Want a dinner that feels like a million bucks but costs less than twenty? This Viral Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Crockpot is my secret weapon. It turns a few simple ingredients into a creamy, dreamy meal that everyone will beg you to make again. If you love easy, all-in-one crockpot meals, you have to try this classic crockpot chicken with potatoes and green beans.
You don’t need expensive ingredients to eat well. This recipe proves it. It takes the cozy, romantic vibes of the famous “Marry Me Chicken” and makes it a practical, hands-off family dinner. Your slow cooker does all the hard work while you save money and time.
Let’s dig into how this dish delivers maximum comfort with minimal cost. I’ll show you my smart shopping tricks and how to make sure nothing goes to waste. Get ready for the easiest, most satisfying chicken pasta you’ll ever make.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick look at what you’re making. It’s the kind of meal that makes your whole house smell amazing.
- 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 around saving cash without sacrificing flavor. Every choice has a budget-friendly reason behind it.
First, we use chicken thighs. They are often cheaper than breasts and stay incredibly juicy in the slow cooker. Using a bag of frozen cheese tortellini is a game-changer. It costs a fraction of fresh pasta and cooks perfectly in the sauce.
The creamy sauce gets its richness from pantry staples. A block of cream cheese and a can of condensed soup create that luxurious texture. You don’t need heavy cream or fancy cheeses. A jar of sun-dried tomatoes adds a big flavor punch for just a few cents per serving.
My Tips for Smart Shopping on a Budget
These are the habits that keep my grocery bill low every single week. They make fancy-feeling meals like this possible.
Always buy your chicken thighs in bulk or family packs. Portion and freeze them yourself for the best price. Choose frozen cheese tortellini over refrigerated. The quality is great for slow cooking, and the price is better.
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
Get sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil from the jar, not the dry bag. The oil adds flavor, and you can use it in the recipe. Buy generic or store-brand cream cheese and condensed soup. There is no taste difference here.
Keep an eye on your spice rack. Using dried herbs you already have is always free. Grow your own basil or parsley on a windowsill to finish the dish for pennies. For another fantastic herb-forward chicken dish, check out this Crockpot Garlic Herb Chicken.
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
Check your pantry first. You might already have half of this list. That’s the beauty of simple, good food.
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 (20 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water with bouillon)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (plus 1 tbsp of the oil)
- 1 tsp each: dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil to garnish (optional)
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
This could not be easier. The slow cooker is the ultimate budget tool because it makes cheaper cuts of meat tender and delicious.
- Start by prepping your chicken. Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your crockpot. Season them well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried basil, and oregano.
- Build the sauce right in the pot. Add the whole block of cream cheese, the can of condensed soup (don’t add water), the chicken broth, and the tablespoon of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. Drop in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Do not stir.
- Let the slow cooker work its magic. Cover and cook on LOW for 3.5 hours. The cream cheese will soften and melt into the other liquids to form a rich sauce.
- Shred and stir. After 3.5 hours, the chicken will be fall-apart tender. Use two forks to shred it right in the pot. Give everything a good stir. The sauce should be smooth and combined.
- Add the pasta and cheese. Stir in the frozen tortellini and the grated Parmesan cheese. Cover and cook on LOW for another 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is heated through and tender.
- Serve and enjoy. Give it a final taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs if you have them. That’s it! Your incredible, creamy pasta is ready.
How to Use Up Every Last Bit (No Waste!)
Stretching your food budget means getting creative with leftovers and scraps. Here’s how I do it.
If you have any leftovers, they reheat beautifully. Add a splash of broth or milk when warming to loosen the sauce. You can also freeze portions of this in airtight containers for up to 3 months. It’s a ready-made freezer meal for a busy night.
Use leftover sun-dried tomato oil for salad dressings or to sauté vegetables. It’s packed with flavor. If you have extra fresh herbs, chop them and freeze them in ice cube trays with a little water or olive oil. Pop out a cube to add to soups or sauces later.
Nutrition Notes
This is hearty comfort food, but here’s a basic look at what you’re getting per serving. These are estimates.
- Calories: ~550-600
- Protein: ~35g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~25g
- Fiber: ~3g
Common Questions About This Recipe
Here are answers to the questions I get asked most about this dish.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can, but I don’t recommend it for budget or texture reasons. Chicken breasts are often more expensive and can dry out in the slow cooker. Thighs stay moist and are more forgiving. If you must use breasts, reduce the initial cook time to 2.5 hours on LOW before shredding.
My sauce seems too thick. What should I do?
This is an easy fix! Just stir in a little more chicken broth, milk, or even water, a quarter-cup at a time, until it reaches your preferred creaminess. The pasta will also soak up sauce as it sits, so you may need to do this with leftovers too.
Can I make this without a crockpot?
Yes, you can make a stovetop version. Cook the chicken thighs in a Dutch oven, then shred. Add the sauce ingredients (except pasta) and simmer until combined. Finally, cook the tortellini separately according to package directions and stir it in. It will be faster but require more hands-on attention.
This Viral Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Crockpot is proof that you can eat incredibly well on a tight budget. It brings everyone to the table for a family dinner that feels special. The slow cooker makes it easy, and the ingredients make it smart. If you’re looking for a chicken dish with a bright, elegant twist, you’ll love this Crockpot Chicken Piccata.
I hope this recipe becomes a regular in your rotation. It’s the kind of creamy, comforting Italian food that makes weeknights something to look forward to. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s gone viral with budget cooks everywhere.
Let me know your own money-saving twists for this recipe in the comments below! Did you try a different pasta or add extra veggies? Please leave a rating!
