Description
This Crockpot Creamy Tortellini recipe offers a comforting and easy-to-make Italian-inspired meal. Featuring mild or spicy Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, crushed tomatoes, and a rich blend of chicken broth and heavy cream, this slow cooker dish melds flavors beautifully for a creamy, hearty dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), crumbled
Pasta
- 1 (19 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
Vegetables & Herbs
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Liquids
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Add the browned sausage, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Base: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: About 25-30 minutes before serving, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Cover and cook until the tortellini is tender and the spinach is wilted.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Let it cook uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to warm through and thicken slightly.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage according to your taste preference.
- Refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly in the crockpot; avoid adding it too early to prevent mushiness.
- The Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor and creaminess.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
