Slow Cooker Tortellini Casserole with Cheesy Chicken & Pesto
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this Slow Cooker Tortellini Casserole with Cheesy Chicken & Pesto. Packed with flavors and textures, this effortless dish is perfect for busy nights when you crave something hearty yet simple to prepare.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb Chicken Breast, chopped
Pasta
- 16 oz Tortellini
Sauces and Spreads
- 1 cup Pesto Sauce
- 8 oz Cream Cheese
Cheese
- 2 cups Shredded Cheese
Vegetables
- 1 cup Spinach or Bell Peppers, chopped
Liquids
- 2 cups Chicken Broth
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by chopping the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and preparing any vegetables you wish to include. This ensures even cooking and enhances the overall flavor.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, layer the chicken, tortellini, pesto sauce, cream cheese, and vegetables. Pour in chicken broth to keep everything moist during cooking.
- Cook: Set your slow cooker on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally if possible, to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Add Cheese: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top. Cover and let it melt to achieve that gooey, cheesy topping.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh pesto and vegetables enhance the overall taste of the casserole.
- Stir Occasionally: If possible, give the ingredients a gentle stir during cooking to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Adjust Liquid Levels: If you prefer a thicker casserole, reduce the amount of broth added.
- Experiment with Cheese: Mix different types of cheese for a unique flavor combination.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg