A comforting, cheesy, and incredibly easy pasta dish made in the slow cooker. This Creamy Crockpot Tortellini is packed with Italian flavors and perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. It’s hearty, satisfying, and loaded with creamy goodness that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s incredibly easy to prepare, with minimal hands-on time.
The crockpot does most of the work, making it perfect for busy days.
The combination of cheese tortellini, Italian sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce is irresistible.
It’s versatile, allowing for ingredient swaps to suit your taste.
The dish is a crowd-pleaser and great for feeding a family or hosting guests.
Ingredients:
1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
2 cups marinara sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Prepare the Base
I start by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet until it’s fully cooked and crumbled. After draining any excess grease, I set it aside.
Layer in the Crockpot
In a 6-quart slow cooker, I combine the cooked sausage, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Then, I give it all a good stir.
Cook
I cover the crockpot and let it cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours. Stirring occasionally ensures everything cooks evenly.
Add the Tortellini and Cream Cheese
Once the sauce is hot and bubbling, I stir in the cheese tortellini and cubed cream cheese. I cover the slow cooker again and cook on LOW for another 20-30 minutes, just until the tortellini is tender and the cream cheese has melted into the sauce.
Finish with Spinach and Cream
I stir in the fresh spinach, heavy cream, and shredded mozzarella cheese. After 5-10 minutes, the spinach wilts, and the cheese melts perfectly.
Serve
I serve the tortellini warm, often garnished with extra shredded cheese or fresh parsley for a burst of flavor.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 4 hours (on LOW)
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 510 kcal per serving
Variations
Vegetarian Option: Omit the Italian sausage and use a plant-based protein or additional vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
Spicy Version: Increase the red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for an extra kick.
Cheese Variety: Swap mozzarella for Parmesan or a mix of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Low-Carb Twist: Use zucchini noodles or a low-carb pasta alternative instead of tortellini.
Additional Veggies: Add bell peppers, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: I reheat the tortellini on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in short intervals until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
Related recipes:
FAQs:
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
I recommend using gluten-free tortellini and double-checking that all other ingredients, like broth and marinara sauce, are gluten-free.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Just increase the cooking time slightly in Step 4 to ensure it cooks through.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
I like to substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Can I prepare this in advance?
Absolutely. I prepare the sauce (up to Step 3) ahead of time and refrigerate it. Then, I continue with the recipe when I’m ready to cook.
What can I serve with this dish?
I often pair it with garlic bread, a simple side salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Creamy Crockpot Tortellini is a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m preparing it for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe never fails to impress. With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and effortless preparation, it’s bound to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Creamy Crockpot Tortellini
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in comfort with this hearty Creamy Crockpot Tortellini recipe. Made with Italian sausage, spinach, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s a delicious meal prepared effortlessly in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy days, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings for a flavorful and comforting dinner.
Ingredients
1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
2 cups marinara sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
Brown Italian sausage in a skillet until fully cooked and crumbled. Drain excess grease and set aside. - Layer in the Crockpot:
In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine cooked sausage, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir well. - Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, stirring occasionally. - Add Tortellini and Cream Cheese:
Stir in cheese tortellini and cubed cream cheese. Cover and cook on LOW for another 20-30 minutes until tortellini is tender and cream cheese is melted. - Finish with Spinach and Cream:
Add fresh spinach, heavy cream, and shredded mozzarella. Stir and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until spinach wilts and cheese melts. - Serve:
Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or increase red pepper flakes.
Vegetarian option: Omit sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 510 kcal
