If you’re searching for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s a dreamy blend of tender, slow-cooked chicken, luscious cheese tortellini, and vibrant spinach, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce bursting with Italian flavors. Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests without a fuss, this casserole combines the best textures and tastes into one irresistible dish that’ll quickly become a beloved staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this recipe to create layers of flavor and texture that are truly unforgettable. Each component plays a key role, bringing balance, creaminess, or a pop of freshness to the casserole.
- Olive oil spray: To keep the slow cooker ready without sticking—easy and healthy.
- 1 ½ lb chicken breast: The hearty protein base that soaks up all the fantastic flavors.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Adds a tangy, tomato-rich depth to the creamy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses aromatic warmth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion granules: Gives a subtle, natural sweetness enhancing the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix: A blend of herbs that captures the essence of classic Italian cuisine.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Brings a mild smoky kick and beautiful color.
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes: Just enough heat to gently awaken your taste buds.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and adds savory richness.
- 1 lb cheese tortellini: Pillowy pasta stuffed with cheese, delivering comfort in every bite.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts to a gooey, stretchy goodness.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates that silky, indulgent texture integral to this casserole.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Offers vibrant green freshness and nutrients without overwhelming the dish.
- â…“ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds sharp, nutty flavor for a perfect finish.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker
Begin by spraying your slow cooker with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This little step ensures your casserole comes out perfectly without any mess.
Step 2: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Place the chicken breasts gently in the slow cooker. Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle the garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes all over. Finally, add the chicken broth, which will keep everything tender and juicy as it cooks. Set it on LOW and let it work its magic for 4 hours.
Step 3: Shred That Chicken
Once wonderfully cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them right in your kitchen with forks or shredding claws. This shredding is key because it will spread all the hearty flavors throughout the casserole. Toss the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini and Cream
Now stir in the cheese tortellini, mozzarella, and heavy cream. This is where the creamy richness builds, creating an irresistible texture. Cook everything together for an additional 30 minutes so the tortellini becomes perfectly tender and the sauce thickens just right.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
Finally, stir in the fresh baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. The spinach wilts gently into the casserole, adding a burst of color and lightness. Adjust any seasonings to your taste, and your creamy, hearty dish is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Top the casserole with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan to enhance the presentation and amplify the flavors. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds a lustrous finish that will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette or crunchy garlic bread to scoop up every last creamy bite. Roasted veggies such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts also provide a lovely contrast to the rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole family-style in a rustic baking dish to encourage lively sharing, or spoon individual portions into pretty ramekins for a polished dinner party feel. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes can add delightful texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, making it perfect for quick lunch or dinner options.
Freezing
This Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe freezes well before the final spinach and Parmesan addition. Freeze in portions, then thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and finishing with fresh spinach and cheese.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or on low heat in a covered skillet to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until thoroughly warm and creamy once again. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems thick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out the excess water before adding it near the end to avoid making the casserole watery.
What type of cheese tortellini works best?
Any cheese-filled tortellini you prefer will work, though classic ricotta and mozzarella fillings give the best creamy results for this recipe.
Can I make this casserole in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes covered with foil, then uncover for 15 minutes to brown the top. Adjust cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tortellini tender.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a gentle kick from the red chili flakes and paprika but nothing too overpowering. You can always adjust the spice level to your preference.
Can I substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Chicken thighs work great as well, lending even more juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe is the perfect mix of comforting flavors and easy prep that feels like a special occasion anytime you want. Whether you’re feeding family or a crowd, it’s destined to be a favorite you’ll return to again and again. So grab your slow cooker and dive into this deliciously creamy, cheesy delight – I promise you won’t regret it!
Print
Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and creamy slow cooker casserole featuring tender chicken breast, cheese tortellini, and fresh baby spinach simmered in a flavorful marinara sauce blended with Italian spices and finished with mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Olive oil spray
- 1 ½ lb chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion granules
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups baby spinach
- â…“ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Spray and Prepare the Slow Cooker: Coat the interior of the slow cooker with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook the Chicken and Sauce: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Add the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning mix, paprika, red chili flakes, and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine and ensure the chicken is well-coated. Cover and cook on LOW heat setting for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and chicken to become tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker using tongs. Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, stirring it into the sauce.
- Add Tortellini, Cheese, and Cream: Stir in the cheese tortellini, shredded mozzarella, and heavy cream into the slow cooker mixture. Cover and continue cooking on LOW for an additional 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the cheeses have melted, creating a creamy texture.
- Finish with Spinach and Parmesan: Add the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker. Stir gently to wilt the spinach and evenly distribute the cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot directly from the slow cooker or transfer to a serving dish.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the red chili flakes to taste.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach; just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding.
- Use low-fat cream or milk for a lighter version, but this will affect creaminess.
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, this recipe can be adapted for the oven by baking covered at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 to 1.5 hours, but adjust times accordingly.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
