Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini

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:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness and season generously with a mix of Cajun seasoning and Italian seasoning.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. Shred the Chicken: After cooking, the chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with two forks inside the pot.
5. 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.
6. 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!