Creamy Boursin Chicken Spinach Tortellini Slow Cooker Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the best flavor, use a good-quality Alfredo sauce — a rich, creamy one will make a noticeable difference. If you have time, you can make your own Alfredo with butter, cream, and Parmesan.

The Boursin cheese is the key to the herbaceous, garlicky taste, so don't skip it. If you need to, you can substitute with cream cheese and dried herbs, but the flavor will be slightly different.

To make this dish even more convenient, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert the night before and store it in the refrigerator.

In the morning, just place the insert in the slow cooker and turn it on. This is a great make-ahead option for busy days. Just be aware that the cook time may be slightly longer if starting from cold.

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also add a cup of frozen peas or chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the mushrooms for extra flavor and color.
• Use Different Cheese: If you don't have Boursin, use a spreadable garlic herb cream cheese. For the fontina, substitute Gruyère, provolone, or a good melting mozzarella. Each cheese will bring its own character to the sauce.
• Make It Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce before layering. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different flavor profile (just brown it first).
• Swap the Protein: Replace the chicken with 1 1/2 pounds of Italian sausage (casings removed) or ground turkey. Brown the meat in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker to develop flavor and ensure it cooks through.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy sauce.

Freezer

Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Reheat

Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools; when reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it.

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

This recipe can be assembled the night before and refrigerated. Place all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and store in the fridge. In the morning, put the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed.

You may need to add 30 minutes to the cook time because the ingredients start cold. This is a great option for busy weeknights or when you want dinner ready when you get home.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy chicken tortellini as a main dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. The rich sauce is perfect for dipping bread, and a crisp salad with a vinaigrette helps balance the creaminess. For a heartier meal, add a side of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli.

This dish is also great for entertaining. Set up a buffet with the slow cooker and let guests serve themselves. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and extra grated Parmesan. It's a crowd-pleaser that disappears quickly. Pair it with a light white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, for a complete meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Boursin Chicken Spinach Tortellini Slow Cooker

Prep 15 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken breast tenderloins, cubed
• 20 oz fresh spinach-and-cheese tortellini
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 15 oz Alfredo sauce
• 1 wheel garlic-and-fine-herbs Boursin cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded Italian fontina cheese

Instructions

1. Place the cubed chicken breast tenderloins in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Spread the fresh spinach-and-cheese tortellini and sliced cremini mushrooms over the chicken. Pour the Alfredo sauce evenly over the top, making sure to cover the ingredients as much as possible.
2. Place the wheel of garlic-and-fine-herbs Boursin cheese in the center of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the shredded Italian fontina cheese over the top, covering the surface evenly.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or on high for 2 1/2 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the tortellini are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Once the chicken is cooked through, gently stir the mixture to combine the melted Boursin and fontina into the sauce. The sauce should be creamy and well blended.
5. Spoon the creamy chicken and tortellini mixture onto plates or into bowls. Serve immediately while hot, with extra shredded fontina on top if desired.

Contains: gluten, milk, eggs

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

640

Protein

45 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

34 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.