If you’re looking for a recipe that will win over your loved one’s heart, the Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini is the perfect choice. This easy-to-make dish combines rich ingredients in a decadent sun-dried tomato cream sauce with fresh basil and tender chicken. It’s the ideal meal to prepare when you want something comforting, flavorful, and sure to leave a lasting impression.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
3 hours 15 minutes
Total Time:
3 hours 30 minutes
Course:
Main Course
Servings:
6
Author:
Mallory Austin
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs chicken breasts
- 18 oz fresh or refrigerated tortellini (if frozen, thaw first; choose a filling like 4-cheese or Italian sausage)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (plus extra for seasoning chicken)
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (plus extra for seasoning chicken)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1 (8.5 oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes, julienned
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (whisked into the chicken stock)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ⅔ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 oz fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season generously with a mix of Cajun seasoning and Italian seasoning.
- Sauté (Optional):
- If your slow cooker has a sauté function, melt the butter and olive oil on “high” and brown the chicken for 2 minutes on each side.
- Push the chicken to the side and sauté the onion and garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- If your slow cooker doesn’t have this function, skip the browning step and place the seasoned raw chicken, onion, and garlic directly in the slow cooker (omit the butter and oil).
- Slow Cook:
- Pour the chicken stock mixed with cornstarch, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
- Cover and set the slow cooker to “High” for 3 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: After cooking, the chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with two forks inside the pot.
- Add Tortellini and Parmesan: Stir in the Parmesan cheese, then add the tortellini, making sure it is submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for another 15 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.
- Finish with Fresh Basil: Stir in the fresh basil leaves and switch the slow cooker to the “keep warm” setting. Serve garnished with additional Parmesan if desired.
Skillet Option:
If you prefer making this dish in a skillet, simply follow these steps:
- In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Cook the seasoned chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until fully cooked, then set it aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant, then add the sun-dried tomatoes and seasonings.
- Pour in the chicken stock (with 1 tbsp cornstarch) and heavy cream, bringing it to a low simmer. Let the mixture thicken.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook the tortellini uncovered for 5-7 minutes, or until tender.
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini is not only packed with flavor, but it’s also easy to prepare, making it perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home. With its creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your household!