Crockpot Boursin Chicken Marinara Tortellini Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the creamiest sauce, use full-fat Boursin and fontina. Low-fat versions may not melt as smoothly.

If you want a thicker sauce, cook the dish on low for an extra 30 minutes with the lid off to let some liquid evaporate. Conversely, if the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or water before serving.

This recipe is endlessly customizable. Add a handful of fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra greens. Or stir in some cooked Italian sausage for a heartier meal.

You can also swap the chicken for meatballs or use a different flavor of Boursin, like shallot and chive, to change the profile.

Variations

• Spicy Arrabbiata: Use arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara and add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes with the sauce. The heat pairs beautifully with the creamy Boursin and fontina.
• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add 2 cups of baby spinach and 1 cup of sliced mushrooms. Cook on low for 3 hours, or until the tortellini are tender.
• With Sausage: Brown 1 pound of Italian sausage in a skillet, then drain and add to the slow cooker with the chicken. Increase the marinara to 32 ounces to accommodate the extra meat.
• Extra Veggies: Add 1 cup of chopped bell peppers and 1 cup of diced zucchini along with the tortellini. They will soften during cooking and add nutrition and color.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. The flavors will continue to meld, making the leftovers even more delicious.

You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed.

You may need to add 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold. This makes it a true dump-and-go meal for busy mornings.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish as a main course with a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.

For a low-carb option, skip the tortellini and serve the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles or roasted vegetables.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This dish also pairs well with a glass of Pinot Noir or a light Chianti. Leftovers make a great lunch the next day—just reheat and enjoy.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Crockpot Boursin Chicken Marinara Tortellini

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb chicken breast tenderloins, cubed
• 20 oz refrigerated three-cheese tortellini
• 24 oz crushed San Marzano marinara sauce
• 1 wheel (5.2 oz) garlic and fine herbs Boursin cheese
• 1 cup shredded Italian fontina cheese

Instructions

1. Place the cubed chicken breast tenderloins in the bottom of a 6- to 7-quart slow cooker. Spread the refrigerated three-cheese tortellini over the chicken. Pour the crushed San Marzano marinara sauce over the top, making sure the tortellini and chicken are mostly covered.
2. Place the wheel of garlic and fine herbs Boursin cheese in the center of the slow cooker. Scatter the shredded Italian fontina cheese over the top, covering the Boursin and the sauce.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the tortellini are tender. Do not stir during cooking, as this can break up the tortellini.
4. After 4 hours, check that the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer. The tortellini should be tender and the sauce creamy and bubbling.
5. Turn off the slow cooker. Gently stir the mixture to combine the melted Boursin and fontina into the sauce, creating a creamy tomato-cream sauce. Be careful not to mash the tortellini.
6. Spoon the chicken and tortellini into bowls or onto plates. Serve hot, with extra shredded fontina on top if desired.

Contains: gluten, milk, eggs

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

620

Protein

45 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

24 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

9 g

Sodium

1200 mg

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