If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and utterly satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug, this Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender cheese tortellini swimming in a luscious, cheesy tomato sauce enriched with savory Italian sausage and fresh spinach—all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. It’s an effortless dish that turns simple ingredients into a hearty, crowd-pleasing dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds and that secret recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and irresistible creaminess. Each item plays its part, whether it’s adding depth, richness, or a burst of freshness to the dish.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Removing the casing allows for perfect crumbles that infuse the sauce with hearty flavor.
- Yellow onion (1, diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and texture that balances the savory sausage.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Provides a fragrant punch that elevates the entire dish.
- Marinara sauce (24 ounces): Acts as the rich, tomato base that wraps around every bite.
- Diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 ounces): Introduce fresh tomato chunks and a touch of juiciness.
- Low sodium chicken broth (1 cup): Keeps the sauce perfectly saucy without overpowering saltiness.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings in classic herb notes vital for that authentic Italian vibe.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, cubed): Creates that signature creamy, dreamy texture that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (20 ounces): The star pasta that soaks up all the flavors and creaminess.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups, roughly chopped): Adds a lovely pop of green and fresh earthy flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Stirred in last for an extra layer of cheesy goodness and a touch of saltiness.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by cooking the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break it apart as it browns to get those irresistible crumbles. Don’t forget to drain the excess grease before it heads to the crockpot, ensuring your dish stays rich but not greasy.
Step 2: Combine and Slow Cook
Transfer the browned sausage to your crockpot and add the diced onion, minced garlic, marinara sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This slow cooking melds all those flavors beautifully while building that incredible depth you want in a comfort meal.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese
Once the slow cook timer ends, toss in the cubed cream cheese. Stir gently until it melts into a silky, smooth sauce that coats every bit of goodness in the pot. This step is what sets this dish apart, bringing the signature creaminess that defines the Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe.
Step 4: Stir in Tortellini and Spinach
Add the refrigerated tortellini and chopped fresh spinach to the crockpot. Stir carefully, ensuring the pasta is well coated in that sumptuous sauce. Cover again and cook on high for another 20 to 30 minutes until the tortellini is perfectly tender and the spinach just wilted to freshness.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan
Right before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This final touch amplifies the cheesy richness and adds a subtle nutty flavor that perfectly rounds out the dish.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe to the next level, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top. A light drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil or a few red pepper flakes will also add fresh brightness or a welcomed kick, depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
This hearty main is lovely on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve the tortellini in individual bowls garnished with a Parmesan crisp or a dollop of ricotta. For a casual dinner, scoop it into mini cast-iron skillets at the table for that rustic, cozy aesthetic everyone adores.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next meal even better.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but since tortellini can become a bit gummy after freezing, it’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if needed to restore that creamy texture. Microwaving works too; just heat in short bursts and stir between to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just add about 10 extra minutes to the final cooking time to make sure the frozen tortellini cooks through properly while absorbing all that sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Since most store-bought tortellini contain wheat, this recipe isn’t naturally gluten-free unless you choose a gluten-free pasta alternative. The rest of the ingredients are gluten friendly.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or sauté mushrooms and bell peppers for a delicious veggie-packed version that still delivers on flavor and texture.
How spicy is the dish? Can I make it spicier?
The recipe as written is mildly spiced, but feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when cooking to suit your heat preference.
Can I prepare this in advance and then slow cook later?
Definitely! You can prep all the ingredients and store them in the crockpot insert in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just pop it on and start slow cooking—it’s a major time saver.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe. It’s one of those comforting, satisfying meals that feels like home no matter the season. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for the perfect dish to impress friends, it’s creamy, easy, and packed with flavor. So go ahead—give it a try and enjoy every cozy, flavorful bite.
Print
Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Crockpot Tortellini recipe combines Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and spinach in a rich and flavorful creamy tomato sauce, all made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty flavors.
Ingredients
Sausage and Base
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Creamy Components and Pasta
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, cubed
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy dish.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the browned sausage to the crockpot. Add diced onion, minced garlic, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with juices, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to combine the flavors.
- Slow Cook the Base: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the flavors meld together and the onion softens.
- Add Cream Cheese: Stir in the cubed cream cheese until fully melted and smooth, creating a creamy sauce base.
- Cook Tortellini and Spinach: Gently add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and chopped spinach to the crockpot. Stir carefully to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce, then cover and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
- Finish with Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese just before serving to add a savory finish to the dish.
Notes
- Choose mild or hot Italian sausage depending on your spice preference.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce chicken broth by ¼ cup.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
- Spinach can be swapped for kale for a different green vegetable.
- If using frozen tortellini, increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes to ensure it cooks through.
