Crockpot Creamy Tortellini

This Crockpot Creamy Tortellini is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender tortellini, flavorful Italian sausage, and fresh spinach in a creamy, cheesy sauce. The slow-cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich and savory dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. What makes this recipe even more appealing is its simplicity. With minimal prep work, you can let the crockpot do the heavy lifting while you go about your day. By the time dinner rolls around, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal ready to be served, satisfying everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a quick, delicious dinner or something that can feed a crowd, this dish is sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 package (19 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. In a skillet, cook the crumbled sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. In a crockpot, add the cooked sausage, spinach, tortellini, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and cream cheese.
  3. Season with basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, until the tortellini is tender and the cream cheese is fully melted.
  5. Before serving, stir in Parmesan cheese until well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings

Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Spinach and Sausage: The Ultimate Comfort Food

There’s nothing quite like coming home to the aroma of a slow-cooked meal, especially one as rich and satisfying as Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Spinach and Sausage. This dish is the perfect combination of hearty, creamy, and comforting, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or a simple cozy dinner at home. The recipe is both flavorful and effortless to prepare, requiring minimal prep time before letting the crockpot work its magic.

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. By using your slow cooker, you can create a restaurant-quality meal without having to stand over a stove for hours. The flavors develop beautifully as the sausage, tortellini, and spinach simmer in a rich, cheesy cream sauce that coats every bite. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or someone just starting out, this dish is foolproof and will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why Crockpot Creamy Tortellini is a standout dish. Here are a few reasons why you should give it a try:

  • Minimal Prep Time: One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that it requires very little prep. The only real step before loading everything into the crockpot is browning the sausage, which adds depth of flavor to the dish. From there, it’s all about layering the ingredients and letting them cook low and slow for hours while you carry on with your day.
  • Rich, Creamy Sauce: The sauce is a combination of cream cheese, Parmesan, and flavorful seasonings that come together to create a decadent, cheesy coating for the tortellini. The addition of chicken broth and tomatoes adds moisture and a subtle tang, balancing the richness of the cream cheese and Parmesan.
  • Flavorful Ingredients: The Italian sausage brings a savory, mildly spicy flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. Meanwhile, the spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, giving the dish a healthy boost without overpowering the other ingredients. Finally, the tortellini itself is filled with a delightful cheese filling that blends seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
  • Perfect for Batch Cooking: If you’re a fan of meal prepping or cooking in bulk, this recipe is perfect for you. You can easily double the ingredients to feed a larger group or save leftovers for lunch the next day. The dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent choice for meal planning throughout the week.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at some of the essential ingredients that make this dish truly special:

  • Italian Sausage: Using Italian sausage is key to this recipe. Its savory, slightly spicy flavor brings depth and character to the dish. You can choose between mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference. If you prefer a lighter option, you could substitute the sausage with ground turkey or chicken sausage, but keep in mind that the richness of the sausage is what makes this dish so hearty.
  • Cheese Tortellini: Tortellini are little pockets of pasta filled with cheese, adding texture and richness to the dish. Whether you use fresh or frozen tortellini, both work well in the crockpot. The slow cooking process ensures that the tortellini absorb the flavors of the sausage and cream sauce, becoming even more tender and delicious.
  • Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients, making this indulgent dish just a bit healthier. The spinach wilts down during the slow cooking process and blends perfectly into the creamy sauce. You can also use kale or another leafy green if you prefer a heartier green in your meal.
  • Cream Cheese: The base of the creamy sauce is made from cream cheese, which melts down into a luscious, velvety consistency. It helps to thicken the sauce and adds a mild, tangy flavor that pairs well with the sausage and tortellini. If you’re looking for a lighter version of this recipe, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese without sacrificing too much flavor.
  • Chicken Broth & Diced Tomatoes: These two ingredients form the liquid base of the sauce. Chicken broth provides a savory depth of flavor, while the diced tomatoes add a slight acidity that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and Parmesan. Together, they create a balanced sauce that’s both creamy and light enough to avoid being overwhelming.
  • Parmesan Cheese: No creamy pasta dish would be complete without a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese. In this recipe, it’s stirred into the sauce just before serving, adding a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. For the best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan.

Cooking Tips and Variations

While this recipe is already a winner, there are plenty of ways to tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

  • Add Vegetables: In addition to spinach, feel free to incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. These will add texture, flavor, and nutritional value to the dish.
  • Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, opt for spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. The heat will balance the creaminess and give the dish an extra kick.
  • Use a Different Protein: While sausage adds great flavor, you can swap it out for other proteins like ground beef, chicken, or even turkey. For a vegetarian option, you can omit the sausage altogether and use a plant-based meat substitute.
  • Cheese Options: For an extra cheesy twist, stir in mozzarella or provolone at the end of cooking. You can also experiment with different types of tortellini, such as those stuffed with ricotta, spinach, or even meat.
  • Make It Healthier: If you’re looking for a lighter version, use a low-fat cream cheese and opt for whole wheat or gluten-free tortellini. You can also reduce the amount of cheese and sausage or add more vegetables to balance out the richness.

How to Serve Crockpot Creamy Tortellini

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served on its own or paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas for how to serve this creamy tortellini dish:

  • With Garlic Bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is the perfect companion for this creamy, cheesy pasta dish. Use the bread to soak up any leftover sauce for a satisfying bite.
  • With a Green Salad: To balance out the richness of the tortellini, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. This adds a refreshing contrast to the dish.
  • As a Potluck Dish: This recipe is great for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for potlucks or family gatherings. It’s a one-pot wonder that can be easily transported and kept warm in the crockpot until ready to serve.

Storing and Reheating

This Crockpot Creamy Tortellini makes excellent leftovers. Here are a few tips on storing and reheating:

  • Storing: Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: To reheat, simply place the leftovers in a saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.
  • Freezing: If you want to make this dish ahead of time or freeze leftovers, it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to feed a crowd, Crockpot Creamy Tortellini with Spinach and Sausage is the perfect solution. The combination of creamy sauce, savory sausage, and tender tortellini creates a rich, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, with the ease of using a crockpot, you can prepare this dish with minimal effort and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without any hassle. Give it a try and see why this recipe has quickly become a favorite in many households!

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