If you’re in the mood for something rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, Creamy Crockpot Tortellini is just what you need. This dish is like a hug in a bowl! With tender tortellini, a creamy sauce, and just the right balance of flavors, it’s the kind of comfort food that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction. Best of all, it’s made in your crockpot, so you can set it and forget it—perfect for busy days or lazy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty crockpot, this meal practically cooks itself.
Creamy and Delicious: The creamy sauce makes every bite feel indulgent, without being too heavy.
Versatile: Add in some veggies or protein to make it even heartier, or enjoy it as a light, comforting dish.
Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors only get better after sitting in the fridge for a day, so it’s great for meal prep.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick peek at what you’ll need (full ingredient list below):

Cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
Heavy cream for that rich, creamy texture
Cream cheese for extra creaminess
Parmesan cheese for flavor
Garlic for depth
Chicken broth or vegetable broth to bring it all together
Spinach for a touch of green (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot

Start by spraying your crockpot with a little non-stick cooking spray or greasing it with a small amount of butter to prevent sticking. Then, add your frozen or fresh cheese tortellini to the crockpot.

Step 2: Add the Sauce Ingredients

To the crockpot, add heavy cream, cream cheese (cut into cubes), chicken broth, garlic, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure the tortellini is coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 3: Cook and Stir

Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours. About halfway through, give it a good stir to make sure the tortellini doesn’t stick to the bottom. If you’re adding spinach, you can toss it in about 20 minutes before serving so it wilts perfectly into the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Final Touches

Once the tortellini is tender and the sauce is creamy, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top and stir to combine. Taste and add salt or pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the creamy tortellini in bowls, garnishing with fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use Fresh Tortellini for Extra Flavor: While frozen tortellini works perfectly fine, fresh tortellini will give the dish a softer, more delicate texture.
Add Protein: If you want to make this more filling, try adding cooked chicken, sausage, or even some crispy bacon to the crockpot for extra flavor.
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a bit of cornstarch or flour mixed with water about 30 minutes before serving to give it more body.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Vegetarian Version: Leave out the meat and toss in some extra veggies, like mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers.
Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy broth to make this dish dairy-free.
Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for a little heat in the creamy sauce.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can easily pair it with a side of roasted vegetables, a light salad, or some crispy garlic bread. A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would also pair wonderfully with this creamy dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm up on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of tortellini?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of tortellini, such as spinach, mushroom, or even meat-filled tortellini, depending on your preference.

2. Can I cook this on high?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 1.5-2 hours, but be sure to stir halfway through to prevent sticking.

3. Can I freeze this dish?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and when reheating, add a little extra cream or broth to restore its creamy consistency.

4. Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! You can stir in some spinach, peas, or even zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition. Just be sure to add them in the last 20 minutes of cooking.

Conclusion

This Creamy Crockpot Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food. With its rich, velvety sauce and tender tortellini, it’s the perfect meal for busy days when you need something cozy and satisfying. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat. Whether you’re serving it to your family or enjoying a quiet dinner on your own, this dish is sure to hit the spot every time.

Creamy Crockpot Tortellini – A Cozy, Comforting Meal

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Creamy Crockpot Tortellini is a comforting and easy-to-prepare dish that combines cheese tortellini with a creamy, flavorful sauce. This slow-cooked meal is perfect for busy days, offering a hearty and satisfying dinner with minimal effort.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Layer Ingredients: Place the frozen tortellini at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the browned sausage, diced tomatoes (with their juices), cream cheese cubes, shredded mozzarella, shredded Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the tortellini is tender and the sauce is creamy. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

Sausage Options: You can use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference.
Cheese Variations: Feel free to substitute the cheeses with your favorites, such as provolone or cheddar.
Add-ins: For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed onions, bell peppers, or spinach.