This hearty and delicious Creamy Crockpot Tortellini with sausage and spinach is the ultimate comfort meal, made easy with your slow cooker. With rich, creamy sauce and tender tortellini, it's the perfect dish for busy days or family dinners. Packed with flavorful Italian sausage, spinach, and a touch of parmesan, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
1 pound Italian sausage
½ small onion, diced
3 ounces frozen spinach
28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juice
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
16 ounces frozen tortellini
3 cups chicken broth
¼ cup tomato paste
¼ cup parmesan cheese (optional)
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
I start by browning the sausage and onion in a skillet over medium heat until no pink remains. Then, I drain any excess fat.
I transfer the cooked sausage and onion to a 6-quart slow cooker.
To the slow cooker, I add the frozen spinach, canned diced tomatoes with juice, cubed cream cheese, Italian seasoning, frozen tortellini, chicken broth, and tomato paste. I stir everything together to combine.
I cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours, checking at 2 ½ hours to prevent the tortellini from overcooking.
Once the tortellini is cooked through, I stir the mixture until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Finally, I serve the dish hot, garnished with parmesan cheese if I want extra flavor.
Servings and timing
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers of this creamy crockpot tortellini can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I simply warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! I can swap frozen spinach with about 4-5 cups of fresh spinach, chopped. Just add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure it wilts properly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I can prepare this creamy crockpot tortellini in advance by assembling all the ingredients in the slow cooker and refrigerating them overnight. In the morning, I just start cooking it on low.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Absolutely! If I like a little heat, I can add red pepper flakes or some chopped chili peppers to the mix when cooking the sausage and onion.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes! While Italian sausage is delicious, I can use other varieties such as turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even ground beef if I prefer.
Can I make this vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, I can omit the sausage and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers would work great too!
Conclusion
This creamy crockpot tortellini is the perfect cozy meal for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and can be customized to suit different tastes. Whether I’m feeding my family or making dinner for a crowd, this dish is always a hit. I’ll definitely be making it again soon.
Recipe:
Creamy Crockpot Tortellini
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Creamy Crockpot Tortellini with sausage and spinach is the ultimate comfort meal, perfect for busy days or family dinners. With savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, a creamy sauce, and a touch of Parmesan, this slow-cooker recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
1 pound Italian sausage
½ small onion, diced
3 ounces frozen spinach
28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juice
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
16 ounces frozen tortellini
3 cups chicken broth
¼ cup tomato paste
¼ cup parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage and onion in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the sausage and onion mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add frozen spinach, canned diced tomatoes with juice, cubed cream cheese, Italian seasoning, frozen tortellini, chicken broth, and tomato paste to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours, checking at 2 ½ hours to prevent overcooking the tortellini.
- Once the tortellini is cooked through, stir the mixture to smooth and combine the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with optional parmesan cheese.
Notes
You can use fresh spinach (about 4-5 cups chopped) instead of frozen spinach. Add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Make it ahead by assembling everything in the slow cooker and refrigerating it overnight.
For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or chili peppers with the sausage.
Swap Italian sausage for turkey or chicken sausage, or ground beef for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 516 kcal per serving
