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Slow Cooker Marry Me Ravioli

Slow Cooker Marry Me Ravioli is a rich and cozy crockpot dinner made with tender chicken, a creamy sun dried tomato sauce, and cheese filled ravioli. It is an easy hands off meal that feels like something you would order at your favorite Italian spot.
Print Recipe
Delicious chicken pot pie with flaky crust, tender chicken, vegetables, and savory gravy. Perfect co.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:4 hours
Total Time:4 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 8 ounces cream cheese cubed
  • 25 ounces frozen cheese ravioli
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Step 1: Season the Chicken - Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder evenly over the chicken. This is your flavor foundation, so take a second to make sure everything is nicely coated.
  • Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce Base - Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the seasoned chicken. Add the chopped sun dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes. Give everything a gentle nudge with a spoon just to make sure the liquid is spread out, but do not worry about stirring too much yet.
  • Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese for Richness - Scatter the cubed cream cheese over the top. It does not have to be perfect. The cubes will melt down into the sauce as everything cooks and create that creamy texture we are after.
  • Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender - Cover and cook on low for about three to four hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork. This is where the slow cooker really earns its keep. Let it do the work.
  • Step 5: Shred the Chicken and Return It to the Sauce - Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart easily. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir it into the creamy sauce so every piece gets coated.
  • Step 6: Stir in Ravioli and Parmesan - Add the frozen cheese ravioli and the shredded Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker. Gently stir to coat the ravioli in the sauce without breaking them apart. This is where things start to feel like dinner instead of a sauce situation.
  • Step 7: Finish Cooking Until Ravioli Is Tender - Cover and cook for another thirty to forty minutes, just until the ravioli are tender and heated through. Give it one last gentle stir, let the sauce settle for a few minutes to thicken, and then serve it up while it is hot and cozy.

Notes

Substitutions

  • Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs work great here and stay extra juicy in the slow cooker.
  • Half and half: You can use half and half instead of heavy cream if you want a slightly lighter sauce.
  • Tortellini: Cheese tortellini can be used in place of ravioli for a similar cozy result.
  • Mozzarella: Shredded mozzarella can replace Parmesan for a milder, meltier finish.

Variations

  • Add spinach: Stir in fresh spinach at the end for a little green and a boost of freshness.
  • Make it spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes if your crew likes a little more heat.
  • Extra cheesy top: Sprinkle mozzarella over the top and let it melt in before serving for a gooey finish.

Tips and Tricks

  • Add ravioli at the end: This keeps the pasta from getting too soft and breaking apart.
  • Stir gently: Ravioli are tender, so fold them into the sauce instead of stirring aggressively.
  • Let it rest: The sauce thickens as it sits for a few minutes, so give it a moment before serving.
  • Taste and adjust: A quick taste at the end lets you add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.
  • Use a liner: A slow cooker liner makes cleanup feel like a small gift to your future self.

Serving Ideas

  • With garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
  • With a simple salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness of the dish.
  • With roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli or green beans make an easy side.
  • With a glass of something cold: Lemon water or iced tea cuts through the creaminess nicely.

Storage and Make Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerate leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
  • Reheat gently: Warm on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
  • Make ahead base: Cook the chicken and sauce ahead, then add ravioli when you are ready to finish cooking for best texture.
  • Portion for lunches: This reheats well for next day lunches that actually feel like a treat.
Servings: 6 servings