If you are craving a comforting, creamy, and incredibly flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, you need to try this Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe. It combines tender cheese tortellini with savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. This dish transforms humble ingredients into a warm, satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends, all while filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a few simple but essential ingredients is all it takes to create the magic behind this creamy tortellini dish. Each component has a purpose—whether it’s layering flavor, providing a rich texture, or introducing a pop of color that makes every bite inviting.
- Cheese tortellini (20 oz): The star pasta pockets bursting with cheesy goodness that soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Adds a bold, savory punch and a satisfying protein element; feel free to use spicy or mild based on your preference.
- Spinach (2 cups): Fresh or frozen, it brings a vibrant green color and a delicate earthiness that balances the richness.
- Chicken broth (4 cups): Provides the flavorful, comforting base liquid to meld everything together.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Essential for that indulgently smooth and velvety texture in the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Infuses a sharp, nutty flavor that amps up the depth of the dish.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle aromatic kick enhancing the Italian flair.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): A fragrant blend of herbs that ties all flavors together perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle warmth and subtle bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts irresistibly on top, creating a cheesy, gooey finish.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Begin by cooking the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it turns golden brown and releases its fragrant aroma. This not only cooks the sausage thoroughly but also enhances the flavor through caramelization. Remember to drain any excess fat afterward to keep the dish creamy without being greasy.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Base and Greens
Next, pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into your crockpot. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper to create a flavorful sauce base. Then, add the browned sausage and spinach. Adding the spinach now allows it to soften gently and meld into the sauce, contributing depth and a welcome splash of color.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and let your mixture cook on low for about 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking time helps all the flavors to marry together beautifully, and the sauce thickens naturally. It’s the perfect hands-off step that lets you go about your day while the magic happens.
Step 4: Add Tortellini and Cheese
After the slow cooking is finished, stir in the cheese tortellini along with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Switch your crockpot setting to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes. This final step allows the tortellini to become tender, while the mozzarella melts into a luscious, gooey topping that brings the whole dish together.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese is melted and the tortellini are perfectly cooked, serve your creamy creation warm. Feel free to sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for an added burst of flavor before digging in.
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your serving presentation with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil leaves to add a fresh herbal note that complements the rich creaminess. A light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes or additional grated Parmesan can also add a touch of personalized flair.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic bread or a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. The crunch and acidity from these sides balance the creamy, hearty nature of the tortellini, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant twist, serve this crockpot dish in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets, finished with a sprig of fresh herbs. You can also spoon it over lightly toasted ciabatta slices for a rustic, open-faced pasta toast that’s perfect for casual entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe keep remarkably well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making reheated portions even more delicious.
Freezing
While this dish freezes best before adding the tortellini and cheese, you can store the sauce and sausage mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight and then add fresh tortellini and mozzarella before finishing the cooking process.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess and prevent the sauce from separating. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth to restore the perfect creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great lighter alternative that still brings plenty of flavor. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned, or supplement with extra Italian seasoning to keep that classic taste.
Is it necessary to brown the sausage first?
Browning the sausage adds depth and richness to the dish by caramelizing the meat and rendering some fat. While you can skip it, the flavor won’t be quite as robust or complex.
Can I use frozen tortellini? Do I need to thaw it first?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly in this recipe and does not need to be thawed beforehand. Just add it directly to the crockpot toward the end of cooking, as instructed.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Simply omit the Italian sausage and increase the spinach or add mushrooms for extra texture and flavor. You can also add beans or artichokes for some hearty protein alternatives.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter?
You can try half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option, but keep in mind the sauce won’t be as rich or thick. To maintain creaminess, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or a roux to thicken the sauce if you go this route.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe is one of those comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s effortless to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. I encourage you to give it a try and experience just how rewarding slow-cooked, creamy Italian-inspired pasta can be. You might just find your new favorite go-to dinner.
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Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Creamy Tortellini recipe is a comforting and easy-to-make meal featuring tender cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce made with chicken broth, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for busy days, this slow-cooked dish delivers deep flavors and creamy texture with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (optional)
- 2 cups spinach, fresh or frozen
Sauce Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
- Prepare the crockpot base: In the crockpot, combine the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir to mix well.
- Add sausage and spinach: Add the browned Italian sausage and the fresh or frozen spinach to the crockpot mixture, folding them in evenly.
- Slow cook the mixture: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the spinach to wilt.
- Add tortellini and cheese: Stir in the cheese tortellini and shredded mozzarella cheese into the crockpot. Increase the heat to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Give the creamy tortellini a gentle stir and serve warm. Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.
Notes
- Use frozen tortellini straight from the freezer; no need to thaw before adding to the crockpot.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the Italian sausage and increase the spinach or add mushrooms.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, as some chicken broth brands vary in saltiness.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- For a thicker sauce, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch diluted in cold water before adding the tortellini.
