (approx. 200 g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and julienned
- 1 onion, finely chopped (about 100 g)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 15 fresh basil leaves, sliced
Liquids & Oils
- 350 ml chicken stock
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Seasonings & Others
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning mix
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken and Sauté Aromatics: Preheat the slow cooker using the sauté function. Add butter and olive oil, then brown the chicken breasts on both sides for about 2 minutes per side until golden. Push the chicken to the side and add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, roughly 1 minute. If your slow cooker does not have a sauté function, skip this step and add the raw chicken, onion, and garlic directly to the slow cooker base.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken stock and heavy cream followed by the drained, julienned sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning mix, Cajun seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the ingredients.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the High setting for 3 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and infuse the sauce with flavor.
- Shred Chicken and Add Cheese and Tortellini: Once the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Add the tortellini, ensuring it is fully submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the tortellini reach a tender, al dente texture.
- Finish and Serve: Fold in the sliced fresh basil leaves to add a fragrant, fresh note. Switch the slow cooker to the ‘keep warm’ setting to hold the dish until serving. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese in each serving bowl for added richness.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little cold water during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Use fresh basil for the best flavor, but dried basil can be substituted in smaller quantity if needed.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you want juicier, more flavorful meat.
- For a lighter dish, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream option.
- Make sure to thaw refrigerated tortellini before adding to ensure even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
