Creamy Tortellini Slow Cooker Recipe

Oh wow, you have to try this Creamy Tortellini Slow Cooker Recipe! It’s rich, cheesy, and seriously comforting. Trust me, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel cozy all over.

The tortellini gets perfectly tender, and the creamy sauce? So dreamy and full of flavor! Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic—so easy!

I love making this on busy days when I still want something warm and homemade. It’s always a hit with the whole family. Once you try it, it’ll be your new favorite comfort food!

Let’s get cooking! Grab your tortellini, cream, and cheese—I’ll walk you through every simple step. You’re gonna love how easy and tasty it is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy and Hands-Off: You only need 10–15 minutes to prep everything. Then the slow cooker takes over. There’s no need to boil water or cook pasta on the stove.
• Creamy and Cheesy: The sauce is made with heavy cream, broth, and two cheeses—Parmesan and mozzarella. The result is a thick, silky texture with just the right amount of richness.
• Family Friendly: This recipe has a mild, comforting flavor. Kids usually love the cheesy pasta, and adults appreciate the cozy feel of the dish.
• Make It Your Way: You can add sausage for protein or keep it meat-free. You can use fresh spinach or frozen. You can even swap the tortellini for another stuffed pasta if needed.
• Leftovers Are Delicious: The sauce thickens more overnight. Just reheat and stir in a little broth or cream if needed.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours on LOW, or 2 hours on HIGH
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (if using LOW setting)

This dish works best on the low setting. It gives the tortellini time to slowly absorb the sauce without getting mushy. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the high setting, but check for doneness early so the pasta doesn’t overcook.

Servings
This recipe serves 6 people as a full meal. If you’re serving it as a side or with other dishes, it can stretch to 8 small bowls. For a larger crowd, double all ingredients and use a 6-quart slow cooker.

Difficulty
Very easy. All the steps are simple. You don’t need to chop much or use many tools. It’s a great recipe for beginners, busy parents, or anyone who wants a hot meal without effort.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here are the tools you’ll need to make this recipe from start to finish:

• Slow Cooker (4–6 quart): A standard size will work for this recipe. If doubling, use a larger model.
• Large Spoon or Silicone Spatula: To stir the ingredients together and serve.
• Cutting Board and Knife: Only needed if you’re browning sausage or trimming fresh spinach.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For the broth, cream, seasonings, and cheese.
• Optional: A skillet to brown sausage before adding it to the slow cooker. (Recommended for best flavor and texture.)

Ingredients for Creamy Tortellini Slow Cooker Recipe

Each ingredient has a job in the dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• 1 (20-oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen): These soft, stuffed pasta pieces are the base of the dish. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw—they’ll cook just fine in the slow cooker.
• 1/2 to 1 lb Italian sausage (optional): Use mild or spicy, depending on your preference. Brown it before adding. It brings a rich, savory flavor and makes the dish more filling.
• 3 cups baby spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach): Adds color and a boost of greens. Stir it in at the end so it doesn’t overcook.
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth: This keeps the tortellini from drying out and helps create the creamy sauce. Vegetable broth also works.
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: Makes the sauce rich and smooth. Milk or half-and-half may curdle in the slow cooker, so full cream is best.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess and a stretchy texture.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty flavor that balances the cream.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a gentle, background flavor without needing fresh garlic.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme that bring warmth and depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Just enough to add balance. You can add more to taste after cooking.

Variations for Creamy Tortellini

This dish is flexible. You can change things based on what you have or what you like:

• Make It Vegetarian: Leave out the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Use Chicken: Swap the sausage for shredded rotisserie chicken or diced, cooked chicken breast.
• Add More Veggies: Stir in mushrooms, zucchini, or peas for extra texture and nutrition.
• Try a Different Pasta: If you can’t find tortellini, you can use ravioli. Just adjust cook time as needed.
• Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for heat.
• Lighter Option: Use light cream and reduce cheese slightly, though the sauce may not be as thick.

