This Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini is a warm and comforting dish that’s super easy to make. With cheesy tortellini and a creamy sauce, it’s a meal the whole family will love!
I enjoy throwing everything in the slow cooker and letting it do its magic. Plus, it’s perfect for busy days—you can come home to a delicious dinner waiting for you!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tortellini: Refrigerated cheese tortellini is perfect for this dish. If you’d like, you can swap it for other pasta shapes like ravioli or even gluten-free options that can hold up to slow cooking.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds color and nutrition. If spinach isn’t available, feel free to use kale or another leafy green. Just chop them roughly, similar to how you’d prepare spinach.
Canned Diced Tomatoes: These add great flavor and moisture. You can replace them with chopped fresh tomatoes if you prefer, or use fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra kick.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: This is a key ingredient for creaminess. If you’re avoiding mushrooms, consider using cream of chicken or even a homemade creamy sauce made with flour and broth.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter alternative, you can substitute half and half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option, although this will change the flavor a bit.
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
Creating that smooth, creamy sauce is essential for this dish. Follow these simple steps to ensure it comes out perfect:
- Combine your canned tomatoes, soup, and heavy cream in the Crock Pot first. This forms the base.
- Add garlic and onion powders along with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor without added work.
- Make sure to mix everything well before adding the tortellini. This helps all the flavors blend together nicely.
Once cooked, remember to stir in the Parmesan cheese at the end. It melts and adds that cheesy goodness. Adjust your seasoning to taste, and your creamy tortellini will be delicious!
How to Make Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1 (10 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10 oz) can cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 15 minutes of prep time and cooks for 4-5 hours in the Crock Pot. So, just set it up and let it do the work while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
In your Crock Pot, combine the undrained diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. This creamy base is the heart of your dish!
2. Add the Tortellini:
Next, gently add the cheese tortellini to the creamy mixture. Carefully stir to coat all the tortellini in that delicious sauce. This step is super important to make sure every piece is flavorful!
3. Slow Cook Your Dish:
Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 4-5 hours. You want the tortellini to be tender and soak up all the flavors. Just let it do its thing while you take a break!
4. Stir in the Spinach:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, toss in the chopped spinach. Give it a good stir to combine with everything. The spinach will wilt and add a nice touch of color and nutrition to your meal!
5. Finish with Parmesan:
Once your cooking time is up, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy finish. Taste it and feel free to add a little more salt and pepper if you like it more seasoned!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out your creamy tortellini hot, and if you’d like, top with fresh basil or parsley for a lovely garnish. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure they cook through properly. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; simply toss them right into the Crock Pot with the other ingredients.
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Mushroom Soup?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use cream of chicken soup, or make a homemade version by mixing equal parts of heavy cream and chicken broth with sautéed mushrooms. This way, you keep that creamy texture while tailoring to your taste or dietary needs!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of heavy cream or broth if it looks too thick.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas. Just chop them into small pieces and toss them in with the tortellini at the start, adjusting the cooking time slightly if necessary for firmer veggies.
