If you’re looking for a comfort meal that’s both incredibly easy to make and packed with rich, creamy flavor, then this Creamy Crockpot Tortellini is exactly what you need! This recipe brings together the cheesy goodness of tortellini, a luscious creamy sauce, and a slow-cooked magic that makes everything perfectly meld together. Set it, forget it, and come back to a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Creamy Crockpot Tortellini is the perfect hands-off meal that delivers on flavor. The tortellini cooks in the slow cooker and absorbs all the creamy, garlicky goodness of the sauce, creating an ultra-comforting dish that’s ready when you are. What makes this even better is that it’s so versatile—you can add your favorite veggies, proteins, or even swap the cream for a lighter option. It’s like a little bit of indulgence without any of the hassle!
Ingredients
Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need to make this comforting dish. Full ingredient details are below!
- Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Spinach (optional, for added veggies)
- Chicken breast or Italian sausage (optional for protein)
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
Start by lightly greasing the bottom of your slow cooker. This helps prevent the tortellini from sticking, especially if you’re using a non-stick model.
Step 2: Add the Creamy Base
Place the cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken or vegetable broth, and garlic in the crockpot. Stir well to combine and break down any large chunks of cream cheese. Season with onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. If you’re adding protein (like chicken or sausage), you can stir it in now, or you can add it later when the sauce is nearly done cooking.
Step 3: Add the Tortellini
Add the tortellini to the creamy sauce mixture. Make sure the tortellini is evenly distributed in the sauce. If you’re using frozen tortellini, you don’t need to thaw it; just toss it straight in frozen.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Cover the crockpot and cook the tortellini on low for about 3-4 hours, or until the tortellini is tender and fully cooked. If you added chicken or sausage, ensure the meat is cooked through. Stir the mixture halfway through the cooking time to help the tortellini cook evenly.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Parmesan
In the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the spinach (if you’re using it) and Parmesan cheese. Stir it in well and cover to let the spinach wilt. The Parmesan will melt into the sauce, making it even creamier and more flavorful.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is cooked and creamy, serve your tortellini hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil if desired. You can also add a little extra Parmesan on top for that perfect cheesy finish!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh or frozen tortellini: Both work well, but frozen tortellini tends to hold up a bit better in the slow cooker since it’s not as delicate as fresh pasta.
- Add extra veggies: Feel free to toss in some mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the spinach for extra texture and flavor.
- Swap the protein: This recipe works well with diced cooked chicken, Italian sausage, or even ground beef. You could also add a can of beans (like white beans or chickpeas) for a vegetarian protein.
- Adjust the creaminess: If you like a thicker, richer sauce, you can add more cream cheese or a little bit of sour cream for an extra tangy twist. Alternatively, if you prefer a lighter dish, you can use half-and-half or a low-fat cream cheese.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Vegan Version: Use dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, and a plant-based broth, and substitute the tortellini with a vegan-friendly variety. You can also add vegan sausage or skip the protein for a simple vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the creamy sauce.
- Cheese lovers: For extra cheesiness, you can add mozzarella or provolone along with the Parmesan for a gooey, melty texture.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This creamy tortellini makes a fantastic main dish all on its own, but you can serve it with a fresh side salad or some roasted vegetables for balance. A slice of crusty garlic bread would be the perfect side to soak up that creamy sauce. Pair with a light white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, or enjoy it with a crisp glass of iced tea if you prefer something non-alcoholic.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, are unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions, but for best results, reheat it in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce if it’s too thick.
4 FAQs
1. Can I use another type of pasta? Yes, you can use other types of pasta like ravioli or even penne, though the cooking time may vary. Just make sure to keep an eye on the texture, especially if using a different pasta shape.
2. Can I cook this on high instead of low? Yes, you can cook it on high for about 2 hours, but be sure to check the tortellini to ensure it doesn’t overcook and turn mushy. It’s better to cook on low for the best results.
3. Can I freeze the leftovers? You can freeze the leftover creamy tortellini for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to its creamy texture.
4. Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe is easy to scale. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re making a larger batch.
Conclusion
This Creamy Crockpot Tortellini is the ultimate easy comfort food that delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a busy weeknight, or entertaining guests, this dish is always a hit. With its rich sauce, tender tortellini, and a touch of garlic and Parmesan, it’s the kind of dish everyone will crave time and time again. Go ahead, let the crockpot work its magic, and enjoy the delicious results!
Print
Creamy Crockpot Tortellini
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5-3 hours on low, or 1.5-2 hours on high
- Total Time: 3-4 hours (including slow cooking)
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Pasta, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- Cuisine: Italian, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Crockpot Tortellini is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender tortellini with a creamy, savory sauce made of cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is easy to prepare and slow-cooked to perfection for a cheesy, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 package (about 20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (cubed)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot: In a slow cooker, add the cream cheese, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together to combine.
- Add the tortellini: Add the refrigerated tortellini to the crockpot, stirring gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2.5-3 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours, until the tortellini is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish and serve: If desired, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese just before serving to make it extra cheesy. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use frozen tortellini as well, but be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen pasta may need an extra 30 minutes to cook.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce may be a bit thinner.
- For extra flavor, add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or cooked chicken to the crockpot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg