Creamy Crockpot Ravioli
Creamy Crockpot Ravioli is an easy, comforting dinner that takes just minutes to prep and lets the slow cooker do the rest. Frozen ravioli cooks right in a rich, creamy Alfredo tomato sauce with cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and fresh spinach for a hearty meal the whole family will love.
This is one of those dinners that makes busy evenings a little easier. No boiling pasta separately, no complicated steps, and just one slow cooker to clean up. Serve it with garlic bread and a simple salad, and dinner is handled!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crockpot Ravioli
Easy prep: Add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work.
No need to thaw the ravioli: Frozen cheese or meat ravioli goes straight into the crockpot.
Creamy, flavorful sauce: Alfredo sauce, cream cheese, tomatoes, and Italian dressing seasoning create a rich sauce with plenty of flavor.
A complete, comforting meal: Ravioli, creamy sauce, and fresh spinach make a satisfying dinner with minimal effort.
Perfect for busy nights: This is a great option when you want a cozy homemade dinner without spending the evening in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Frozen ravioli: Use a 25-ounce package of cheese or meat ravioli. Keep it frozen until you’re ready to add it to the slow cooker.
Cream cheese: An 8-ounce block adds richness and helps make the sauce extra creamy. Cut it into cubes so it melts more easily.
Chicken broth: One cup adds moisture and helps the sauce come together as everything cooks.
Alfredo sauce: One jar creates the creamy base for this easy ravioli dinner.
Petite diced tomatoes: A 28-ounce can adds tomato flavor and balances the richness of the Alfredo sauce. Do not drain the tomatoes.
Fresh spinach: One cup of spinach adds color and freshness. Stir it in at the end so it wilts without overcooking.
Italian dressing seasoning: One packet adds a savory blend of herbs and seasonings without requiring a long list of spices.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Ravioli
Make the sauce. Add the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cubed cream cheese, Alfredo sauce, and Italian dressing seasoning to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
Add the frozen ravioli. Layer the frozen ravioli over the sauce. There is no need to thaw or boil it first. Add the sausage after.
Slow cook. Cover and cook on LOW for about 4 hours or HIGH for about 2 hours, until the ravioli is tender. Slow cookers can vary, so check for doneness toward the end of the cooking time.
Add the spinach. Open the lid and gently fold in the fresh spinach. Let it sit for 2–5 minutes, until the spinach wilts.
Stir and serve. Gently stir the ravioli into the creamy sauce, then serve warm.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Ravioli
Keep the ravioli frozen until cooking. This recipe is designed for frozen ravioli, so there’s no need to thaw it ahead of time.
Cut the cream cheese into cubes. Smaller pieces distribute more easily through the sauce as they soften.
Wait to add the spinach. Adding it at the end keeps it fresh and vibrant instead of overcooked.
Check the ravioli before serving. Start checking near the end of the cooking time. Ravioli can become too soft if it cooks longer than needed.
Stir gently. Cooked ravioli can break apart easily, so use a gentle hand when mixing everything together.
What to Serve With Crockpot Ravioli
This creamy ravioli is hearty enough to be the star of dinner. Add a simple side or two to round out the meal.
Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up every bit of the creamy tomato Alfredo sauce.
Green salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the rich sauce.
Roasted broccoli: An easy vegetable side that pairs well with the creamy pasta.
Green beans: A simple way to add another vegetable to the table.
Variations and Substitutions
Choose your ravioli: Cheese ravioli makes a classic meatless option, while meat-filled ravioli adds extra heartiness.
Use vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can replace the chicken broth if you prefer a meatless version. Check the ravioli and Alfredo sauce labels, too.
Add more vegetables: Sliced mushrooms or chopped bell peppers can add more flavor and texture. Keep in mind that extra vegetables may change the amount of liquid in the finished dish.
Finish with Parmesan: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over each bowl before serving for an extra savory finish.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Refrigerate: Let leftover ravioli cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave, stirring gently as needed. You can also reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
Freeze: Cream-based sauces and cooked ravioli can change texture after freezing, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated as leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put frozen ravioli directly in the crockpot?
Yes! Frozen ravioli can go directly into the slow cooker for this recipe. There is no need to thaw or boil it first.
Can I cook creamy crockpot ravioli on HIGH?
Yes. Cook on HIGH for approximately 2 hours or LOW for approximately 4 hours, checking that the ravioli is tender before serving. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker.
Why did my ravioli get mushy?
Ravioli can become mushy if it cooks too long or is stirred too aggressively. Check it near the end of the recommended cooking time and stir gently.
Can I make crockpot ravioli without meat?
Absolutely! Use cheese ravioli and check that your broth and Alfredo sauce are suitable for your dietary preferences. The result is a creamy, satisfying meatless dinner.
Easy Crockpot Ravioli for Busy Nights
When you need an easy dinner that feels comforting without adding extra work to your evening, this Creamy Crockpot Ravioli is a great recipe to keep in your rotation. With frozen ravioli, a handful of simple ingredients, and a slow cooker, you can make a cozy family meal with very little hands-on time.
Serve it with garlic bread, add a salad or vegetable, and enjoy a dinner that makes getting everyone around the table just a little easier.
Creamy Crockpot Ravioli with Sausage
Ingredients
- 25 oz frozen cheese or meat ravioli
- 8 oz cream cheese cubed
- 1 cup chicken broth or stock
- 15 ounces Alfredo sauce
- 28 oz petite diced tomatoes undrained
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 ounce Italian dressing seasoning
- 1 pound sausage
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Add the undrained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Alfredo sauce, cream cheese, and Italian dressing seasoning to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
- Add the ravioli: Place the frozen ravioli on top of the sauce. Do not thaw or precook the ravioli.
- Brown and Add Sausage: Brown 1 lb of sausage in a skillet over medium high heat, drain off excess fat, and add to the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until the ravioli is tender and cooked through.
- Add the spinach: Gently fold in the fresh spinach. Cover and let it wilt for 2–5 minutes.
- Stir and serve: Gently stir everything together until the sauce is creamy and the ingredients are evenly distributed. Serve warm.
Nutrition
Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients, different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information, always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.
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