Description
This Creamy Crockpot Tortellini is a comforting and easy-to-make meal that combines cheesy tortellini, Italian sausage, and a savory tomato and cream sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection for a rich and hearty dinner. Perfect for busy days, this crockpot recipe offers a creamy, flavorful pasta dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage: Cook and crumble 1 lb of Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Add the cooked sausage, 1 package of refrigerated cheese tortellini, 2 cups marinara sauce, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice, 1 cup chicken broth, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) into the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours, allowing all flavors to meld and the tortellini to soften.
- Add Cream Cheese and Spinach: After 4 hours, add the cubed 8 oz cream cheese and 2 cups chopped fresh spinach to the crockpot. Stir gently until the cream cheese melts into the sauce and the spinach wilts.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Serve: Serve the creamy tortellini hot. Garnish as desired with extra cheese or fresh herbs.
Notes
- Ensure the sausage is fully cooked before adding to the crockpot to prevent undercooking.
- If using frozen tortellini, increase the cooking time and check for doneness before adding cream cheese.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though sauce may be less rich.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard.
