Crockpot Cheddar Chicken Pot Pie Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food made easy in the slow cooker. This recipe takes everything people love about classic chicken pot pie, tender chicken, creamy sauce, and colorful vegetables, and combines it with soft cheese-filled tortellini and rich cheddar flavor. The slow cooker gently simmers everything together, creating a thick, cozy, and hearty meal that feels homemade without a lot of effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cold days, or anytime you want something warm, filling, and family-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, cheesy, and comforting
- Slow cooker does all the work
- Kid-friendly and filling
- Perfect one-pot meal
- Great for leftovers
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Add the Chicken and Base Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot and season them evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Add the diced onion and minced garlic on top. Pour in the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup, then gently stir to combine everything around the chicken so it cooks evenly and absorbs flavor as it slow cooks.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and very tender. Slow cooking allows the chicken to stay juicy and makes it easy to shred.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it into the creamy sauce so every bite gets coated.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Vegetables
Stir in the frozen vegetables, butter, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich, cheesy pot pie-style base.
Step 5: Add the Tortellini
Gently stir in the cheese tortellini. Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 30–40 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through. Stir once halfway through to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Thicken if Needed
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water and stir it into the crockpot. Let it cook for another 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Cooking Notes
- Cook on LOW for best texture
- Add tortellini at the end so they don’t overcook
- Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother
- Stir gently after adding pasta
Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time
- Swap cheddar for Colby Jack or sharp white cheddar
- Add mushrooms or green beans for extra vegetables
- Use turkey instead of chicken
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or biscuits
- Pair with a simple green salad
- Add extra black pepper or parsley on top
- Great with roasted vegetables on the side
Tips
- Cut chicken into large chunks if you prefer less shredding
- Don’t overfill the crockpot once tortellini are added
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
- Let sit 10 minutes before serving for thicker sauce
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 480 calories – 30g protein – 26g fat – 34g carbs
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, but add a little extra cooking time and check for doneness.
Will this recipe thicken as it sits?
Yes, the sauce thickens naturally as it cools.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but the pasta may soften slightly after thawing.
Can I cook this on HIGH only?
Yes, but LOW gives the creamiest texture.
Is this similar to chicken pot pie?
Yes, it has the same comforting flavor with a cheesy twist.
Conclusion
Crockpot Cheddar Chicken Pot Pie Tortellini is a cozy, creamy, and satisfying meal that brings classic comfort food flavors together in one easy slow cooker recipe. With tender chicken, cheesy sauce, and soft tortellini, it’s a dish the whole family will ask for again and again. Perfect for busy days, leftovers, and comforting dinners that feel homemade without the extra work.