Description
This creamy crockpot tortellini recipe combines Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and a rich tomato-cream sauce for an easy and comforting slow cooker meal. Perfect for busy days, it offers a delicious, hands-off dinner with tender tortellini swimming in a luscious, cheesy sauce accented by Italian herbs and fresh spinach.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Cheese
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pastas and Sauce
- 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or tomato basil sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Add-ins
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook 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 grease to avoid a greasy dish.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray. Add the cooked sausage, marinara sauce, cubed cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir carefully to blend the cream cheese into the sauce as much as possible.
- Slow cook the sauce mixture: Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir once or twice during cooking to help the cream cheese melt evenly and avoid sticking.
- Add tortellini and spinach: During the final 30 to 45 minutes of cooking, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and baby spinach if using. Cover and continue cooking until the tortellini is tender and heated through.
- Finish and serve: Stir the creamy tortellini before serving. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to preference. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Refrigerated tortellini works best for even cooking; if using frozen tortellini, add it directly but increase the cooking time slightly.
- For a meatless alternative, omit the sausage or substitute with mushrooms or lentils for added texture and protein.
- Using a 6-quart slow cooker ensures enough space for stirring and even cooking.
- Stirring occasionally helps prevent the cream cheese from clumping and promotes a smooth sauce.