How to Make Creamy Tortellini in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Brown the Sausage (If Using)

If you’re adding sausage, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. This adds a deeper flavor and keeps the fat out of the slow cooker. Drain extra grease if needed.

Step 2: Add Base Ingredients to Slow Cooker

In the slow cooker, add:

• browned sausage (if using)
• cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• chicken or vegetable broth
• garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• black pepper

Stir everything gently to mix. Make sure the pasta is mostly covered by the broth.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Cover the slow cooker and cook:

• On LOW for 4 hours
• OR on HIGH for 2 hours

Check around the 1.5-hour mark (if using HIGH) or 3-hour mark (if using LOW) to see if the tortellini are soft and almost cooked. You don’t want them to overcook or fall apart.

Step 4: Add Cream, Cheese, and Spinach

Once the tortellini are tender, stir in:

• heavy cream
• mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Add spinach last. If using fresh spinach, it will wilt in just a few minutes. If using frozen, thaw and squeeze out extra water before adding.

Cover and cook for 10–15 more minutes, just until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Before serving, give it a taste. You might want to add a pinch of salt, more pepper, or extra Parmesan.

How to Serve Creamy Tortellini

This dish is filling on its own, but here are a few simple ways to round out the meal:

• Serve with Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread or a soft dinner roll helps soak up the creamy sauce.
• Add a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Pair with Roasted Veggies: Try roasted broccoli, carrots, or brussels sprouts for a nutritious contrast.

If serving for guests, top each bowl with a little extra Parmesan or a few grinds of black pepper.

Storing Creamy Tortellini

Here’s how to keep leftovers fresh and reheat them without losing texture:

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: Not ideal. Cream-based sauces and tortellini don’t freeze well. The pasta may become mushy after thawing.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Full-Fat Cream: Lower-fat dairy can curdle in the slow cooker. Heavy cream holds up best.
• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Check early, especially if using fresh pasta. It cooks faster than frozen.
• Add Spinach at the End: If added too early, it can turn brown and lose texture.
• Taste Before Serving: Always check for salt, pepper, or extra cheese just before serving.
• Layer Smart: If your sausage has a lot of fat, place it at the bottom to keep the broth clearer on top.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 of 6)
Calories	~480 kcal
Protein	~18g
Carbohydrates	~40g
Fat	~28g
Saturated Fat	~14g
Fiber	~3g
Sugar	~3g
Sodium	~740mg
Calcium	~200mg
Iron	~2mg

Note: Nutrition values are estimates and can vary based on ingredients used (like sausage or type of tortellini).

Creamy Tortellini Slow Cooker Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini without thawing?

Yes, you can add frozen tortellini straight to the slow cooker. No need to thaw—just increase the cook time slightly if needed and check for doneness before serving.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can prep all the ingredients (except the tortellini and spinach) the night before and store them in the fridge. Add tortellini and spinach during cooking as directed for best texture.

Will milk work instead of heavy cream?

It’s not recommended. Milk may curdle in the slow cooker. Heavy cream holds up well to long, slow heat and gives the sauce its rich texture.

Can I skip the sausage?

Definitely. This dish is just as tasty without meat. You can also substitute with chicken, plant-based sausage, or extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.

What kind of tortellini works best?

Cheese tortellini is ideal for this recipe, either fresh or frozen. If using meat-filled tortellini, adjust salt and seasoning since those may already be flavorful.

Can I cook it longer than 4 hours?

It’s best not to. Overcooking can make the tortellini too soft and break apart. If your slow cooker keeps warm after cooking, switch to “keep warm” mode after 4 hours.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

It’s not recommended. Creamy sauces and pasta don’t freeze well. The texture often becomes grainy or watery after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within 3 days.

Conclusion

This creamy tortellini slow cooker recipe is simple, flexible, and built for comfort. You can serve it for family dinner, bring it to a potluck, or save the leftovers for an easy lunch. It’s rich, flavorful, and doesn’t ask much of you—just a few minutes of prep and a little time in the slow cooker.