Can I cook the tortellini from the start ?

Absolutely not recommended. Add it at the end to avoid mush and keep that nice chew.

Can I use turkey or rotisserie chicken ?

Yes. Stir in cooked turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 20 minutes so it warms through without drying.

Use evaporated milk or whole milk. Thicken with a cornstarch slurry to get the same creamy feel.

Add shredded cheese at the end over low heat and stir until just melted. Skip long boils once dairy is in.

Freeze the chicken-sauce base only. Add fresh tortellini after reheating for best texture.

A creamy and cozy crockpot meal featuring tender chicken, fresh or frozen tortellini, and a rich cheddar sauce.

1 tablespoon cornstarch (For thickening)
1 cup half-and-half
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (Add more for topping)
1 cup frozen or fresh tortellini (Add fresh last for tenderness, frozen needs extra time)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Stir together broth, Dijon, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
Spread chopped carrots, celery, onions, and small potato cubes in the base of the greased crockpot.
Nestle chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
Pour the seasoned broth mix over everything.

Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until chicken is fork-tender.
Whisk together cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the hot mixture in the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
Add half-and-half and shredded cheddar, stirring gently until smooth.
Add tortellini and cook on high for an additional 15 to 30 minutes until tender.
Finish with more cheddar on top, taste, and adjust salt as needed.

For the best results, freeze the chicken and sauce base without the tortellini. Add tortellini fresh during the last cooking period.