Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Meatball Tortellini
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Meatball Tortellini is the ultimate comfort meal with almost no effort. Frozen meatballs simmer in a rich Alfredo sauce with garlic, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes before being finished with tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and plenty of Parmesan. It's a true No Sweat Summer dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights!
No Sweat Summer Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Easy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Family Friendly
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Leftovers
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Budget Friendly
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: About 5 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
1 (24–32 ounce) bag frozen homestyle meatballs
2 (15-ounce) jars Alfredo sauce
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
3 cups fresh baby spinach
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Crushed red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Add the frozen meatballs to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Pour in the Alfredo sauce and chicken broth. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything together until the meatballs are evenly coated.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
Step 2
About 20–25 minutes before serving, gently stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini, making sure it is coated in the sauce.
Cover and continue cooking until the tortellini is tender.
Step 3
Stir in the spinach and Parmesan cheese. If using mozzarella, sprinkle it over the top, cover for another 5 minutes, and allow it to melt into the sauce.
Serve with fresh basil, additional Parmesan, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Michelle's Tips
Refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly, so don't add it too early.
If the sauce thickens more than you'd like, stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk before serving.
Garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad makes the perfect side.
Leftovers reheat beautifully—just add a splash of milk before warming to keep the sauce creamy.
What to Serve With It
Garlic pull-apart bread
Caesar salad
Italian chopped salad
Steamed broccoli or green beans
