If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, soul-satisfying meal that practically makes itself, you are going to adore this Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe. Imagine tender cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a luscious, creamy sauce with the savory depth of browned Italian sausage and a vibrant pop of fresh spinach. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet homey, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave rich flavors without fuss. Every bite wraps you in warmth and cheesy goodness, making it a dependable favorite to keep in your recipe arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays a special role in delivering that comforting, creamy texture and bright, flavorful finish you crave. These staples are simple yet essential, blending together to create a balanced dish where every component shines.
- 20 oz cheese tortellini: Whether refrigerated or frozen, these little pockets bring cheesy goodness and satisfying bite.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Adds savory richness and a hint of spice that elevates the entire dish.
- 2 cups spinach: Fresh or frozen, it provides a fresh, earthy note and lovely green color.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Forms the flavorful, light base of the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is the luscious secret that gives the sauce its dreamy, silky texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty depth enhancing every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings subtle warmth and savory aroma without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that anchors the dish firmly in Italian flavor traditions.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that balances the creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, stringy perfection to top it all off.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the Italian sausage until it’s beautifully browned and fragrant. This browning step not only cooks the meat through but also gives it a mouthwatering caramelized flavor. Once cooked, drain any excess fat—this keeps the dish from becoming greasy—and set the sausage aside to add to your crockpot later.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Base
Pour chicken broth and heavy cream directly into your crockpot, then stir in grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. This flavorful liquid base is crucial as it creates that irresistible creamy sauce. Add the browned Italian sausage and the spinach on top—it’s okay if the spinach looks like a lot; it will wilt down as it cooks, infusing the sauce with fresh goodness.
Step 3: Slow Cook for Rich Flavor
Place the lid on your crockpot and set it to low heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow, gentle heat allows the savory flavors to mingle and deepen, tenderizing the sausage and fully incorporating the seasonings and spinach into the luscious broth. This is where the magic happens with minimal effort from you.
Step 4: Add Tortellini and Mozzarella
After the slow cooking phase, stir in the cheese tortellini and shredded mozzarella. Switch the crockpot to high and cook for another 30 minutes. During this final step, the tortellini will cook until tender, soaking up the creamy sauce, while the mozzarella melts into the dish, adding stringy, melty goodness that makes every bite utterly comforting.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Your Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe is ready to be served. Ladle generous portions into bowls, and if you like, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for an added salty, cheesy kick. This meal is best enjoyed fresh and steaming hot, perfect for cozy dinners at home.
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes take this creamy tortellini dish from comforting to celebratory. Consider topping with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a fresh herbal touch that brightens the plate. A dusting of freshly cracked black pepper and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan add texture and an elegant finishing touch that invite you to dive right in.
Side Dishes
This meal is beautifully satisfying on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads like a Caesar or arugula with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread or a warm baguette are excellent for sopping up any leftover creamy sauce, elevating your meal into a full Italian-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving this Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch. Another idea is to place it in hollowed-out bread bowls for an impressive presentation that’s also edible and extra comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy tortellini will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy the comforting flavors all over again without extra work.
Freezing
While this dish freezes reasonably well, the texture of the tortellini may change slightly after thawing. If you want to freeze it, place portions in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to help the cheese sauce regain its creamy consistency. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without Italian sausage?
Absolutely! The sausage adds great flavor, but if you prefer a vegetarian option or don’t eat pork, you can skip it or substitute with a plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a savory twist.
Can I use dried tortellini instead of refrigerated or frozen?
Dried tortellini has a different cooking time and texture, so it’s best to stick with fresh or frozen for this recipe to ensure it cooks evenly in the crockpot and stays tender.
Is it possible to prepare this recipe in the oven or on the stovetop?
Yes, although it won’t be the same slow simmer flavor. On the stovetop, you can brown the sausage, then simmer the sauce ingredients until thickened before adding tortellini to cook. In the oven, bake covered at 350°F until the tortellini is tender – but the crockpot really makes it effortless with deeper flavor development.
How can I make this dish less creamy or lighter?
You can reduce the heavy cream by half and substitute the rest with extra chicken broth or a bit of milk. Using part-skim mozzarella instead of whole milk also cuts calories while maintaining good meltiness.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat slowly over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with short bursts, stirring in a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth and prevent drying.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe is one of those special dishes that brings people together with its rich flavors and simple goodness. It’s comforting yet impressive enough to serve family and friends with pride. I hope you enjoy making it as much as eating it — it’s an all-around winner that’s sure to become one of your favorite cozy meals! Give it a try and let your crockpot do the work while you relax and get ready to savor every creamy, cheesy bite.
Print
Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Creamy Tortellini recipe delivers a comforting, cheesy meal perfect for busy days. Combining tender cheese tortellini with savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan-enriched broth, this slow-cooked dish offers a rich and hearty flavor profile with minimal hands-on time. Simply brown the sausage, assemble in the crockpot, and let it cook slowly to meld the flavors into a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (optional)
- 2 cups spinach, fresh or frozen
Liquid and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage until it is fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In the crockpot, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Add the browned Italian sausage and the spinach to the mixture and stir to combine.
- Slow Cook Mixture: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set to cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the spinach to wilt perfectly into the creamy broth.
- Add Tortellini and Cheese: After the slow cooking phase, stir in the cheese tortellini and shredded mozzarella cheese. Increase the crockpot heat to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the mozzarella has melted completely.
- Serve Warm: Once cooked, stir the dish gently and serve warm. Optionally, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- You can omit the Italian sausage for a vegetarian version; consider adding mushrooms or more spinach instead.
- Use frozen tortellini straight from the freezer without thawing to prevent sticking.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Fresh spinach may be added instead of frozen, but ensure it wilts fully during cooking.
- This recipe can be doubled to serve a larger crowd; ensure your crockpot is large enough.
