If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, you’ve just found your new favorite with this Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s incredibly easy to prepare but rewards you with layers of flavor – from the savory Italian sausage to the creamy, cheesy sauce, all tied together with tender tortellini and fresh spinach. Whether you’re after a hassle-free weeknight meal or something cozy to indulge in on the weekend, this recipe delivers rich taste and satisfying texture without keeping you in the kitchen for hours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential for building the vibrant flavors and creamy texture of the dish. Each one plays a special role, from the hearty Italian sausage adding depth to the zing of tomato and the freshness of spinach brightening every bite.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Choose your favorite variety for a rich, savory base with plenty of personality.
- Diced tomatoes (1 14-ounce can): Adds acidity and a burst of juiciness that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Cream cheese (1 8-ounce package): Key to that luscious, velvety sauce that coats every tortellini with indulgence.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Provides a flavorful liquid foundation that keeps everything moist and melded together.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A subtle aromatic kick that enhances the overall taste.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Brings gentle sweetness and complexity that rounds out the seasoning.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend of herbs that anchors the dish firmly in Italian-inspired goodness.
- Frozen cheese tortellini (1 package): The star pasta that soaks up all that creamy sauce while giving you bite-sized cheesy pockets of delight.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups): Adds a fresh pop of green and loads of nutrients, wilting down nicely at the end.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Sprinkled in toward the finish for a salty, nutty boost that brightens the dish.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by cooking the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked through. This step draws out the pork’s rich flavors and caramelizes it just enough to add a hearty, savory backbone to our dish.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Next, transfer the diced tomatoes (including their juices), the cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning into your crockpot. Give it a good stir because these ingredients will mingle to form the creamy, flavorful sauce that your tortellini will swim in.
Step 3: Melt the Cream Cheese
Stir everything until the cream cheese has melted completely, making the sauce smooth and luscious. It’s the magic step that transforms the ingredients into a rich, comforting base ready for the sausage and pasta.
Step 4: Stir in the Cooked Sausage
Add the browned Italian sausage to the crockpot and give everything a thorough stir. This ensures that each bite will have that signature savory punch that the sausage brings to the mix.
Step 5: Add the Frozen Cheese Tortellini
Gently fold in the frozen cheese tortellini, letting them nestle into the creamy sauce. Since they cook in the crockpot, the pasta will absorb those incredible flavors while becoming perfectly tender.
Step 6: Let It Cook Low and Slow
Set your crockpot on low and cook for 4 hours with the lid on. This slow cooking melds all the flavors together and allows the tortellini to soften without turning mushy.
Step 7: Finish with Spinach and Parmesan
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and the grated Parmesan cheese. The spinach wilts beautifully in the residual heat, adding color and freshness, while the Parmesan melts in, delivering that irresistible finishing flavor.
Step 8: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Give everything one last gentle stir and serve the creamy tortellini hot. This dish is a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness guaranteed to satisfy everyone around the table.
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your plate, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top. A light drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds an exciting burst of flavor and color. These simple garnishes turn an already wonderful dish into something visually stunning and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This creamy tortellini pairs beautifully with crisp salads—think a Caesar or a mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette. You could also serve it alongside garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to mop up the rich sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus create a balanced meal while keeping it vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, consider serving this Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe family-style in a large, rustic bowl accompanied by a cheese board. For a fun twist, spoon it into individual mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for personalized servings that impress. You could even add a poached egg on top for extra indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this fantastic Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow and deepen overnight, making it a perfect meal for the next day.
Freezing
Because this dish contains cream cheese and pasta, freezing can sometimes affect the texture. However, if you have leftovers you’d like to freeze, transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short increments, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or milk helps restore the creamy texture if it seems thickened. Avoid high heat to prevent the cheese from separating.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well as a leaner alternative. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly to develop those rich flavors that make the dish so comforting.
Is it necessary to use fresh spinach, or can I use frozen spinach?
Fresh spinach wilts perfectly in the last few minutes of cooking, adding nice texture and color. If you want to use frozen spinach, thaw and drain it well first, then stir it in toward the end to avoid excess water in the dish.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
You can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot using the slow cooker function or pressure cooking with some adjustments. Just be cautious with cook times to avoid overcooking the tender tortellini.
How spicy is this dish?
The level of heat depends entirely on the Italian sausage you choose. Mild sausage results in a flavorful but gentle dish, while spicy sausage adds a nice kick. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer extra heat.
Do I need to cook the tortellini before adding it to the crockpot?
Nope! The frozen tortellini cooks perfectly in the crockpot during the 4-hour low cook time, absorbing all the tasty sauce flavors and staying tender without becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe is one of those golden recipes that holds a special place in the hearts of busy home cooks who crave comfort food without fuss. Rich, cheesy, packed with flavor, and effortlessly made in your crockpot, it’s perfect for filling your home with warmth and happy vibes. Give it a try, and I promise, it’ll soon become one of your go-to dishes for cozy nights that deserve something truly satisfying.
Print
Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 4h 0m
- Total Time: 4h 15m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Crockpot Creamy Tortellini recipe combines savory Italian sausage, creamy cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich tomato and cream cheese sauce, slow-cooked to perfection for a comforting and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound Italian sausage
Vegetables
- 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Dairy
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pantry
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 package frozen cheese tortellini
Instructions
- Cook the Italian Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked through. This step ensures the sausage is flavorful and ready to add to the crockpot.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In the crockpot, add the diced tomatoes with their juices, cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to blend the cream cheese as evenly as possible with the other ingredients.
- Add Sausage to Crockpot: Transfer the cooked Italian sausage into the crockpot and stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Add Tortellini: Gently mix in the frozen cheese tortellini, distributing it evenly throughout the sauce mixture without breaking the pasta.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the tortellini to cook through perfectly.
- Add Spinach and Parmesan: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will wilt the spinach and melt the cheese for a creamy finish.
- Final Stir and Serve: Stir the mixture well until the spinach has wilted and the Parmesan is fully incorporated. Serve the creamy tortellini hot and enjoy your hearty and delicious meal!
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your flavor preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Ensure you stir gently when adding the tortellini to prevent tearing.
- If the sauce is too thick after cooking, add a splash of chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale for a different texture and taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
