If you’ve ever craved a dinner that tastes like a hug in a bowl, this Creamy Crockpot Tortellini is about to become your new go-to comfort meal. Imagine tender cheese tortellini swimming in a velvety, rich tomato cream sauce, perked up with savory Italian sausage and a handful of fresh spinach for color and crunch. Everything comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, so you can spend less time at the stove and more time savoring delicious, soul-soothing bites. It’s hearty, cheesy, and impossibly creamy — a true superstar of cozy weeknight dinners!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Crockpot Tortellini recipe keeps shopping easy and results extraordinary. Each ingredient layers in flavor, creates luscious texture, or brings a pop of color, making the final dish both satisfying and inviting.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (20 oz bag): These plump pasta pillows are the heart of the dish and soak up all the creamy goodness while cooking.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, mild or spicy): Adds bold, savory depth — choose spicy for a little kick, or mild for classic comfort.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz jar): Brightens the base with classic tomato flavor and a hint of sweetness.
- Cream cheese (8 oz block, cubed): Melts into the sauce for unbeatable creaminess and rich texture.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the sauce its silky consistency and decadent mouthfeel.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds savory background notes, keeping the sauce smooth without being too thick.
- Fresh spinach (3 cups, roughly chopped): Stirred in at the end, it adds color, freshness, and a dose of greens.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): For an easy punch of garlicky aroma without fussing with fresh cloves.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances savory flavor without chopping onions.
- Italian seasoning (½ teaspoon): Blends fragrant herbs that spark up the overall taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: You’re in charge — season to balance and elevate all the flavors.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional): The perfect finishing touch for salty, nutty magic.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Tortellini
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add your Italian sausage. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break it up into small crumbles, cooking until it’s perfectly browned and cooked through. Take a moment to drain off any excess grease — this keeps your Creamy Crockpot Tortellini indulgent, not greasy. Transfer the browned sausage right into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce
Add the marinara sauce, cubed cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a good pinch each of salt and pepper to the crockpot. Give everything a hearty stir to begin blending those flavors. It won’t look completely smooth yet — that’s okay! The magic happens as it cooks.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours. This gentle heat melts the cream cheese and coaxes every bit of flavor out of the sausage, herbs, and marinara. If possible, give it a stir once or twice halfway through to help the cream cheese incorporate.
Step 4: Add Tortellini and Spinach
Now for that signature tortellini goodness! Open your tortellini and roughly chop the fresh spinach. Uncover your crockpot, toss both into the bubbling sauce, and stir well. Cover again and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes. The tortellini will puff up and turn tender, and the spinach will wilt beautifully into the sauce.
Step 5: Give It a Final Stir and Serve
When the tortellini are plump and just al dente, give everything a big final stir to meld the spinach and cheesy filling into every bite. Scoop into bowls and top with a shower of grated Parmesan. Your Creamy Crockpot Tortellini is ready for a very enthusiastic table!
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Tortellini
Garnishes
The beauty of Creamy Crockpot Tortellini is that it’s delicious straight out of the crock, but a few thoughtful garnishes push it over the top. Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan and a scatter of chopped fresh basil or parsley for bright, herbaceous notes. A pinch of red pepper flakes brings just the right touch of heat for spice-lovers.
Side Dishes
This cozy pasta calls for simple, crowd-pleasing sides. A crisp green salad dressed in a zesty vinaigrette provides balance, while a warm baguette or crusty garlic bread lets you soak up every last drop of that creamy, velvety sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus round out the plate and add welcome color and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Creamy Crockpot Tortellini into a rustic dinner party centerpiece by serving family-style in a deep, wide bowl, flanked by baskets of bread. Or, try ladling it into smaller ramekins for a make-ahead pasta bake: sprinkle with breadcrumbs and broil until golden for an extra-special crispy finish. For busy families, scoop leftovers into thermoses for the ultimate comfort food lunch at school or work.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have extra Creamy Crockpot Tortellini? Cool any leftovers before transferring them to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. This pasta holds up beautifully, and the flavors actually deepen as the sauce settles overnight.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Creamy Crockpot Tortellini for longer storage! Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-friendly containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating so the sauce regains its creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm portions in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if it needs loosening. You can also microwave individual servings, pausing to stir a couple of times to distribute heat evenly. Either way, you’re minutes away from a delicious encore.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! If you only have frozen tortellini on hand, just toss them in straight from the freezer. Add about 10 extra minutes to the final cook time to ensure they’re perfectly tender and hot all the way through.
Is there a lighter version of Creamy Crockpot Tortellini?
Yes! For a lighter take, try chicken or turkey sausage and swap half-and-half for the heavy cream. You’ll still get a luscious sauce, but with less richness and fewer calories. Skipping the cream cheese also works if you want an even lighter base, though the finished dish will be less creamy.
How do I prevent the cream cheese from curdling or clumping?
Be sure to cube the cream cheese before adding, and give everything a good stir during cooking. The steady, low heat of the slow cooker means melting should happen gradually and smoothly. If you notice any lumps, a quick whisk before adding the tortellini can help make the sauce velvety.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or even kale make lovely additions. Stir extra vegetables in at the same time as the spinach, or sauté them with the sausage for deeper flavor. Just remember to keep the overall volume so your sauce stays rich and creamy.
Will the tortellini get too soft if left in the slow cooker?
Once the tortellini are cooked to your liking, it’s best to serve right away or switch your slow cooker to “keep warm.” If left on heat for too long, they can become overly soft. Luckily, this dish disappears quickly at the dinner table, so mushy pasta isn’t usually a problem!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that blends ease, comfort, and all-out creamy satisfaction, you cannot go wrong with Creamy Crockpot Tortellini. There’s something magical about how a few everyday ingredients transform in your slow cooker into a pasta dish the whole family will crave again and again. I hope you’re as smitten as I am with this dreamy, cheesy, ultra-cozy favorite. Let your crockpot do the work, and treat yourself to bowls of pure comfort tonight!
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Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy goodness of this easy and comforting Creamy Crockpot Tortellini recipe. Perfect for busy days, this slow cooker dish is a flavorful blend of cheese tortellini, Italian sausage, spinach, and a luscious cream cheese sauce.
Ingredients
Creamy Crockpot Tortellini:
- 1 (20 oz) bag refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese (cubed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it browns. Drain excess grease and transfer to the crockpot.
- Combine ingredients: Add marinara sauce, cream cheese, heavy cream, chicken broth, seasonings, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix well.
- Cook in the crockpot: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours until the sauce is creamy. Add tortellini and spinach, cook for an additional 20-30 minutes.
- Serve: Stir well before serving and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken or turkey sausage
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat
- If using frozen tortellini, increase cooking time by 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
