If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender cheese tortellini swimming in a luscious tomato and cream cheese sauce, paired up perfectly with savory Italian sausage and fresh spinach, this recipe delivers rich flavors and textures with minimal effort. It’s a true weeknight winner for anyone craving an easy yet indulgent meal loaded with that classic Italian-inspired goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable creamy pasta dish. Each component plays a key role, whether it’s the richness of the cream cheese, the punch of Italian sausage, or the vibrant green of the spinach adding freshness and color.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (20 oz): The star of the dish, providing a satisfyingly soft pasta filled with cheese.
- Italian sausage (1 lb, mild or spicy): Adds savory depth and a meaty texture that balances the creamy sauce.
- Baby spinach (3 cups): Offers a fresh, leafy contrast to the richness and sneaks in some nutrition.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): Delivers a tangy base that brightens and complements the cream.
- Cream cheese (8 oz block, cubed): Melts into the sauce creating that irresistible creamy texture.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Keeps the sauce from getting too thick and adds savory flavor.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings classic herbaceous notes essential to Italian cooking.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Provides an aromatic punch without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the seasoning.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): A finishing touch that boosts umami and adds a bit of sharpness.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the Italian sausage. Break it up as it cooks until it’s fully browned and deliciously fragrant. This step unlocks incredible flavor from the sausage fat and caramelization, setting the foundation for the whole meal. After cooking, drain the excess grease to keep the dish from getting greasy, then transfer the sausage straight into your crockpot.
Step 2: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Into the crockpot, add the crushed tomatoes, cubed cream cheese, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently to incorporate as much as you can—the cream cheese will soften and melt during cooking, blending beautifully to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Sauce
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours. During this time, the cream cheese melts fully and the sauce thickens into a velvety base that’s packed with rich, comforting flavor. Patience here rewards you with a depth in taste that you simply don’t get from quick stovetop cooking.
Step 4: Add Tortellini and Spinach
Once your sauce is perfectly melded, stir in the refrigerated tortellini and fresh baby spinach. Re-cover and cook on high for another 20 to 30 minutes. This step lets the tortellini soften to tender perfection while the spinach wilts just enough to add color and freshness without overpowering the rich sauce.
Step 5: Finish with Parmesan
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese right before serving. This will add a final layer of savory sharpness and a touch of nutty complexity that elevates the dish from great to unforgettable.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh basil, or even a drizzle of good olive oil makes a beautiful finishing touch. These garnishes enhance texture, boost color, and add a burst of freshness or richness to every forkful.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty dish pairs wonderfully with a simple crisp green salad or some garlicky roasted vegetables. Crusty bread or warm focaccia is fantastic for mopping up every last bit of sauce, completing a meal that feels indulgent yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, serve the tortellini directly from the crockpot placed on the table with colorful serving bowls. Or, plate it up in shallow pasta bowls topped with a vibrant herb garnish. Either way, the vibrant colors and inviting aromas will have everyone eager to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This dish holds beautifully, and the flavors continue to meld, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe, but keep the spinach separate if possible, as it can become mushy after thawing. Store in freezer-friendly containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to regain that silky sauce texture. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water may be needed to loosen the sauce if it thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
Absolutely! Just add 10 to 15 extra minutes to the crockpot cooking time after adding the tortellini to ensure it cooks through evenly and becomes tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the Italian sausage with your favorite plant-based sausage or omit it altogether and add mushrooms or extra veggies for savory depth.
Can I make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild, and consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when combining the sauce ingredients for an extra kick.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
You can make a similar stovetop version by cooking the sausage, then simmering the sauce ingredients in a pot until the cream cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Toss in the tortellini and spinach towards the end and cook until tender.
How thick should the sauce be when done?
You want a creamy, smooth sauce that’s thick enough to coat the tortellini but still a little saucy—like a rich pasta sauce that clings delicately to every bite without being dry.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe is a true gem when it comes to easy, satisfying dinners. It brings together bold flavors and comforting creaminess without demanding hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a delicious solo meal, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite. So grab your crockpot, get cozy, and enjoy the magic of effortless Italian-inspired comfort food at its best.
Print
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 Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This creamy crockpot tortellini is a comforting Italian-inspired slow cooker dish featuring tender cheese tortellini, flavorful Italian sausage, and a rich, smooth tomato and cream cheese sauce. Perfect for an easy, hands-off dinner, it combines hearty protein, fresh baby spinach, and a touch of Parmesan cheese for an irresistibly creamy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sausage and Sauce
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Greens
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups baby spinach
Finishing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Italian Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and transfer the sausage to the crockpot.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add crushed tomatoes, cubed cream cheese, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the crockpot with the sausage. Stir to combine as much as possible. Cover the crockpot.
- Slow Cook the Sauce: Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours, until the cream cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: Stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and baby spinach. Cover the crockpot again and cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes on high, or until the tortellini is tender and heated through.
- Finish with Parmesan: Once cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese before serving to add an extra layer of richness and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- If using frozen tortellini, add an extra 10–15 minutes of cooking time after adding it to the crockpot.
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
