The Best Crockpot Creamy Tortellini Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Cozy weekend afternoons call for a delightful crockpot creamy tortellini that promises pure comfort.

Cheese-stuffed pasta swirls promise incredible flavor in every single bite.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a magical meal everyone will adore.

Tender tortellini nestle perfectly in a rich, velvety sauce that feels like a warm embrace.

Minimal prep work means maximum relaxation for you during meal preparation.

Weeknight dinners or lazy weekend lunches become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive dish.

Let’s uncover how a few ingredients can create culinary magic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Crockpot Creamy Tortellini Ingredient List To Gather

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the creamy tortellini dish.
• Chicken: A protein option that provides a lighter alternative to sausage.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth base for the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp and nutty flavor to enhance the overall taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a stretchy and melty texture to the dish.

• Spinach: Introduces a fresh and nutritious green element to the creamy tortellini.
• Chicken Broth, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning, Black Pepper: Combine to create a well-balanced and aromatic flavor profile.

• Tortellini: The star ingredient that brings a delightful and comforting pasta element to the dish.

Simple Instructions For Creamy Crockpot Tortellini

Step 1: Brown The Sausage

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble the Italian sausage and cook until it turns golden brown.

Drain away any excess fat and set the sausage aside.

Step 2: Create The Creamy Base

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Black pepper

Stir these ingredients together until well combined.

Add the browned sausage and fresh spinach to the mixture.

Step 3: Simmer And Develop Flavors

Cover the slow cooker and let everything cook on low temperature for 3-4 hours.

This allows the flavors to meld and create a rich, delicious sauce.

Step 4: Finish With Cheese And Pasta

• Tortellini
• Mozzarella cheese

Switch the slow cooker to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

The tortellini will become tender and the cheese will melt into a gooey, irresistible coating.

Step 5: Plate And Garnish

Scoop the tortellini into serving bowls.

Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for an added burst of flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips For The Creamiest Tortellini Crockpot Dinner

• Brown sausage thoroughly in a skillet to develop deep, rich flavors before adding to the crockpot, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese towards the end of cooking to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
• Swap fresh spinach for frozen chopped spinach if needed, but squeeze out excess moisture to prevent watery consistency.
• Stick to the recommended low cooking time for tender tortellini and to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
• Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables for a vegetarian version without compromising taste.

Crockpot Tortellini Variations For Extra Flavor

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich flavor and protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the creamy comfort dish.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi instead of tortellini, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy sauce and hearty texture.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, use dairy-free mozzarella and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to create a lactose-free meal that's equally satisfying.

How To Serve Creamy Tortellini From The Crockpot

• Rustic Family Feast: Gather everyone around the table and serve this hearty tortellini directly from the crockpot for a cozy, comforting meal.
• Elegant Dinner Party Plating: Transfer the creamy tortellini to a beautiful ceramic dish, garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan shavings for an impressive presentation.
• Protein Power-Up: Pair the dish with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the rich, creamy texture and add extra nutrition to your meal.
• Side Bread Delight: Serve alongside warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce, making every bite even more satisfying.

Storing Leftover Tortellini For Next Day Lunch

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Pour leftovers into a saucepan, add a little extra broth or cream, warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently to maintain tortellini's texture and prevent sticking.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add it directly to the crockpot without thawing, and adjust cooking time by adding 15-30 minutes to ensure it’s fully heated.

• Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for more flavor.

• How can I prevent the tortellini from getting mushy?

Add the tortellini during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking. This ensures they stay tender and don’t overcook or become too soft.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep ingredients the night before. Store them in the refrigerator and start cooking in the morning for an easy dinner.

Creamy Tortellini Crockpot For A Cozy Dinner

• Unwind with Minimal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic, making dinner a breeze without constant monitoring.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap sausage for chicken or skip meat entirely, creating a flexible meal that adapts to your preferences and dietary needs.
• One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy a complete, creamy meal that combines protein, pasta, and veggies in a single dish, minimizing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like cheese and tortellini, this recipe guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies both adults and children.

Crockpot Creamy Tortellini Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot creamy tortellini soup delivers comfort with Italian-inspired flavors that dance through each spoonful. Cheese-filled pasta swirls nestled in rich, velvety broth promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 20 ounces (567 grams) cheese tortellini
• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 cups (60 grams) spinach

Cheese and Cream:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Brown Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove excess grease using a paper towel.
2. Transfer sausage to crockpot and combine with chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings.
3. Add fresh spinach leaves into the crockpot, gently folding them into the liquid mixture to prevent clumping.
4. Cover crockpot and slow cook on low temperature for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
5. Thirty minutes before serving, stir in tortellini and mozzarella cheese. Increase crockpot temperature to high and cook until pasta becomes tender and cheese melts completely.
6. Once tortellini reaches desired consistency, turn off crockpot and let sit for 5 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and serve immediately while hot, creating a comforting and hearty meal.

Notes

• Swap sausage with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• For gluten-sensitive diners, use gluten-free tortellini and confirm all ingredient labels match dietary restrictions.
• Reduce sodium content by selecting low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring added salt during preparation.
• Enhance meal prep efficiency by browning sausage and chopping spinach ahead of time, storing separately in refrigerator for quick assembly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 920 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg