Nothing beats the cozy flavor of Crockpot Creamy Tortellini on a busy evening. This slow-cooker pasta dish combines tender cheese-filled tortellini with a rich, velvety sauce made from cream cheese, broth, and Italian herbs. It’s a true comfort-food classic that’s incredibly easy to prepare—simply toss everything into the crockpot, walk away, and come back to a creamy, family-friendly dinner that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Creamy Tortellini
If you love comfort food with minimal effort, this recipe will become a weeknight staple.
- Effortless preparation: Only a few ingredients and a slow cooker are required.
- Incredibly creamy texture: The sauce coats every piece of tortellini perfectly.
- Family-friendly flavors: Everyone—from picky kids to adults—loves the cheesy, mild Italian taste.
- Customizable: Add spinach, sausage, or vegetables for your favorite twist.
- Perfect for busy days: Set it in the morning and enjoy a hot, ready meal by dinner.
Ingredients for Crockpot Creamy Tortellini
Base Ingredients
- 1 (20-oz) package of cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (8-oz) block of cream cheese, cubed
- 1 (14-oz) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and drained (optional for extra protein)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Crushed red pepper flakes, for a light kick
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
- Tortellini: Use cheese-filled, spinach, or meat-filled varieties. Frozen tortellini works fine—just extend cook time slightly.
- Cream cheese: For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese or substitute part with heavy cream.
- Broth: Chicken broth gives a rich flavor, but vegetable broth works for a vegetarian version.
- No pork option: Swap sausage with ground turkey, shredded chicken, or mushrooms.
- Add greens: Spinach, kale, or zucchini add nutrients without overpowering the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the Ingredients
Dice the cream cheese into small cubes so it melts easily. If using sausage or any protein, cook it first in a skillet until browned and drain the fat. Chop spinach or vegetables if you’re adding them.
Step 2 – Layer in the Crockpot
In your slow cooker, add chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), cream cheese cubes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Step 3 – Slow Cook the Sauce
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally if possible. The cream cheese will melt and form a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step 4 – Add the Tortellini
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini and spinach. Continue cooking on LOW until the pasta is tender and heated through.
Step 5 – Serve and Enjoy
Stir well before serving. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete, hearty meal.
Pro Tips for Success
- Add tortellini late — to keep it from getting mushy.
- Use block cream cheese, not whipped—it melts creamier.
- Stir midway — if you’re home, mix once during cooking for an even sauce.
- Adjust salt carefully — broths vary in sodium. Taste before serving.
- Serve immediately — slow-cooked pasta continues to absorb sauce as it sits.
- Add spinach at the end — to keep it bright green and fresh.
Flavor Variations
- Tomato-Basil Creamy Tortellini — Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste and fresh basil.
- Sausage Alfredo Tortellini — Use Italian sausage and substitute broth with half Alfredo sauce.
- Vegetable Lover’s Version — Add mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
- Chicken Tortellini — Use shredded rotisserie chicken for lean protein.
- Spicy Kick — Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bolder flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this creamy tortellini with:
- Garlic bread or cheesy toast
- Caesar or garden salad
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- A glass of sparkling water or light lemonade
This dish is also ideal for potlucks, cozy dinners, or meal prep lunches—the flavors deepen overnight.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 17 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 890 mg |
Crockpot Creamy Tortellini — Easy Comfort Dinner for Busy Nights
- Total Time: 4 hr 40 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, cheesy, and comforting Crockpot tortellini dinner made effortlessly with cream cheese, broth, and spinach.
Ingredients
1 (20-oz) package cheese tortellini
3 cups chicken broth
1 (8-oz) block cream cheese, cubed
1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cups spinach, chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional: 1 lb cooked Italian sausage
Optional: 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Dice cream cheese into cubes and prepare spinach or other add-ins.
2. Add broth, tomatoes, cream cheese, and seasonings to the crockpot; stir.
3. Cook on LOW 4–5 hours or HIGH 2–3 hours until creamy.
4. Add tortellini and spinach; cook 30 minutes more until tender.
5. Stir and serve hot with Parmesan and bread.
Notes
Use vegetable broth for vegetarian version.
Add tortellini near the end to prevent overcooking.
Store leftovers up to 3 days refrigerated or freeze 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 4 hr 30 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
FAQ About Crockpot Creamy Tortellini
What kind of tortellini works best?
Both fresh and frozen cheese tortellini cook beautifully in the crockpot. If using frozen, add an extra 10–15 minutes of cooking time.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth and skip any meat. The creamy sauce and spinach make it satisfying on their own.
Can I cook it on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely. Simmer the sauce ingredients in a pot until creamy, then stir in cooked tortellini for about 5 minutes.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let the tortellini rest uncovered for a few minutes before serving—the starch naturally thickens the sauce. You can also mix in a tablespoon of grated Parmesan.
What can I serve with creamy tortellini?
It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp side salad to balance the richness.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Creamy Tortellini is the kind of comforting, no-fuss meal every home cook needs. With just a few ingredients and a bit of patience, you’ll have a creamy, hearty, and utterly delicious dinner ready when you walk in the door. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving something cozy, this slow-cooker pasta proves that easy can also be extraordinary.
