If you have been searching for a cozy, flavorful, and effortless dinner that will impress everyone around the table, look no further than the Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe. This dish is a luscious blend of tender cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant spinach all swimming in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level, and the best part is how simple it is to prepare thanks to the magic of your crockpot. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, it’s guaranteed to become an instant favorite that brings everyone together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors in this dish. Each one, from the creamy cheeses to the fresh greens and aromatic seasonings, complements the others beautifully to form a harmonious meal.
- 20 oz cheese tortellini: Use refrigerated or frozen tortellini for that cheesy, pillowy bite that defines the dish.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Adds a bold, savory depth; choose mild or spicy based on your preference.
- 2 cups spinach: Fresh or frozen, this brings a burst of color and a mild green freshness.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful base that keeps everything moist and rich.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its luxurious creaminess.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty punch and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a gentle garlicky warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties the dish together with classic Italian notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice to balance out the creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating that irresistible gooey texture.
How to Make Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by cooking your Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it turns a gorgeous golden-brown with slightly crispy edges. This process releases its fragrant oils and develops a rich flavor base. Once cooked, drain the excess fat to keep the dish from getting greasy and set the sausage aside while you get the crockpot ready.
Step 2: Combine Liquids and Seasonings in the Crockpot
Into the crockpot, pour the chicken broth and heavy cream, then sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine all these aromatics and dairy into a creamy broth. Next, add the cooked Italian sausage and your spinach, which will wilt down and infuse the sauce with fresh green notes as it cooks.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crockpot and let everything cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows all the flavors to blend beautifully while the sausage continues to tenderize and the spinach softens. The low and slow approach is a key step to developing that deep, cozy taste you’re craving.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini and Mozzarella
After the sauce has simmered, stir in your cheese tortellini and a cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Switch the crockpot to high and cook for another 30 minutes until the tortellini is perfectly tender and the mozzarella has melted into wonderfully gooey goodness, pulling the entire dish together.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once everything is cooked through, it’s time to serve! Ladle the creamy tortellini into bowls, and if you like, sprinkle a bit more Parmesan on top for an extra punch of flavor. This step is pure comfort food joy right at your fingertips.
How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top to add a hint of bright herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. A dash of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a welcome spicy kick. Don’t forget that extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese—it’s the perfect way to elevate the dish just before serving.
Side Dishes
This creamy tortellini is such a satisfying meal on its own, but if you want some sides, consider serving it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or some garlic bread to mop up every bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables also pair wonderfully, adding a welcome textural contrast and a pop of color to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a dinner party or looking to impress, serve portions in rustic bowls with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top. Layering with some sun-dried tomatoes or caramelized onions can add extra flavor dimensions and visual appeal. For a fun twist, try adding a few dollops of ricotta cheese before serving for added creaminess and a luxurious mouthfeel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe tastes just as amazing the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before eating, give it a good stir to reincorporate the sauce and flavors that might settle.
Freezing
If you want to save it for a longer time, this dish freezes well. Just transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months, making it a great option for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner later on. Keep in mind that the texture of the tortellini may soften slightly after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
Reheat slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in a splash of broth or cream if necessary to loosen the sauce. Be gentle with the heat to keep the tortellini from becoming mushy and maintain that perfect creamy consistency we all love.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without Italian sausage?
Absolutely! You can omit the sausage for a vegetarian-friendly version or substitute it with plant-based sausage alternatives or mushrooms to maintain a delicious umami profile.
Is it better to use fresh or frozen tortellini?
Both work well, but fresh tortellini tends to cook a bit faster and has a tender texture. Frozen tortellini is convenient and still delivers great flavor—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to include extras like mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. Just keep in mind that extra vegetables might require slightly longer cooking times or a bit more broth to maintain the right consistency.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese to keep the sauce creamy but a touch lighter. However, heavy cream offers the best richness and mouthfeel for this recipe.
Will this recipe work in an Instant Pot?
Yes, but cooking times will vary. Use the sauté function to brown the sausage, then cook the combined ingredients under pressure for about 10 minutes before adding the tortellini and mozzarella, finishing with a quick release to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe enough for those days when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. This dish brings such warmth and heartiness to the table, perfect for weeknight dinners or leisurely weekend meals with loved ones. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
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Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Italian Sausage and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Creamy Tortellini recipe is a comforting and easy one-pot meal perfect for busy days. Featuring tender cheese tortellini, flavorful Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich creamy broth made with chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, this dish simmers slowly to develop deep flavors. It’s an excellent dinner option for a family, delivering a deliciously cheesy and hearty pasta soup without much fuss.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (optional)
- 2 cups spinach, fresh or frozen
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Italian Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is fully browned and cooked through. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet and set the sausage aside for later use.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In the crockpot, add the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients until well combined. Then add the browned sausage and spinach into the mixture.
- Cook on Low Heat: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook the mixture on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the spinach to soften.
- Add Tortellini and Mozzarella: After the initial cooking time, stir in the cheese tortellini and shredded mozzarella cheese. Increase the crockpot setting to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the cheese has melted completely.
- Serve Warm: Once cooked, give the dish a final stir and serve warm. Optionally, top with extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- You can omit the Italian sausage to make this recipe vegetarian.
- Frozen spinach works well if fresh spinach is unavailable; just add it directly without thawing.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken broth to 3 cups.
- Use low-fat cream or half-and-half for a lighter version, but the texture will be less creamy.
- Ensure the tortellini is cooked just until tender in the last step to avoid overcooking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
