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Slow Cooker Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Tortellini

Slow Cooker Cheesy BBQ Bacon Chicken Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food dinner with tender shredded chicken, smoky barbecue sauce, creamy cheese tortellini, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese all cooked into one cozy family friendly meal.
Print Recipe
Delicious creamy chicken pasta served in a bowl with bread on a wooden table.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:6 hours
Total Time:6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2–3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Seasonings - Place the chicken breasts into the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder over the chicken. This simple seasoning mix gives the chicken a ton of flavor while it cooks low and slow all afternoon. I like to make sure every piece gets coated because it really helps build the flavor from the very beginning.
  • Step 2: Add the Barbecue Sauce - Pour the barbecue sauce and chicken broth over the chicken. Stir gently around the edges just enough to combine the sauce without moving the chicken too much. The barbecue sauce slowly cooks into the chicken and creates this rich smoky flavor that tastes incredible once everything comes together later.
  • Step 3: Add the Bacon - Sprinkle half the cooked crumbled bacon right over the top. Some of it melts into the sauce while cooking and adds a deep smoky flavor throughout the entire dish. Save the rest for topping later because that crispy bacon on top at the end is absolutely worth it.
  • Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender - Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with two forks. One of my favorite parts of slow cooker meals is walking back into the kitchen hours later and smelling dinner already waiting for you.
  • Step 5: Shred the Chicken - Remove the cooked chicken and place it on a plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir it into the barbecue sauce. At this point the chicken is juicy, flavorful, and already smells amazing.
  • Step 6: Add the Tortellini - Stir the refrigerated cheese tortellini into the slow cooker. Be gentle while stirring so the tortellini stay intact and do not break apart. The pasta cooks right in the sauce which helps soak up all that smoky cheesy flavor.
  • Step 7: Stir in the Cream - Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine. This step transforms the barbecue sauce into a creamy rich sauce that coats every bite of chicken and tortellini. It is the part where the whole dish starts looking extra cozy and comforting.
  • Step 8: Melt the Cheese - Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for another 20 to 30 minutes until the tortellini is tender and heated through. The cheese melts into the sauce and makes everything creamy and delicious.
  • Step 9: Finish and Serve - Let the dish sit for a few minutes to thicken slightly before serving. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon right before bringing it to the table. That melty cheese and crispy bacon on top make this look just as good as it tastes.

Notes

Substitutions

  • Chicken thighs instead of breasts: Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and work beautifully in this recipe.
  • Half and half instead of heavy cream: This lightens the sauce slightly while still keeping it creamy.
  • Pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar: Adds a little kick and extra flavor.
  • Frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated: Just add a few extra minutes of cooking time until tender.

Variations

  • Spicy version: Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Extra garlic flavor: Stir in minced garlic for a richer savory taste.
  • Smoky twist: Use smoked cheddar cheese for even more barbecue flavor.
  • Loaded version: Add green onions on top for a little freshness and crunch.

Tips and Tricks

  • Use thick barbecue sauce: A thicker sauce gives the dish a richer flavor and better texture.
  • Do not overcook the tortellini: Add it near the end so it stays tender without getting mushy.
  • Shred the chicken well: Smaller pieces soak up more sauce and flavor.
  • Let it rest before serving: A few minutes helps the sauce thicken beautifully.
  • Cook bacon until crispy: Crispy bacon gives the best texture contrast in the creamy pasta.

Serving Ideas

  • Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up every bit of the creamy barbecue sauce.
  • Simple green salad: Adds a fresh crisp side to balance the richness.
  • Roasted vegetables: Broccoli or green beans pair really well with the smoky flavors.
  • Coleslaw: A cool crunchy side works surprisingly well with the barbecue flavor.
  • Corn on the cob: Makes this meal feel extra cozy and comforting.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

  • Store leftovers properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently: Add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to loosen the sauce.
  • Make prep easier: Cook and crumble the bacon ahead of time to save a step later.
  • Do not freeze: The dairy and tortellini do not hold up well after thawing.
Servings: 6 servings