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Slow Cooker Tortellini Casserole with Cheesy Chicken & Pesto

Slow Cooker Tortellini Casserole with Cheesy Chicken & Pesto

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Enjoy a hassle-free meal with our Slow Cooker Tortellini Casserole with Cheesy Chicken & Pesto—comfort food made easy! This dish combines tender tortellini, succulent chicken, and a burst of flavor from the pesto, creating a delightful meal that will excite your taste buds and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheesy Tortellini:

  • 1 pound cheese-filled tortellini

Chicken Breasts:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pesto:

  • 1 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)

Spinach:

  • 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen)

Enchilada Sauce:

  • 1 cup enchilada sauce

Shredded Cheese:

  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Garlic:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Onion:

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. If using fresh spinach, wash and chop it as well. Prepare your chicken breasts by cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Layer the Slow Cooker: In the bottom of the slow cooker, layer the chicken pieces, followed by the chopped onion, minced garlic, and spinach evenly across the surface.
  3. Add the Sauces: Pour the pesto and enchilada sauce over the layered ingredients, ensuring everything is well-coated with flavor.
  4. Include the Tortellini: Add the tortellini on top, gently pressing it into the sauce mixture without stirring to prevent clumping.
  5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  6. Add Cheese and Serve: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and cover for the cheese to melt. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the time to ensure the tortellini does not become mushy.
  • Layer Ingredients: Layering instead of stirring at the beginning prevents the tortellini from clumping together.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and herbs for enhanced flavor.
  • Adjust for Thickness: If you prefer a thicker casserole, reduce the amount of enchilada sauce slightly.
  • Taste as You Go: Give the mix a taste before serving and add seasoning if needed.

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