Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Alfredo

This creamy crockpot tortellini Alfredo makes weeknight dinners so easy and comforting. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a rich homemade meal without fussing over the stove. Just set it and forget it until tender, creamy pasta heaven awaits.

I remember tossing everything in after a long day and coming home to a warm, perfectly silky dish my whole family devoured without any last-minute stir or babysitting.

Ingredients

• Cheese tortellini: choose fresh refrigerated for the most tender bite that holds up well without getting mushy
• Heavy cream: brings the rich, velvety texture essential to Alfredo sauce
• Chicken broth: adds subtle savory depth and balances the creaminess
• Cream cheese: melts slowly creating a smooth, tangy base for the sauce
• Garlic: use fresh minced for a fragrant backbone
• Italian seasoning: offers classic herb flavors that tie everything together
• Parmesan cheese: freshly grated boosts sharpness and umami layers
• Fresh spinach: gives color and brightens the dish with a tender wilt that feels fresh instead of heavy
• Salt black pepper and optional red pepper flakes: season and elevate flavor without overpowering

Instructions

Add Liquids and Cheese:

Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, cubed cream cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the crockpot. Stir everything together so the cream cheese begins blending with the liquids. This mix forms the creamy base and infuses flavors as it cooks slowly.

Slow Cook to Melt and Blend:

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Every so often give it a gentle stir if you can, ensuring the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and fragrant. This slow cooking develops the flavor deeply and thickens the sauce naturally.

Add Tortellini:

Once the base is creamy and blended, add the refrigerated tortellini into the pot. Fold gently to coat the noodles with the sauce. Cook on low for about 20 to 30 minutes until the tortellini is tender but still holds its shape well so it does not get soggy.

Finish with Parmesan and Spinach:

After the tortellini is just right, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the fresh spinach. The heat will wilt the spinach quickly while melting the Parmesan into the sauce for added richness and flavor brightness.

Adjust Seasonings and Serve:

Taste the sauce and add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes as needed. These final touches round out and balance the flavors perfectly. Serve hot with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if you like for an extra flourish.

My favorite part is how the cream cheese slowly melts into the slow cooker creating the creamiest sauce that tastes like hours of effort with almost no hands-on time. This dish instantly became a family classic after the first try, especially for cozy weekend dinners.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or microwave to avoid curdling or drying out. Avoid reheating directly on high heat as the cheese sauce can separate.

Ingredient Swaps

Spinach can be swapped for baby kale or swiss chard for a different texture but add earlier as they take longer to wilt. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it strictly vegetarian. Swap cream cheese with mascarpone for a slightly sweeter and silkier sauce if you prefer.

Serving Ideas

Serve with a simple crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the Alfredo. Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh basil on top for extra texture and a herbaceous punch. Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for a complete meal.

This creamy crockpot tortellini Alfredo is the perfect hands-off weeknight meal that delights with minimal effort. Enjoy the rich flavors and silky sauce with your loved ones.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, frozen tortellini can be used; just add an extra 10 minutes of cooking time in the crockpot to ensure tenderness.

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Whole milk mixed with a bit of butter can work, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy.

→ Is it possible to make this without chicken broth?

Vegetable broth or water can replace chicken broth, though a broth adds more depth of flavor.

→ How can I prevent the spinach from overcooking?

Add fresh spinach near the end of the cooking process and let it wilt gently in the warm sauce for best texture.

→ Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a crockpot?

Yes, combine the liquids and cream cheese in a saucepan, cook until smooth, then add tortellini and spinach, simmering until tender.