Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Alfredo is the ultimate comfort food that takes all the stress out of weeknight cooking. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you get a dish that’s indulgent, velvety, and loaded with tender cheese-filled tortellini. Each bite delivers rich Alfredo sauce hugged by pillowy pasta—all slow-cooked to perfection.
Perfect for busy days when you still want something warm and satisfying at the end of it all. This easy dinner brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your table with minimal effort. And the best part? The creamy sauce only gets better as it simmers low and slow, wrapping every tortellini in cozy, cheesy goodness.
What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?
For the richest and creamiest results, refrigerated cheese tortellini is ideal. It holds up beautifully in the slow cooker without getting mushy, and the cheese inside melts just enough to blend perfectly with the Alfredo sauce. If you only have frozen tortellini, it works too—just add a bit more cooking time. Avoid dry tortellini, as it won’t soften well in a crockpot and may stay too firm.

Ingredients for the Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Alfredo
- Cheese Tortellini: The heart of the dish. Choose fresh or frozen for best texture and flavor.
- Alfredo Sauce: A creamy base that ties all the ingredients together. Use jarred for ease or homemade if you’re feeling fancy.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.
- Cream Cheese: Helps create a silky texture that clings to every tortellini.
- Spinach: Brings color and freshness, balancing the richness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty, it boosts the Alfredo flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): A pop of green to finish.
How To Make the Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Alfredo
Step 1: Prep the Base
Start by adding your Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, and cubed cream cheese to the crockpot. Stir everything gently to begin melting the cream cheese and forming that creamy base.
Step 2: Layer in the Tortellini
Add the cheese tortellini on top of the sauce mixture. No need to stir it in just yet. Let the tortellini slowly absorb all that rich flavor as it cooks.
Step 3: Add the Spinach
Toss in the fresh spinach. It may seem like a lot at first, but it will wilt beautifully as the dish cooks down.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or until the tortellini is tender and the sauce is thick and creamy. If you’re using frozen tortellini, allow for an extra 30–45 minutes.
Step 5: Finish with Cheese & Seasoning
Once everything is cooked through, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, if you like.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Serve hot, straight from the crockpot. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan for a beautiful finish.
Serving and Storing Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Alfredo
This dish is best served hot, fresh from the crockpot, when the sauce is at its silkiest and the tortellini are perfectly tender. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a light salad to round out the meal. If you want to dress it up, a sprinkle of crispy bacon or grilled chicken makes it even more satisfying.
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the cream-based sauce may separate and the tortellini can become mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
It already is! As long as you use vegetarian-friendly Alfredo sauce and Parmesan, you’re good to go.
Can I use meat tortellini instead of cheese?
Yes, meat-filled tortellini works just as well. It adds a heartier twist and still soaks up the creamy Alfredo flavor.
What can I use instead of cream cheese?
Mascarpone or even a dollop of ricotta can substitute for cream cheese in a pinch, though it may slightly alter the texture.
Is it okay to cook this on high?
You can cook on high for 1.5–2 hours, but be sure to check that the tortellini doesn’t overcook or turn mushy. Low and slow is preferred for best results.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Absolutely. Diced rotisserie chicken, cooked Italian sausage, or shrimp can be added in the last hour of cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm it up on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the silky texture. Microwaving works too, just stir halfway through heating.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If this Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Alfredo hit the spot, you’re going to love these other dreamy, flavor-packed pasta dishes from Life with Nina:
- Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken and Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a buttery, cozy twist.
- Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta when you’re craving hearty and comforting.
- One-Pot Creamy Chicken Cheddar Ranch Pasta that’s bursting with bold ranch flavor.
- Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine for a zesty upgrade.
- Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli to turn up the veggie game.
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Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Alfredo
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes to 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Alfredo is a rich, comforting pasta dish made effortlessly in the slow cooker. Cheese tortellini soak up a luscious Alfredo sauce with cream cheese, Parmesan, and spinach, creating a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal hands-on time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you crave something satisfying and indulgent.
Ingredients
20 oz cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
2 cups Alfredo sauce (jarred or homemade)
1 cup heavy cream
4 oz cream cheese, cubed
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Add Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, and cream cheese to the crockpot. Stir gently to start melting the cream cheese.
2. Place tortellini on top of the sauce mixture without stirring.
3. Add fresh spinach over the tortellini.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or until tortellini is tender. If using frozen tortellini, cook for 3.5–4.5 hours.
5. Once cooked, stir in Parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and parsley if using. Serve hot.
Notes
Don’t overcook: Tortellini can become too soft if cooked too long. Start checking at the 3-hour mark.
Use fresh or frozen tortellini: Dry pasta doesn’t work well in this recipe and may stay undercooked.
Reheat gently: Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: crockpot tortellini, creamy Alfredo pasta, slow cooker Alfredo



