Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of creamy Alfredo sauce, tender shredded chicken, and perfectly cooked tortellini - all prepared with minimal effort in your trusty crock pot! This mouthwatering Italian-inspired dish is about to become your new go-to comfort meal that will have your family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent looking for an easy dinner solution, or simply someone who loves delicious, hassle-free cooking, this Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Tortellini is about to revolutionize your meal planning!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 package cheese tortellini
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by preparing your ingredients. Gather 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 jar of Alfredo sauce, 1 package of cheese tortellini, 1 cup of frozen peas, 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring even coverage.
- Pour the entire jar of Alfredo sauce over the chicken in the crock pot, making sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 4 hours. This slow cooking process will ensure the chicken becomes tender and infused with the flavors of the Alfredo sauce.
- After 3 hours of cooking, prepare the cheese tortellini according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling water and cooking the tortellini until they float to the top, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Once the 4 hours of cooking time is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot.
- Add the cooked tortellini and the frozen peas to the crock pot. Gently stir everything together, ensuring the tortellini and peas are well mixed with the chicken and Alfredo sauce.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese over the top of the mixture in the crock pot. Stir again to incorporate the cheese into the dish, allowing it to melt and create a creamy texture.
- Cover the crock pot again and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the peas to heat through.
- Once finished, give the mixture a final stir. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve the Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo Tortellini warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian meal!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality Alfredo sauce and cheese tortellini for the best flavor.
- Chicken Preparation: For extra flavor, you can lightly brown the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the crock pot, though this step is optional.
- Prevent Overcooking: Check the chicken's internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F without becoming dry.
- Tortellini Timing: Add tortellini towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Cheese Tip: For an extra creamy texture, use a blend of Parmesan and another melting cheese like mozzarella.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dish can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Customize: Feel free to add additional vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 120mg
