If you have been searching for a dish that brings together comfort, flavor, and a touch of elegance, look no further than this Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s a luscious combination of tender chicken, rich cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach, all enveloped in a creamy, savory sauce. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this casserole offers a heartwarming experience with every bite. The blend of Italian seasonings and a hint of spice elevate this dish beyond the ordinary, making it a fast favorite in my kitchen and hopefully yours too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the protein-packed chicken to the creamy cheeses and vibrant spinach, these simple elements come together harmoniously to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- Olive oil spray: Helps prevent sticking in the slow cooker and adds a hint of richness.
- 1 ½ lb chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts): The hearty protein base that becomes tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Adds a tangy tomato depth and moisture to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory profile with easy garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion granules: Contributes mild sweetness and aromatic richness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix: Invokes classic Mediterranean herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant color.
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes: Provides a gentle kick of heat without overpowering.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist and infuses savory depth.
- 1 lb cheese tortellini: Pillowy pasta pockets filled with cheese add both texture and indulgence.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully, creating creamy, gooey pockets throughout the dish.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Turns the sauce luxuriously smooth and rich.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a mild leafy flavor that balances the richness.
- â…“ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Delivers a sharp, nutty punch that ties everything together just right.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Slow Cooker and Ingredients
Start by giving your slow cooker a light coat of olive oil spray. This simple step helps prevent any sticky situations while also adding a touch of flavor. Next, place your seasoned chicken breasts right into the cooker. This sets the stage for a juicy, tender protein base that will soak up all the delicious seasonings.
Step 2: Adding the Sauce and Seasonings
Pour in the marinara sauce and sprinkle the garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes over the chicken. Then add your chicken broth for moisture and depth. This combination forms an aromatic, flavorful liquid bath that gently infuses the chicken as it cooks low and slow.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
Set your slow cooker to LOW and let everything simmer away for 4 hours. This is where the magic happens—the chicken transforms into juicy, fork-tender perfection, absorbing all those amazing herbs and spices.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Add Tortellini
Carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, then stir in your cheese tortellini, shredded mozzarella, and heavy cream. This step introduces a creamy, cheesy texture and heartiness from the pasta. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the tortellini to cook through and the sauce to thicken beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
Toss in the fresh baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese right at the end. Stir gently until the spinach wilts just enough, adding a lovely green contrast and a boost of nutrients. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving your creamy, comforting casserole.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley make stunning garnishes that add a fragrant, fresh note to the casserole. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil can also elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a one-dish wonder, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread makes the meal even more satisfying. The fresh crunch or crispy texture wonderfully contrasts the creamy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try serving this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a little extra cheese and a sprig of rosemary. Another fun twist is to spoon the casserole over roasted vegetables or alongside a bowl of soup for a cozy feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze before adding the spinach and Parmesan, then add those fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of cream or broth if the casserole seems a little thick, and stir in fresh spinach to revive the greens.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen spinach can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water diluting the creaminess of the casserole.
Is it possible to use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Cheese tortellini is traditional and delicious here, but cheese ravioli or even small shells work wonderfully too.
Can I substitute the chicken breast with another protein?
Turkey breast or even cooked sausage can be delicious alternatives if you want to mix things up.
How spicy is this recipe with the red chili flakes?
The red chili flakes add just a mild heat that complements the dish rather than overpowering it. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Do I need a slow cooker to make this recipe?
While the slow cooker makes it so easy and hands-off, you could adapt the recipe for the stovetop with some additional stirring and attention.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe has become a beloved staple in many homes thanks to its comforting richness, ease of preparation, and wonderful flavor combinations. Give it a try when you want a satisfying, fuss-free meal that feels special and leaves everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you make it, it’s going to be one of those dishes you reach for again and again.
Print
Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a savory marinara and seasoning blend, combined with cheese tortellini, creamy mozzarella, and fresh spinach for a hearty meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken & Sauce
- 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
Pasta & Cheese
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup heavy cream
- â…“ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Vegetables
- 2 cups baby spinach
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Coat the inside of the slow cooker pot with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning mix, paprika, red chili flakes, and chicken broth. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring to combine with the sauce.
- Add Tortellini and Cream: Stir in the cheese tortellini, shredded mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on LOW to allow the tortellini to cook through and the cheese to melt.
- Finish with Spinach and Parmesan: Add the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Stir until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cheese tortellini depending on availability.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red chili flakes.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and leftovers reheat well.
- Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end can enhance flavor.
