If you have been searching for a comforting, hearty meal that’s both effortless to prepare and full of rich flavors, let me introduce you to this Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe. It’s everything you want from a slow cooker dish: tender cheese-filled tortellini wrapped in a luscious, creamy tomato and sausage sauce bursting with Italian herbs and fresh spinach. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend meals with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe plays a special role to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that will make your taste buds sing. From the savory Italian sausage to the silky cream cheese, each component is essential to achieving that signature richness and heartiness.
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star pasta that soaks up all the creamy sauce while staying delightfully tender.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed): Adds savory depth and a satisfying meaty texture.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and aromatic base flavor that complements the sausage.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Essential for that unmistakable Italian punch and aroma.
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Creates the rich tomato foundation for the sauce, balancing acidity and sweetness.
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese (cubed): Melts into the sauce to give it that irresistible, silky creaminess.
- 2 cups baby spinach: Adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle nutritious boost without overpowering the flavors.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Enriches the sauce at the end, making it decadently smooth and luscious.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Helps thin out the sauce just enough while enhancing its savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that tie the flavors together perfectly.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate all the other ingredients.
- Grated Parmesan and fresh basil for garnish (optional): The finishing touch that adds sharpness and a fragrant, fresh note.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the Italian sausage until it’s beautifully browned and broken into small crumbles. This step creates a rich flavor base from the browned bits. Next, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing just until softened and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. This aroma will whet your appetite for what’s coming next. Once ready, transfer this sausage mixture into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Build the Creamy Tomato Sauce
Into the slow cooker with the sausage and aromatics, add the crushed tomatoes, cubed cream cheese, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine, being careful not to break up the cream cheese too much yet. This mixture will slowly marry all those gorgeous flavors during the long cooking. Cover and set the slow cooker to low—let it work its magic for 3 to 4 hours until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is irresistibly creamy.
Step 3: Add Tortellini and Spinach
With about 30 to 40 minutes left on the timer, stir in the cheese tortellini and baby spinach. This timing ensures the tortellini cooks perfectly without becoming mushy and that the spinach wilts just right, brightening the dish with its fresh green color and subtle earthiness. The slow cooker makes this so simple—you can almost forget it’s there until it’s time to add these final ingredients.
Step 4: Finish with Heavy Cream and Simmer
Once the tortellini is tender and spinach has wilted, gently stir in the heavy cream for that final indulgent touch. Switch your slow cooker to uncovered and let the sauce simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes to heat through and thicken ever so slightly. This step brings the dish together into a luscious, cozy meal full of creamy, comforting goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
To showcase the full beauty of the Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each serving. A few ribbons of fresh basil add a delightful herbal fragrance and vibrant green contrast that instantly lifts the dish. Both bring brightness and sharpness that balance the rich creaminess so well.
Side Dishes
This tortellini dish stands beautifully on its own as a complete meal, but if you want to add sides, consider a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through some of the richness. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. Simple steamed veggies or roasted asparagus can add a fresh, crisp element to make the meal feel well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or want to impress, try spooning the creamy tortellini into warm, shallow bowls and garnish with microgreens or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast-iron skillets or rustic bread bowls. This dish’s creamy texture and vibrant colors truly make it a show-stopper on any dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Transfer to an airtight container and cool fully before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor. When you’re ready, leftovers can be enjoyed for a quick, satisfying meal.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the cream cheese and heavy cream may slightly change in texture after thawing. To mitigate this, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently reheat, stirring occasionally.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring often to ensure even heating and to prevent the sauce from separating. If the sauce thickens too much upon reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring it back to that perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Yes, you can substitute frozen tortellini, but you will want to add it a little earlier in the cooking process or cook a bit longer to ensure it gets tender. Keep an eye on the texture to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the Italian sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or sauté mushrooms and add extra spinach for a hearty vegetarian version that still tastes incredible.
Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this dish on the stovetop by simmering the sauce gently in a large pot until the cream cheese melts and flavors meld, then add tortellini and spinach towards the end, cooking until tender. Just watch closely to adjust the cooking time and prevent burning.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The spiciness depends on the type of Italian sausage you choose. Using mild sausage keeps it gentle, while spicy sausage adds a bit of a kick. You can also customize by adding crushed red pepper flakes or omitting them based on your heat preference.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If you find the sauce isn’t as thick as you like, you can reduce the chicken broth slightly before adding or stir in some extra grated Parmesan cheese at the end. Another option is to let it cook uncovered a bit longer in the slow cooker to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite for its perfect balance of ease, heartiness, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re after a fuss-free weeknight dinner or a meal to share with family and friends, this dish delivers warm satisfaction in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try—it might just become your new go-to crockpot creamy pasta dinner!
Print
Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy crockpot tortellini recipe is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender cheese tortellini cooked slowly with savory Italian sausage, a rich tomato and cream cheese sauce, and fresh spinach. Perfect for busy days, it combines minimal prep with hearty flavors, delivering a creamy, satisfying meal topped with Parmesan and basil.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed to prevent excess greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic is fragrant.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the sausage, onion, and garlic mixture into the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, cubed cream cheese, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook Sauce: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the cream cheese to melt fully and the sauce to become creamy and flavorful.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: In the last 30 to 40 minutes of cooking, stir in the refrigerated tortellini and baby spinach. Continue cooking until the tortellini is tender and the spinach has wilted.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream, then cook uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to heat through and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy tortellini into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute meat tortellini or use ground turkey or plant-based sausage as alternatives.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or stir in extra Parmesan cheese at the end of cooking.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste preference before serving.
