If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chicken cooked to perfection and shredded into a luscious, creamy sauce filled with tender cheese tortellini, fresh baby spinach, and a blend of Italian seasonings that brighten every bite. This dish brings together comfort, flavor, and a satisfying texture that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a special family meal. It’s not just a casserole; it’s a celebration of flavors that’s easy to prepare and even easier to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully selected to build layers of flavor and create a creamy, luscious base. From the hearty chicken breasts to the tender cheese tortellini and vibrant spinach, these ingredients come together to make a dish that’s as delicious as it is inviting.
- Olive oil spray: Used to prevent sticking, ensuring an easy cleanup and non-stick slow cooker surface.
- 1 ½ lb chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts): The essential protein that gets tender and juicy during slow cooking, forming the hearty base.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Adds a rich tomato flavor that envelops the chicken and brings a tangy sweetness to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Introduces a warm depth of flavor without overpowering the casserole.
- 1 teaspoon onion granules: Provides a subtle savory note complementing the garlic perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix: A fragrant blend of herbs that gives the casserole its distinctive Italian soul.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky undertone.
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes: Offers a gentle spicy kick to awaken the palate.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Keeps everything moist while boosting the savory flavors.
- 1 lb cheese tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that soaks up the creamy sauce and adds a delightful bite.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts perfectly to create that ooey-gooey cheese layer everyone loves.
- ½ cup heavy cream: The secret to making the sauce irresistibly creamy and indulgent.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Bright green and nutritious, it softens into the casserole to add freshness and color.
- â…“ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the whole dish.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Slow Cooker and Chicken
First things first, give your slow cooker a good spritz of olive oil spray. This simple step avoids any sticking and helps with easy serving later. Next, place your chicken breasts right in the slow cooker. They’re the star protein, so make sure they’re evenly spaced for consistent cooking.
Step 2: Layering the Flavors
Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, followed by sprinkling garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red chili flakes. These spices and herbs create a complex flavor base that’ll develop beautifully as the chicken cooks. Pour in the chicken broth, which will help keep the meat moist and tender on low heat for 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become shreddable.
Step 3: Shredding and Returning the Chicken
Once your chicken is fall-apart tender after those 4 long hours, carefully remove the breasts from the slow cooker. Grab two forks and shred the meat right on a plate or cutting board—it should be so soft it pulls apart easily. Then, return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker, soaking in all the luscious sauce.
Step 4: Adding the Tortellini, Cheese, and Cream
Here’s where the dish truly becomes a creamy masterpiece. Stir in the cheese tortellini, mozzarella cheese, and heavy cream to the slow cooker. The tortellini will cook perfectly in that sauce, becoming tender and cheesy in about 30 minutes. The cream and mozzarella melt together, giving the casserole a rich, velvety texture that makes every bite heavenly.
Step 5: Finishing with Spinach and Parmesan
For a fresh and vibrant finish, toss in the baby spinach and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese. The spinach will wilt gently in the heat, adding color and a healthy dose of greens without overpowering the creamy goodness. Taste, then adjust seasoning if needed—you want every spoonful to have balanced flavor and just the right cheesy kick.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of crushed red chili flakes can also add a bit of flair and warmth, making the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but if you want to go the extra mile, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are fantastic for soaking up any leftover sauce, adding a crunchy contrast to the creamy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family-style meal, serve the casserole straight from the slow cooker or your baking dish. If you’re hosting guests, portion it into individual ramekins and bake until golden on top for a beautiful presentation. You could even layer it in clear serving dishes to show off the colorful layers, tempting everyone before that first delicious bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just cover the container tightly with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. The flavors even deepen overnight, making for a second meal that tastes just as amazing.
Freezing
Love meal prepping? Freeze leftovers in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the casserole completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor. When you thaw it, the creaminess and tender pasta stay intact, making reheating a breeze.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed casserole gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Cover it while reheating to keep moisture locked in, ensuring your Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe remains just as comforting as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh baby spinach?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the casserole. Fresh spinach gives a nice texture and color, but frozen works fine if you’re in a pinch.
Is there a way to make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Start by cooking the chicken breasts in a large skillet with the marinara and seasonings, simmer until cooked through, then shred the chicken and add the tortellini, cream, and cheeses. Cover and cook until the tortellini is tender, then stir in spinach and Parmesan at the end.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
You can try using cooked turkey or even sausage, but keep in mind the flavor profile will change. Chicken keeps things classic, but feel free to get creative based on your preferences.
What kind of tortellini works best? Fresh or frozen?
Both fresh and frozen cheese tortellini work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re using fresh, as it cooks faster and can become overdone if left too long.
How spicy is this casserole?
The red chili flakes add a gentle warmth without overwhelming the dish. If you prefer it milder, reduce or omit the chili flakes; if you like more kick, feel free to add a bit more!
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe is the kind of dish that quickly becomes a household favorite because it’s comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend treat, this casserole hits all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
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
This Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty slow cooker meal that combines tender shredded chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach in a flavorful marinara-based sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy, hands-off recipe perfect for busy days and family dinners.
Ingredients
Proteins and Dairy
- 1 ½ lb chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup heavy cream
- â…“ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Vegetables and Greens
- 2 cups baby spinach
Pantry and Seasonings
- Olive oil spray
- 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
Instructions
- Spray the slow cooker: Coat the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pour in the marinara sauce and add garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, red chili flakes, and chicken broth. Stir lightly to combine the seasonings and sauce around the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours to allow the chicken to become tender and absorb all the flavors.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it evenly with the sauce.
- Add Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini, shredded mozzarella, and heavy cream into the slow cooker. Cover again and cook for an additional 30 minutes to let the tortellini cook through and the cheese melt into the creamy sauce.
- Finish the Dish: Add the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Stir until the spinach wilts and combines with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy spinach tortellini chicken casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable; just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before adding.
- For a spicier dish, increase the red chili flakes to your preference.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 15 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve a larger crowd; adjust slow cooker size accordingly.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
