Preparing Crockpot Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini is a delightful experience that transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful meal. This easy dinner option is ideal for those busy weeknights when time is precious.
With tender chicken combined with crispy bacon, and infused with zesty seasonings, this dish stands out for its simplicity and taste. The creamy ranch sauce envelops the tortellini, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that is both satisfying and comforting.
What makes this pasta dish even more appealing is that it’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it an excellent choice for a quick yet delicious meal.
What Is Crockpot Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini
Crockpot Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini is a delicious slow cooker dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, cheese-filled tortellini, and a creamy ranch sauce. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Jump to RecipeINGREDIENTS Needed
1 lb chicken breast
1/2 tsp each of salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder
1 TBSP ranch seasoning
1 TBSP minced garlic
1 jar Alfredo Sauce
Cooked/chopped bacon (6 pieces)
1 cup shredded cheese (I used Monterey Jack)
1 19 oz bag frozen tortellini
How to Make Tortellini with Bacon and Chicken:
To create a delightful Crockpot Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini dish, start by spraying your crockpot with cooking spray. This ensures nothing sticks and makes cleanup easier. Next, place the chicken into the crockpot and add your seasonings and minced garlic. For a rich flavor, pour in a jar of Alfredo sauce. Personally, I love using Rao’s Alfredo Sauce for its creamy texture and taste.
Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for 4-6 hours. My crockpot usually finishes around 4 hours, but crockpots can vary. Ensure the internal temp of the chicken reaches 165 degrees to be safe. This step is crucial as undercooking chicken can be harmful.
Once cooked, shred the chicken or cut it into small cubes. I prefer cubing as it mixes well with the other ingredients. Add a bag of frozen cheese tortellini to the crockpot. Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack cheese and cooked crumbled bacon on top.
Switch the crockpot to high and cook for another 20-30 minutes until the tortellini is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is well combined in the sauce.
This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread and steamed mixed veggies. For a balanced meal, you can also serve it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful meal with your family.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini
To store Crockpot Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini, use an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the cooled tortellini in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready to eat, defrost in the refrigerator. To reheat, use the microwave for the best results.
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variations of Chicken Tortellini Pasta:
Cooking tortellini dishes is always a delightful experience. One of my favorite ways to mix things up is to swap the cheese tortellini for meat tortellini or even another type of pasta. This dish is incredibly versatile and easy to customize. For instance, you can use penne, rotini, or cavatappi. All of these work really well in the recipe.
Another fun way to switch things up is by experimenting with different types of cheese. Sharp cheddar, Parmesan, or pepperjack can add a delicious addition to your meal.
If you want to leave out the chicken and/or bacon, that’s perfectly fine. This recipe is adaptable to many preferences. You can make it a vegetarian pasta or even add some ground beef or cooked shrimp for a different touch.
Adding some veggies can also enhance the flavor and nutritional value. Fresh, cooked broccoli, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes would make a tasty addition.
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Helpful Tips
When making Crockpot Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini, there are a few key tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly. Start by using shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Though this is my preferred choice, any cheese will do the job just fine.
It’s crucial to cook chicken until it reaches 165 degrees to ensure it’s safe to eat. Use your favorite jar of Alfredo sauce for a rich, creamy base. This step is essential for achieving that perfect flavor balance.
Serve your dish with a side of garlic bread, and for a touch of freshness, add some veggies or a salad. This not only complements the meal but also adds a variety of textures and nutrients.
For the pasta, I usually go for frozen cheese tortellini. However, if you have access to fresh tortellini, it works just as well. Both options bring their own unique taste to the dish.
Finally, if you want the bacon to stay crispy, add it right before serving. This ensures it maintains its texture and doesn’t get soggy in the sauce.
These tips, drawn from personal experience, will help you create a delicious and satisfying Crockpot Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini that will impress your family and friends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Crockpot Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini offers a delightful and convenient dining experience, perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty seasonings creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying.
The creamy ranch sauce binds the dish together, making each bite rich and flavorful. With a preparation time of just 25 minutes, this recipe is ideal for those looking for a quick yet delicious meal.
The versatility of the dish allows for various adaptations, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring it remains a family favorite. Whether served with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables, this meal is sure to impress and provide a hearty, home-cooked feel.
Crockpot Chicken Bacon Ranch Tortellini
Ingredients
- 1 TBSP ranch seasoning
- 1 jar Alfredo Sauce Cooked/chopped bacon 6 pieces
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1/2 tsp each of salt pepper,
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 19 oz bag frozen tortellini
Instructions
- Start by placing chicken breasts in a crockpot. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and ranch seasoning.
- Add a tablespoon of minced garlic and two jars of Alfredo sauce.
- Next, cook the chicken on low for about four hours. Once done, shred or cube the chicken and return it to the crockpot. Stir in about a cup of shredded cheese.
- While the chicken is cooking, cook the spaghetti in a pot of water on the stove according to the directions on the box.
- Once the spaghetti is ready, add the cooked pasta to the crockpot. Stir everything together. Top the dish with cooked chopped bacon. Enjoy your delicious meal!