Introduction to Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini
I know how precious time can be, especially on weekdays when everyone is rushing around. That’s why my heart sings for the Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini. This dish isn’t just easy to prepare; it’s a creamy, dreamy embrace for your taste buds that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Imagine coming home to the aroma of deliciousness filling your kitchen, just waiting to impress your loved ones. With minimal effort, you have a meal that says “I care,” making it perfect for any romantic dinner or family gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini
This Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini is a true lifesaver for busy weeks! Not only does it pack a punch of flavor, but it also allows you to set it and forget it. Just toss in the ingredients, and let the slow cooker work its magic while you savor precious moments with your loved ones. The creamy sauce and tender tortellini create a dish that’s sure to win hearts, making every dinner feel special.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini
Gathering the right ingredients is half the battle, and for this delightful Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini, you don’t need to hunt for exotic items. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts or cutlets: They add protein and a satisfying bite to our dish.
- Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini: Opt for fresh for that unbeatable taste, but frozen works well too, just remember to thaw it.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: These provide a sweet and tangy punch; drain and julienne them for better texture.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion adds depth and sweetness to the sauce, making it more flavorful.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a fragrant punch that complements the creaminess beautifully.
- Chicken stock: It forms the base of our sauce, adding richness and moisture.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, creamy texture you’ll fall in love with.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty flavor; remember to save some for garnishing!
- Basil leaves: Fresh basil lends a fragrant touch that brightens the dish; slice it for a burst of freshness.
- Unsalted butter: For browning the chicken and sautéing the onions, it adds fabulous flavor.
- Olive oil: Great for sautéing, this oil complements the butter perfectly.
- Italian seasoning mix: This is a quick way to inject classic Italian flavors right into your meal.
- Cajun seasoning: For a little kick and extra flair; adjust to your taste and spice preference.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
- Cornstarch (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, add this at the end; it’s a handy trick!
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where I’ve made them available for printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini
Step 1: Sauté Chicken and Aromatics
To kick things off, we need to sauté the chicken and aromatics. Start by preheating your slow cooker on the sauté function. Add the butter and olive oil, letting them melt into a luscious pool of flavor. Carefully place the chicken in the pot, browning it on both sides for about two minutes. This step is essential; browning adds depth to the dish. Once your chicken is perfectly golden, move it to one side of the cooker. Time to add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic! Sauté them until they become fragrant, around a minute. This combination fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma that’s hard to resist. If your slow cooker doesn’t have this function, just toss everything in raw. Don’t worry, the magic will still happen!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Next, it’s time to layer in the flavors. Gently pour in the chicken stock, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring they mingle nicely. The sun-dried tomatoes bring a zesty sweetness that complements the cream beautifully. Now sprinkle in your Italian seasoning mix and a dash of Cajun seasoning. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This will enhance every element in your Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini. Give everything a gentle stir, ensuring the chicken is well-coated in this delightful sauce before covering it. Trust me, as those flavors develop, your taste buds will thank you later!
Step 3: Cook and Shred Chicken
With all the ingredients combined, cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on high for about three hours. This is when the magic truly happens. The chicken will become tender, making it easy to shred directly in the pot. Once the time is up, take two forks and pull the chicken apart until it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces. This keeps it juicy and flavorful, soaking up all that amazing sauce. Plus, there’s no need for a separate bowl, making it super convenient. With the chicken shredded, your dish is one step closer to becoming a creamy delight that’s sure to impress!
Step 4: Add Tortellini
Now we’re going to introduce the star of the show—tortellini! Carefully add the fresh or thawed cheese tortellini to the slow cooker, ensuring they’re fully submerged in the creamy sauce. This will help them absorb all the rich flavors while they cook. Cover the pot again and let them cook for an additional fifteen minutes. It’s a short wait, but it’s so worth it. When time’s up, check the tortellini for tenderness; they should be perfectly al dente. You’ll love how simple this step is in putting together a delicious meal with minimal hassle.
Step 5: Finish with Basil
It’s time to give your Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini a fresh finish! Gently fold in the sliced basil leaves. Their bright aroma will elevate the dish and add a pop of color. Stir just until the basil is evenly incorporated, and then switch the slow cooker to the ‘keep warm’ setting. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you prepare for serving. To make it extra special, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top of each bowl before serving. Trust me, this final touch will make it look like you’ve put in hours of effort, but you’ll know it only took a fraction of the time!
Tips for Success
- Prep ingredients ahead of time—having everything ready will save you stress!
- Use a digital thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F for safety.
- For more flavor, let the dish sit on ‘keep warm’ for 30 minutes before serving.
- Adjust seasonings to match your family’s palate—skip the Cajun if you’re serving kids!
- Double the recipe for leftovers; this dish reheats beautifully!
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker: Essential for this dish; any model will work, but larger capacities are convenient.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy board is key for chopping chicken, onions, and garlic.
- Knife: A sharp chef’s knife makes prep quick and effortless.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Useful for precise ingredient measurements, or just eyeball it!
- Two Forks: Perfect for shredding the chicken right in the pot.
Variations of Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to keep it hearty yet meat-free.
- Gluten-Free Twist: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a full dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a flavorful heat in every bite.
- Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a low-fat alternative for a guilt-free treat.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a unique taste profile that still brightens the dish.
- Cheese Lovers: Mix in different cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese for added creaminess and flavor complexity.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette for balance.
- A side of garlic bread will make it a complete Italian feast everyone will love.
- Serve with a glass of your favorite white wine for an elegant touch.
- For presentation, sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top for a lovely finish.
FAQs about Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini
Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it beforehand. Fresh tortellini delivers the best flavors, but frozen works wonderfully too.
How do I store leftovers of Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble them in the slow cooker later. This makes for a great weeknight solution when you’re busy!
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini?
Consider pairing it with a light salad, some garlic bread, or even steamed vegetables for a delicious, balanced meal.
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini?
Yes! Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can last for about two months in the freezer.
Final Thoughts
The Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini truly embodies the joy of cooking—a blend of simplicity, flavor, and love. Every aspect, from the creamy sauce to the tender tortellini, makes each meal an unforgettable experience. I find myself smiling at the dinner table, watching family and friends delight in a dish that requires minimal effort yet feels like a warm embrace. Whether it’s a cozy date night or a bustling weeknight dinner, this recipe brings everyone closer together, creating delicious memories that linger long after the last bite. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t want to serve anything else!
Print
Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini that is perfect for a romantic dinner.
Ingredients
- 600 g chicken breasts or cutlets, trimmed
- 600 g fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini, thawed if frozen
- 1 jar (approx. 200 g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and julienned
- 1 onion, finely chopped (about 100 g)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 350 ml chicken stock
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 80 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 15 fresh basil leaves, sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning mix
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat the slow cooker on sauté function. Add butter and olive oil, then brown chicken on both sides for 2 minutes per side. Move chicken to the side and add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant for about 1 minute. If no sauté function, add raw seasoned chicken, onion, and garlic to the base of the slow cooker.
- Pour in chicken stock, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the chicken and aromatics.
- Cover and cook on High for 3 hours. Once the chicken is tender, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
- Stir Parmesan cheese into the sauce and shredded chicken. Add tortellini, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until tortellini is just tender.
- Fold in basil leaves. Switch slow cooker to the ‘keep warm’ setting for serving. Optionally garnish with extra Parmesan in each bowl.
Notes
- This recipe works best with fresh tortellini, but frozen can be used if thawed beforehand.
- Adjust the seasoning according to taste.
- For a thicker sauce, consider adding cornstarch as needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
