Want a dinner that feels like a million bucks but costs less than twenty? You don’t need expensive ingredients to eat well. This Viral Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Crockpot is my secret weapon for a luxurious family dinner on a real-world budget. It’s a fantastic twist on the classic Marry Me Chicken flavors.
It takes the creamy, dreamy flavors of the famous “Marry Me Chicken” and makes them even easier. We’re using a slow cooker and smart ingredient swaps. The result is pure comfort food that cooks itself while you live your life.
I promise, this chicken pasta will become a weekly favorite. It’s the kind of Italian food that makes everyone ask for seconds. Let’s get into how to make it without breaking the bank.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick look at what you’re making. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal that delivers huge flavor.
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Category: Main Course
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on Low
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
Why This Recipe Saves You Money
I built this recipe from the ground up to be kind to your wallet. Every choice has a purpose. Let me show you where the savings add up.
First, we use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are almost always cheaper than chicken breasts. They also stay incredibly juicy during the long cook time.
Second, we get our creamy sauce from a block of cream cheese and canned broth. This is far cheaper than buying heavy cream and specialty sauces. A jar of sun-dried tomatoes gives a big flavor punch for just a few cents per serving.
Finally, using frozen cheese tortellini is a budget game-changer. Fresh pasta can be pricey. The frozen version works perfectly here and costs less. It’s a complete, satisfying meal in one pot.
My Tips for Smart Shopping on a Budget
These are my go-to strategies for keeping my grocery bill low. A little planning makes a huge difference every month.
Viral Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Crockpot Recipe
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Viral Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Crockpot Recipe!
Nutrition Information
Buy your chicken thighs in bulk when they’re on sale. Portion them into recipe-sized bags and freeze them. Do the same with blocks of cream cheese.
Choose the sun-dried tomatoes that are packed in oil. Use that flavorful oil in the recipe instead of plain olive oil. You get double the use from one ingredient.
Pick up frozen tortellini when you see a sale. It keeps for months. For the herbs, dried basil and oregano are perfect for slow cooking and cost pennies. This creamy base is also perfect for a cozy Marry Me Chicken Soup on another night.
Always check the unit price on the store shelf. The biggest jar of minced garlic is the best value. A large container of grated Parmesan saves money over the small shaker bottles.
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
Here’s everything you need. I bet you have some of this in your pantry already. That makes this meal even more affordable.
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese
- 1 (14.5 oz) can chicken broth (low sodium if you prefer)
- 1 (8.5 oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained (SAVE the oil!)
- 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
The method is wonderfully simple. Your slow cooker does all the hard work. You just get to enjoy the amazing smells all day.
- Start by prepping your chicken. Season the chicken thighs well with salt and pepper. Place them in the bottom of your crockpot.
- Build the sauce right in the pot. Add the whole block of cream cheese, the chicken broth, and the drained sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle in the dried herbs and red pepper flakes.
- Let it cook low and slow. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours. Do not cook on high, as the dairy can separate.
- Shred the chicken. After 4 hours, the chicken will be fall-apart tender. Use two forks to shred it right in the pot.
- Stir in the Parmesan and tortellini. Add the grated Parmesan and the frozen tortellini. Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for another 30-45 minutes.
- Finish with spinach. Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach. It will wilt perfectly in the hot sauce. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve it up! Dish it into bowls with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. That’s it! Your creamy pasta is ready.
How to Use Up Every Last Bit (No Waste!)
I hate throwing food away. Here’s how to make sure every part of this recipe gets used. This is where you really boost your savings.
If you have leftover sauce, freeze it in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop the cubes into a bag. You can thaw one or two for an instant sauce for a quick lunch.
Use the leftover oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. It’s infused with amazing flavor. Drizzle it on salads, use it to sauté vegetables, or brush it on bread for garlic bread.
If your spinach is starting to wilt, don’t toss it. Wilt it down in a pan and add it to morning eggs. You can also blend it into a smoothie.
Stale bread? Make breadcrumbs. Pulse it in a food processor and toast with a little of that sun-dried tomato oil. It makes a fantastic crunchy topping for pasta.
Nutrition Notes
This is a rich, satisfying dish. Here’s a basic look at what you’re getting per serving. These are estimates, as ingredients can vary.
- Calories: ~550
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~25g
- Fiber: ~4g
To lighten it up, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese. You can also add more spinach or serve it with a big side salad. The protein from the chicken and cheese will keep you full.
Common Questions About This Recipe
Here are answers to the questions I get asked the most. They’ll help you make this recipe a success every single time.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but I don’t recommend it for the budget or the result. Chicken breasts are pricier and can dry out in the slow cooker. Thighs stay moist and shred beautifully. They are the better choice for this dish.
My sauce looks a little thin. How can I thicken it?
This is an easy fix. Make a quick slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the crockpot after you add the tortellini. Let it cook for the final 30 minutes. The sauce will thicken up nicely.
Can I prepare any part of this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can chop and measure everything the night before. Store the chicken, cream cheese, and broth mixture in one container in the fridge. In the morning, just dump it all in the crockpot and start cooking. It’s a huge time-saver on busy days.
This Viral Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Crockpot proves that you can have it all. You can enjoy a decadent, crowd-pleasing meal without spending a fortune. It’s the definition of smart, savvy cooking. If you love these flavors, you have to try them on a Marry Me Chicken Pizza for a fun Friday night.
It brings everyone to the table for a family dinner that feels special. The best part is you only have one pot to wash. That’s a win in my book.
I hope this recipe becomes a trusted favorite in your home. Let me know your own money-saving tips for this recipe in the comments below! Please leave a rating!
