When the summer holidays roll around and the house fills up with folks coming and going, a slow cooker supper like this one is a real blessing. This 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fourth of July Cheese Tortellini is the kind of easy, hearty meal Midwestern home cooks have always appreciated: simple pantry staples, hardly any fuss, and a pot full of something hot and comforting when everybody is hungry. Using frozen cheese tortellini makes it especially handy, and the red sauce, creamy cheese, and tender pasta give it those festive red-and-white colors that fit right in on a Fourth of July table.
Serve this tortellini with a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or a platter of fresh summer vegetables to round things out. If you are feeding a crowd, it also pairs nicely with grilled sausage, barbecue chicken, or corn on the cob, and a bowl of fresh berries on the side makes a simple dessert that feels right at home at any backyard gathering.
4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Fourth of July Cheese Tortellini
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 bag (19 to 24 ounces) frozen cheese tortellini
1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray if desired. Pour the frozen cheese tortellini into the bottom of the slow cooker and spread it out into an even layer.
2. Spoon the marinara sauce evenly over the tortellini, then scatter the cubed cream cheese across the top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the tortellini is tender and the cream cheese has softened. Stir gently to combine the sauce and cream cheese into a creamy coating.
4. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the top, cover again, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes more, just until the cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Add a little protein: If you want to make this dish stretch a bit further, stir in cooked crumbled Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken during the last hour of cooking. That turns it from a simple pasta supper into more of a full main dish for hungrier appetites.
Use a different sauce: A roasted garlic pasta sauce or a basil marinara gives this recipe a slightly different personality without changing the easy method. If your family likes a touch of heat, a spicy arrabbiata sauce works nicely too.
Watch the cooking time: Slow cookers can vary quite a bit, and frozen tortellini can go from tender to overly soft if left too long. Start checking at the 3-hour mark so the pasta keeps a pleasant bite.
Make it look festive: For a pretty holiday table, sprinkle the finished dish with chopped parsley or basil and serve it alongside strawberries, blueberries, or a tomato-and-mozzarella salad. That little bit of color makes a humble crock pot supper feel special enough for company.