Tired of complicated weeknight dinners? Craving a warm, comforting meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Then look no further! This slow cooker tortellini recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that requires minimal effort, resulting in a flavorful, cheesy, and utterly irresistible pasta feast. This recipe is perfect for those seeking easy recipes, quick dinner ideas, and healthy meals – all while enjoying the satisfaction of homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 (25-ounce) package cheese tortellini (or your favorite filling!)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped spinach, fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed. This creates the flavorful base for our delicious tortellini.
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Add Tortellini: Gently add the cheese tortellini to the slow cooker, ensuring they're mostly submerged in the sauce. Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker; if necessary, use a larger one.
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Slow Cook: Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the tortellini is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The slow cooker gently simmers the tortellini, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Stir in Parmesan: Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a rich, salty, and decadent element to the dish.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves (optional) for an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal. This simple addition elevates the presentation and adds a burst of fresh flavor. This is a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Cooking Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Tortellini:
- Don't Overcook: Overcooked tortellini can become mushy. Check for doneness around the 2-hour mark, and adjust cooking time as needed.
- Frozen Tortellini: This recipe works equally well with frozen tortellini. Simply add the frozen tortellini directly to the slow cooker and increase the cooking time by about an hour.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Meat Lovers' Delight: Brown some Italian sausage or ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker for a heartier meal.
Variations:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and opt for a vegetarian tortellini filling.
- Spinach Tortellini: Spinach and cheese tortellini add a nutritious and flavorful twist. You can also add a cup of fresh spinach to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Creamy Tomato: Increase the amount of heavy cream for an even creamier sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 350-400 (depending on tortellini filling and added ingredients)
- Protein: Around 15-20g
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40-50g
This slow cooker tortellini recipe offers a fantastic balance of ease, flavor, and satisfaction. It’s a delicious and effortless way to enjoy a comforting, homemade meal – perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings alike. It's a testament to how simple and delicious homemade cooking can be, offering a perfect combination of healthy meals and easy recipes. Enjoy!