If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that comes together with minimal fuss but maximum deliciousness, you’re in for a real treat. This Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe is an absolute game-changer—combining tender slow-cooked chicken, cheesy tortellini, and a luscious spinach-infused cream sauce that wraps around every bite. It’s perfect for those cozy weeknights when you want a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome, bursting with Italian-inspired herbs and spices that lift every mouthful to something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a pantry full of fancy items to make this dish shine—the ingredients are simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create layers of flavor, texture, and color that will have everyone asking for seconds. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the tender chicken, creamy cheeses, or vibrant spinach.
- Olive oil spray: To lightly grease the slow cooker and prevent sticking for easy cleanup.
- 1 ½ lb chicken breast: The hearty protein base that slow cooks to tender perfection, soaking up all the spices and sauce.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Adds rich tomato flavor and a comforting depth to the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory warmth that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon onion granules: Enhances the savory background without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix: A carefully balanced blend of herbs that transports this dish straight to the heart of Italy.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes: Offers just a hint of heat to awaken the flavors.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and simmers the chicken into tenderness.
- 1 lb cheese tortellini: The luscious, cheesy pasta pockets that soak up the creamy sauce delightfully.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts into gooey, stretchy goodness for ultimate comfort.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Creates the rich, velvety sauce that wraps all ingredients in indulgence.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Adds a fresh green pop of color and subtle earthiness.
- â…“ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Sprinkles a salty, nutty finish to elevate the dish right before serving.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Start by giving your slow cooker a quick spritz with olive oil spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze later on. This simple step lays the groundwork for a perfectly cooked, mess-free dish.
Step 2: Layer Your Chicken and Seasonings
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, then pour in the marinara sauce. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes for that signature depth of flavor. Finally, add the chicken broth which will keep everything moist and tender as it cooks slowly on low heat for 4 hours.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once your chicken is cooked through and utterly tender, take it out and shred it with two forks. This shredding step is so satisfying because it transforms simple chicken breasts into tender ribbons that soak up every bit of sauce when returned to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Tortellini and Cream
Stir in the cheese tortellini, shredded mozzarella, and heavy cream directly into the slow cooker. Let these mingle and cook together for an additional 30 minutes so the pasta fully absorbs those rich flavors and the mozzarella melts beautifully, creating the creamy base that makes this casserole irresistible.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
Finally, stir in the baby spinach and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. The spinach wilts gently into the creamy sauce adding freshness, while the Parmesan gives a perfect savory kick. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then you’re ready to serve!
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a pretty presentation and an extra flavor boost, garnish your casserole with freshly cracked black pepper and a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley. These little green pops enhance the dish visually and add a bright, herbal finish that perfectly balances the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
Though this casserole is a hearty one-pot wonder on its own, it pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli to add a bit of crunch and freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting friends or family, serve this Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming personal touch. Alternatively, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs on top and give it a light broil until golden for an unexpected texture contrast that’s absolutely delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delightful, if not more.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, too! Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months—perfect for prepping meals in advance and enjoying quick comfort food whenever you need it.
Reheating
When reheating, thaw the casserole in the fridge if frozen, then warm it gently in the oven or microwave until heated through, stirring occasionally to maintain that creamy, luscious texture without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Definitely! Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it near the end of cooking so your casserole doesn’t become watery.
Is it possible to make this casserole without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a covered casserole dish in the oven at 350°F for about 1 hour or until tender, then proceed with adding the tortellini and other ingredients on the stovetop. It just won’t have the same low-and-slow tenderness but will still be delicious.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy, which works wonderfully with the creamy sauce in this recipe.
What type of tortellini is best for this recipe?
Cheese-filled tortellini is ideal because it melts into the sauce and complements the creamy texture. You can also try spinach or mushroom-filled for a twist but cheese tortellini is classic here.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To add protein, you might toss in some sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based chicken substitute.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe is a heartfelt hug in a bowl—a dish that’s not only bursting with flavor but also brings comforting ease to your dinner table. Whether you’re feeding family or guests, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to meals. Trust me, once you try this creamy, cheesy casserole loaded with tender chicken and vibrant spinach, it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Give it a go and savor every spoonful!
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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
This Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole is a comforting slow-cooker meal featuring tender shredded chicken, cheese-filled tortellini, and a savory tomato cream sauce infused with Italian herbs and spices. Easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, this recipe layers flavors and textures, finishing with fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese for a deliciously creamy and satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Chicken and 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
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups baby spinach
- â…“ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray the slow cooker insert generously with olive oil spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Add Chicken and Seasonings: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes evenly over the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on LOW setting for 4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and infused with the flavorful sauce.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Add Tortellini and Cream: Stir in the cheese tortellini, shredded mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes to cook the tortellini through and meld the creamy texture.
- Finish with Spinach and Parmesan: Add the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine and allow the spinach to wilt slightly in the heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cheese tortellini for convenience; adjust cooking time slightly if using frozen to ensure it’s cooked through.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.
- Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for more tender and juicy meat.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though sauce will be less rich.
