If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm, delicious hug, the Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This comforting casserole brings together tender chicken breast simmered in a rich, flavorful marinara broth and combined with cheese-filled tortellini, fresh baby spinach, and creamy cheeses to create layers of taste and texture that are simply irresistible. Easy to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners, this recipe blends hearty ingredients and gentle spices into a meal that everyone will love at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the key to making this casserole both delicious and satisfying. Each component plays a unique role, from the juicy chicken that adds protein and heartiness, to the creamy cheeses that meld everything into pure comfort food, while the spinach brings in color and freshness to balance the richness.
- Olive oil spray: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle fruity note for cooking.
- 1 ½ lb chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts): The star protein, tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- 2 cups marinara sauce: Infuses the dish with tomato goodness and a touch of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion granules: Adds layers of flavor and a slight sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix: A perfectly balanced blend of herbs for that classic Italian vibe.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Offers subtle warmth and a pop of color to the casserole.
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes: Adds a gentle kick to awaken your taste buds.
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and forms the base of the sauce.
- 1 lb cheese tortellini: Pillowy pockets of cheesy delight that soak up all those beautiful flavors.
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts into gooey, stretchy goodness that pulls everyone in.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess to every bite.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Adds freshness and vibrant green color for a healthy twist.
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Sharp and nutty, it crowns the casserole with flavor.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Begin by spraying your slow cooker with olive oil spray. This little step keeps everything from sticking and helps with easy clean-up while adding a subtle hint of fruity olive flavor that complements the tomato and herbs perfectly.
Step 2: Layer in the Chicken and Sauce
Place the chicken breasts right into the slow cooker and pour over the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, red chili flakes, and chicken broth. This flavorful mix creates a cozy sauce that gently infuses the chicken as it cooks. Set your slow cooker to LOW and let it go for 4 hours so the chicken becomes tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Shredding allows the meat to soak up even more delicious sauce. Return that shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, stirring to combine.
Step 4: Add Tortellini, Cheese, and Cream
Next, stir in the cheese tortellini, shredded mozzarella, and heavy cream directly into the slow cooker. These creamy, cheesy ingredients transform the dish into a rich, indulgent casserole. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes so the tortellini cooks through and the cheese melts into a luscious sauce.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
Finally, fold in the fresh baby spinach and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top. The spinach wilts gently, adding a lovely green freshness, while the Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty finish. Give everything a final taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this comforting casserole even further, consider garnishing with freshly chopped basil or parsley. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil brightens the dish visually and flavor-wise. These little touches make it feel extra special when sharing with loved ones.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables brings a refreshing balance. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a perfect companion for soaking up every last bit of the creamy, saucy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled until golden and bubbly. This presentation makes the dish feel like a charming, cozy treat. Alternatively, turn it into a layered bake in a large casserole dish for a family-style dinner that’s perfect for sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the spinach from becoming soggy. The flavors actually deepen, making leftovers just as satisfying as the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze the Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe either before or after cooking. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy meals on the go. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally and add a splash of broth or cream if needed to revive the creamy consistency. Be careful not to overheat too fast to keep the tortellini tender and cheese deliciously melted.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen spinach works just fine—just thaw and drain it well before adding. Fresh baby spinach, however, offers a brighter flavor and more vibrant color, which complements the casserole wonderfully.
Is it okay to use store-bought cooked chicken?
Yes, you can substitute cooked chicken to save time. Just add it during the last stage of cooking so it warms through without drying out. Adjust the seasoning and cook times accordingly to keep everything balanced.
Can I make this recipe with a different type of pasta?
Certainly! While cheese tortellini is ideal for its creamy filling, other small pasta shapes like cheese ravioli or even mini shells would work beautifully. Just be mindful of cooking times to ensure pasta cooks through but doesn’t become mushy.
How spicy is this casserole?
It has a gentle warmth from the paprika and red chili flakes—not overpowering but enough to give a little kick. You can adjust or omit the chili flakes to suit your heat preference.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
If you want a lighter alternative, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the casserole will be less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream works well and adds a subtle sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those treasured dishes that feels like comfort food with a touch of elegance. Its inviting blend of tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and fresh spinach will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. Don’t hesitate to make it for your next cozy night in, and watch as it brings smiles and satisfied sighs all around the table.
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Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Spinach Tortellini Chicken Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with marinara sauce and Italian seasonings are combined with cheese tortellini and a luscious creamy sauce. Finished with fresh baby spinach and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this casserole is rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare using a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Chicken & Sauce
- Olive oil spray
- 1 ½ lb chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion granules
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
Pasta & Cheese
- 1 lb cheese tortellini
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Coat the slow cooker insert generously with olive oil spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion granules, Italian seasoning, paprika, red chili flakes, and chicken broth. Cover and cook on LOW heat for 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it well with the sauce.
- Add Tortellini and Cheese: Stir in the cheese tortellini, shredded mozzarella, and heavy cream into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 30 minutes until the tortellini is tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Finish with Spinach and Parmesan: Add the baby spinach and grated Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cheese tortellini as preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly if using frozen.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten free, substitute with gluten-free tortellini.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
