Description
This creamy crockpot tortellini recipe combines Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and a rich tomato-cream sauce cooked slowly to perfection. With baby spinach added for freshness and optional Parmesan for extra flavor, it’s an easy, comforting meal perfect for busy days or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce and Main Ingredients
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed to avoid a greasy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked sausage to a slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, cubed cream cheese, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently to blend all ingredients well.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally to help the cream cheese melt evenly and to prevent sticking.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and baby spinach to the slow cooker. Stir, cover again, and cook until the tortellini are tender and the spinach wilts, about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the Parmesan cheese if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as desired. Serve warm for a comforting Italian-American main course.
Notes
- Refrigerated tortellini works best for this recipe; if using frozen, thaw first to ensure even cooking.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- This dish is excellent for meal prep and reheats well for up to 3 days.
- Drain any excess sausage fat before adding to the slow cooker to keep the sauce from becoming too greasy.
- Optional: adding fresh basil or red pepper flakes can enhance flavor and add a spicy kick.
