Crockpot Creamy Tortellini is a delicious and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This comforting meal features tender cheese tortellini cooked in a rich and creamy sauce, packed with flavorful herbs, garlic, and spinach. The slow cooker does all the work for you, making this an effortless dinner option that’s full of flavor and perfect for family gatherings. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or something warm and indulgent, this recipe has it all.
Why It’s Great
Crockpot Creamy Tortellini is great because it’s incredibly easy to prepare—simply toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work. The creamy sauce paired with tender tortellini makes for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. This dish is also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein. Whether you’re feeding a family or making a meal ahead of time, this slow cooker recipe is both convenient and delicious.
Ingredients:
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 4 cups fresh spinach (or 1 bag frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- Prep the ingredients: If using frozen tortellini, no need to thaw them. Gather all the ingredients and prepare to layer them in the crockpot.
- Layer the crockpot: In your crockpot, add the chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add cream and cheese: Stir in the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream. Place the tortellini in the crockpot, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
- Add spinach: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts into the sauce.
- Finish and serve: Once everything is well-combined and creamy, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs, if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve Crockpot Creamy Tortellini hot with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread. You can also pair it with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Helpful Notes
- Tortellini options: You can use refrigerated or frozen tortellini. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand—they’ll cook perfectly in the slow cooker.
- Vegetarian version: To make this dish vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Add protein: For a heartier meal, you can add cooked chicken, sausage, or even shrimp to the dish during the last hour of cooking.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe. Just add it directly to the slow cooker without thawing.
2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and feel free to add extra vegetables if desired.
3. Can I add meat to the recipe?
Absolutely! You can add cooked and sliced sausage, grilled chicken, or even cooked shrimp to the slow cooker for added protein.
4. How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
Be sure to add the cream cheese and heavy cream at the beginning of the cooking process and cook the dish on low heat to prevent curdling.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
While the tortellini and sauce can be frozen, the cream-based sauce may change texture slightly when thawed. If you do freeze it, reheat gently and add a little extra cream or broth to restore the sauce’s smoothness.
Crockpot Creamy Tortellini is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy families or anyone who loves a rich and creamy pasta meal. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein, and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal straight from your crockpot.
