Slow Cooker Marry Me Tortellini (Printer-Friendly Version)
Tortellini and tender chicken in sun-dried tomato cream, finished with basil and parmesan for a comforting dinner.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Pasta and Protein
01 -
600 g chicken breasts or cutlets, trimmed
02 -
600 g fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini, thawed if frozen
→ Sauce Components
03 -
1 jar (approx. 200 g) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and julienned
04 -
1 onion, finely chopped (about 100 g)
05 -
4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
06 -
350 ml chicken stock
07 -
250 ml heavy cream
08 -
80 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
09 -
15 fresh basil leaves, sliced
→ Seasonings and Fats
10 -
2 tbsp unsalted butter
11 -
1 tbsp olive oil
12 -
1.5 tsp Italian seasoning mix
13 -
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
14 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
15 -
1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening sauce)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Preheat the slow cooker on sauté function. Add butter and olive oil, then brown chicken on both sides for 2 minutes per side. Move chicken to the side and add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant for about 1 minute. If no sauté function, add raw seasoned chicken, onion, and garlic to the base of the slow cooker.
02 -
Pour in chicken stock, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the chicken and aromatics.
03 -
Cover and cook on High for 3 hours. Once the chicken is tender, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
04 -
Stir Parmesan cheese into the sauce and shredded chicken. Add tortellini, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until tortellini is just tender.
05 -
Fold in basil leaves. Switch slow cooker to the 'keep warm' setting for serving. Optionally garnish with extra Parmesan in each bowl.
# Handy Cooking Tips:
01 -
For optimal flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and freshly minced garlic. If sauce requires thickening, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with a little cold chicken stock and stir in before adding the tortellini.