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
Scale
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.
