When you need a meal that’s creamy, cozy, and effortless, Creamy Crockpot Tortellini is the answer. Toss everything into your slow cooker, let it do the work, and come back to a bowl of cheesy, flavorful goodness. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving something warm and satisfying, this dish is a winner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Hands-off cooking – Let the crockpot do all the work.
- Ultra creamy – Rich sauce that coats every bite of tortellini.
- Family-friendly – A dish that both kids and adults will love.
- Easy to customize – Swap proteins, veggies, or sauce flavors.
Ingredients
You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:
- Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Cream cheese (for that velvety texture)
- Heavy cream and chicken broth (to create a luscious sauce)
- Italian sausage or shredded chicken (for extra heartiness)
- Spinach or kale (adds freshness and color)
- Garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning (for extra flavor)
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Tortellini
Brown the Sausage
If using Italian sausage, cook it in a pan until browned. Drain any excess grease.
Load Up the Crockpot
Add tortellini, cooked sausage (or chicken), garlic, onion, seasonings, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Let It Cook
Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1.5–2 hours, until the tortellini is tender.
Add the Creamy Goodness
Stir in cream cheese, heavy cream, and spinach. Let it cook for another 10–15 minutes, until everything is melty and combined.
Serve and Enjoy
Dish it up hot, with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini – Both work! Frozen may need extra cooking time.
- Don’t overcook – Once the tortellini is tender, turn off the crockpot to prevent mushiness.
- Want a thicker sauce? Add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water before serving.
- Extra cheesy? Stir in shredded mozzarella for more gooey goodness.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Make it vegetarian – Skip the meat and use vegetable broth.
- Add mushrooms – They add a great earthy flavor.
- Spicy kick – Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Swap proteins – Use shredded rotisserie chicken or even ground beef.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs perfectly with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted veggies. For a cozy meal, serve it with a side of warm soup.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
- Microwave option – Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
- Not freezer-friendly – The creamy sauce doesn’t hold up well after freezing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just add 30–45 minutes of extra cooking time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep all the ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before and refrigerate. Just start cooking when you’re ready.
How do I keep the sauce from separating?
Make sure to stir in the cream and cheese at the end, not too early.
Can I use a different pasta?
Tortellini works best, but you can try ravioli for a similar texture.
Conclusion
This Creamy Crockpot Tortellini is pure comfort food—rich, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or something special to feed a crowd, this recipe will never disappoint. Try it today and enjoy every creamy bite!
Print
Rich and Velvety Crockpot Tortellini: A Comforting Creamy Delight
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours (low) or 1.5–2 hours (high)
- Total Time: 3–4 hours (low) or 1.5–2 hours (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy Crockpot tortellini is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that requires minimal effort. Filled with tender cheese tortellini, a rich and creamy sauce, and a perfect blend of spices, this dish is ready to serve in just a few hours. It’s the ultimate cozy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of the Crockpot with olive oil (optional).
- Add Ingredients: Place the tortellini, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the Crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or on high for 1.5–2 hours, until the tortellini is tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Finish the Dish: Once cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less chicken broth or add extra Parmesan cheese.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, but the sauce may be thinner.
- Frozen tortellini works just as well as fresh and can be added directly without thawing.
- For added flavor, you can stir in some cooked chicken or sausage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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