Crockpot Creamy Tortellini is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender tortellini, and flavorful spices, it's sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, as it's prepared entirely in a slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it. The result is a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredients:
* 1 (14.5 oz) can of diced tomatoes
* 1 (8 oz) package of cheese-filled tortellini
* 1 (8 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
* 1/2 cup of heavy cream
* 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1 tablespoon of olive oil
* 1 small onion, diced
* 2 cloves of garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon of dried basil
* 1/2 teaspoon of salt
* 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
* 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Cooking Steps:
1. In the slow cooker, combine the diced onion, minced garlic, and olive oil. Cook on low for 30 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
2. Add the diced tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, shredded mozzarella cheese, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Add the cheese-filled tortellini to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
4. Cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the tortellini is tender and the sauce has thickened.
5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more heavy cream. If it's too thin, add a little more cream of chicken soup.
6. Serve the Crockpot Creamy Tortellini hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations:
* To make a creamy and spicy version, add 1-2 tablespoons of diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the slow cooker with the onion and garlic.
* To make a lighter version, use low-fat cream of chicken soup and Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
* To add some protein, cook 1/2 cup of diced chicken breast or ground beef in the slow cooker with the onion and garlic before adding the tortellini and sauce.
* To make a vegetarian version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a mushroom-based soup or add 1/2 cup of sautéed mushrooms to the slow cooker with the onion and garlic.
* To make a low-carb version, use gluten-free tortellini or substitute with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
By following these steps and tips, you'll be able to create a delicious and satisfying Crockpot Creamy Tortellini that's perfect for any occasion.