Chicken Tortellini Recipes You’ll Love (Easy, Creamy & Baked)

Explore easy and creamy chicken tortellini recipes—slow cooker, skillet, and baked methods. Perfect for weeknight dinners and crowd-pleasing meals

Why Chicken Tortellini Recipes Are Ideal for Weeknight Dinners

When it comes to comfort food, few meals check all the boxes like chicken tortellini recipes. They’re hearty, satisfying, and versatile. Whether you’re craving a creamy skillet pasta, a baked casserole, or a slow cooker meal, tortellini paired with juicy chicken always delivers.

These dishes are quick to make, family-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights. With store-bought tortellini and leftover chicken, you can whip up restaurant-quality meals in under 45 minutes.

Below, you’ll find three foolproof chicken tortellini recipes—creamy one-pan, baked casserole, and slow cooker—plus expert tips, variations, and FAQs.

Recipe 1: Creamy One-Pan Chicken Tortellini

If you want maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, this creamy chicken tortellini is your go-to recipe. It’s a one-pan wonder—everything cooks in the same skillet, resulting in a luscious, cheesy pasta dish.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)	2 cups
Refrigerated cheese tortellini	20 oz package
Olive oil or butter	2 tbsp
Garlic, minced	3 cloves
Onion, finely chopped	1 small
Chicken broth	1 ½ cups
Heavy cream (or half-and-half)	1 cup
Parmesan cheese, grated	1 cup
Baby spinach	2 cups
Salt & pepper	To taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)	Pinch

Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil, then cook onion and garlic.
2. Add chicken and warm through.
3. Simmer broth and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Cook the tortellini in the broth until tender.
5. Stir in cream and Parmesan until sauce thickens.
6. Fold in spinach and season with spices.

Why It Works: The starch from tortellini naturally thickens the sauce, chicken broth builds flavor, and spinach adds freshness.

Recipe 2: Chicken Tortellini Bake (Casserole Style)

This baked chicken tortellini casserole is perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potlucks. It’s bubbly, cheesy, and comforting.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Cheese tortellini (cooked al dente)	20 oz package
Cooked chicken, shredded	3 cups
Marinara or tomato pasta sauce	2 cups
Ricotta cheese	1 cup
Mozzarella cheese, shredded	2 cups
Parmesan cheese, grated	½ cup
Italian seasoning	1 tsp
Fresh basil	For garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine tortellini, chicken, and marinara in a bowl.
3. Layer the mixture in a casserole dish.
4. Add ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan between layers.
5. Repeat layers and top with cheese.
6. Bake 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Why it Works: Baking creates a crispy, cheesy crust while melding flavors. It’s also a great way to use leftover chicken.

Recipe 3: Slow Cooker (Crockpot) Chicken Tortellini

This slow cooker chicken tortellini recipe is hands-off and hearty—dinner cooks while you go about your day.

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken breasts or thighs	2
Chicken broth	4 cups
Diced tomatoes (canned)	14 oz
Heavy cream	1 cup
Cheese tortellini	20 oz package
Mozzarella or Parmesan cheese	1 cup
Fresh spinach	2 cups
Italian seasoning	1 tbsp
Salt & pepper	To taste

Instructions

1. Add chicken, broth, tomatoes, and seasoning to the slow cooker. Cook 6 hrs on low (or 3 on high).
2. Shred chicken directly in the pot.
3. Stir in tortellini and cream, and cook for 20–30 mins.
4. Finish with spinach and cheese before serving.

ItWhy it Works: The slow cooker keeps chicken juicy and tender while building a rich, flavorful broth.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tortellini Every Time

• Don’t overcook tortellini—it cooks fast (3–7 mins).
• Simmer in broth, cream, or sauce, not plain water.
• Balance richness with spinach, mushrooms, or tomatoes.
• Shred chicken so it blends with pasta.
• Use fresh Parmesan or Pecorino for real depth.
• Batch cook sauces for quick freezer-friendly meals.

Variations & Ingredient Swaps for Chicken Tortellini Recipes

• Add greens like spinach or kale.
• Use sun-dried tomatoes for tangy flavor.
• Try pesto sauce for a herby twist.
• Swap proteins with ground chicken or turkey.
• Make it gluten-free with specialty tortellini.
• Go vegetarian with roasted veggies instead of chicken.
• Low-carb option: replace tortellini with zucchini noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen or refrigerated?
Yes—fresh cooks in 2–3 minutes, so reduce cook time.

2. Is it okay to use leftover or rotisserie chicken?
Yes—shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and boosts flavor.

3. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container for 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth or cream.

4. Can I make these gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes—use gluten-free pasta and coconut or cashew cream.

5. What side dishes pair well with chicken tortellini recipes?
Garlic bread, fresh salad, roasted veggies, or soup are perfect sides.

Wrapping Up Your Go-To Chicken Tortellini Recipes

From creamy skillet pasta to cheesy baked casserole and hands-off slow cooker meals, these chicken tortellini recipes are easy, versatile, and satisfying.

With simple ingredients and room for variations, you’ll never run out of meal ideas. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or craving cozy comfort food, chicken tortellini delivers every time. Try all three versions and discover your new weeknight favorite.