Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken breasts.
- Cut the softened cream cheese into cubes and scatter them over the chicken. Don't worry if they don't melt completely right away—they will as the chicken cooks!
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable with a fork.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the heavy cream and tortellini.
- Cover and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and heated through. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, as they can become mushy.
- If you're using spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
For best results, don't overcook the tortellini; add them during the last 15-20 minutes. Adjust sauce consistency with chicken broth or a cornstarch slurry. Use high-quality ingredients for optimal flavor. Customize the recipe with different vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for longer storage. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or substitute the chicken for Italian sausage.
