If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Crockpot Creamy Tortellini Recipe is the one to try first. Imagine tender cheese tortellini swimming in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with savory Italian sausage, vibrant spinach, and layers of rich cheeses—all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This dish brings comforting flavors to the table with minimal fuss, making it a perfect weeknight favorite that satisfies every appetite and leaves you with that cozy, homemade feeling you just can’t beat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating a deliciously balanced meal. From the hearty sausage for protein and depth to the fresh spinach adding bursts of color and nutrients, these essentials work together to deliver incredible flavor and irresistible texture.
- 20 oz cheese tortellini: Choose refrigerated for quicker cooking or frozen for convenience, this is the star pasta that absorbs all the creamy goodness.
- 1 lb Italian sausage (optional): Adds a savory, slightly spicy touch that complements the mild tortellini beautifully.
- 2 cups spinach, fresh or frozen: Bright green and nutrient-rich, spinach adds freshness and a gentle earthiness.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Forms the flavorful base for the sauce, ensuring it’s rich without being too heavy.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Brings a velvety texture that turns the broth into a luscious, creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a sharp, nutty flavor that deepens the overall taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic aroma that perks up the palate.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that effortlessly lifts the dish with classic Italian flair.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat to balance the creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give the dish a gooey, cheesy finish everyone loves.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by cooking the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Browning develops those rich, savory flavors that will infuse the entire dish. Once done, drain any excess fat to keep the sauce silky rather than greasy, then set the sausage aside for the crockpot.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
Next, pour chicken broth and heavy cream into your crockpot, then add grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir these together to create a flavor-packed sauce base. Now, toss in your cooked sausage along with the spinach—whether fresh or frozen, both work wonderfully and add lovely pops of color. This mixture is where the magic begins!
Step 3: Slow Cook on Low
Seal the crockpot with its lid and allow everything to mingle over low heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking perfectly melds the flavors, tenderizing the sausage and softening the spinach so it’s just right. The slow cooker will do all the hard work while you relax or prep something else nearby.
Step 4: Add Tortellini and Mozzarella
Now it’s time for the cheese tortellini and shredded mozzarella to join the party. Stir them into the creamy base and switch the crockpot to high. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes. During this time, the tortellini cooks until tender and the mozzarella melts into a smooth, gooey layer, creating that signature creaminess everyone loves about this Crockpot Creamy Tortellini Recipe.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Give the dish a final stir and serve it up hot. Feel free to sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for an added burst of flavor. It’s perfect as is or paired with your favorite crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce.
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can transform this Crockpot Creamy Tortellini Recipe from comforting to extra special. A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley adds a bright, herbal freshness. For a little zing, a dash of crushed red pepper flakes works beautifully. And never underestimate the power of more grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good olive oil for that finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and filling, so light, fresh sides balance it out perfectly. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint. Roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add texture and color. If you’re feeling indulgent, garlic bread or a warm baguette is fantastic for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests or make family dinners feel a bit more special? Serve this creamy tortellini in individual bowls topped with a sprig of fresh herbs and a pinch of Parmesan. You could even bake it briefly after crockpot cooking with an extra layer of mozzarella on top until bubbly golden for a lovely casserole twist. The flexibility of this recipe makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? No worries! Transfer any uneaten Crockpot Creamy Tortellini Recipe into an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes fantastic the next day. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions for an easy future meal, this recipe holds up well. Freeze in meal-sized containers after completely cooling. It’s best to enjoy within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to keep that creamy consistency intact.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating helps maintain that luxurious sauce texture. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between for even warming.
FAQs
Can I omit the sausage for a vegetarian version?
Absolutely! This Crockpot Creamy Tortellini Recipe is hearty even without sausage. You can add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for more flavor and substance.
What type of tortellini works best?
Cheese-filled tortellini is traditional and melts into the creamy sauce perfectly. Both refrigerated and frozen tortellini work; just adjust the cooking time slightly if using frozen.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like fontina or provolone for a different twist, though mozzarella and Parmesan provide the best melt and flavor balance.
How long should I cook this Crockpot Creamy Tortellini Recipe on high instead of low?
If you’re short on time, use the high setting for about 2 hours before adding the tortellini and mozzarella, then cook 30 minutes more, checking for tenderness.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly after cooking?
Yes, but keep in mind slight changes in pasta texture after freezing and reheating. It remains delicious, but tortellini might be a bit softer.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food had a name, this Crockpot Creamy Tortellini Recipe would be it. It’s a satisfying, cheesy, and easy-to-make dish that brings so much joy with every spoonful. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to a simple, soul-warming dinner, this recipe promises delicious results with minimal effort. Give it a try—you’ll soon see why it’s a favorite that keeps on giving!
Print
Crockpot Creamy Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Crockpot Creamy Tortellini recipe combines tender cheese tortellini with flavorful Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting, hands-off meal that’s ready in just a few hours, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (optional)
- 2 cups spinach, fresh or frozen
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Italian Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In the crockpot, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Add the browned sausage and spinach to the mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the spinach to soften.
- Add Tortellini and Cheese: Stir in the cheese tortellini and shredded mozzarella cheese. Increase the crockpot to high heat and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the tortellini is tender and the cheese is melted and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the creamy tortellini warm. Optionally, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Use frozen tortellini directly; no need to thaw before adding to the crockpot.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the Italian sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- The recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings, but adjust crockpot size accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
