Description
This Slow Cooker Sausage and Cheese Tortellini is a hearty, comforting one-pot meal featuring lean turkey sausage, creamy cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and melted Mozzarella. Perfect for busy days, it combines savory sausage and tender pasta cooked low and slow in a flavorful tomato broth, making dinner effortless and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound lean turkey sausage
Pasta and Dairy
- 1 bag (19 ounces) frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
Vegetables
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, drained
Liquids and Seasonings
- 3 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the lean turkey sausage until browned and crumbly. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish light and prevent greasiness.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Grease the inside of a large 7-quart slow cooker to prevent sticking. Place the frozen cheese tortellini evenly on the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Layer Ingredients: Spread the cooked turkey sausage evenly over the tortellini. Pour the baby spinach leaves, drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly over the sausage layer.
- Add Cream Cheese: Distribute the cubed cream cheese evenly on top of all the ingredients in the slow cooker. This will melt into a creamy sauce as it cooks.
- Slow Cook: Cover with the lid and cook on low for up to 5 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. For best results, after about 2 hours, stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.
- Add Mozzarella and Rest: When cooking is complete, sprinkle the shredded Mozzarella cheese over the top. Keep the lid off and allow it to stand for about 15 to 20 minutes so the cheese melts and the flavors meld.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy this rich and satisfying slow cooker meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Notes
- Stir the tortellini occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.
- You can substitute turkey sausage with pork or chicken sausage if preferred.
- Adjust salt and seasoning according to taste, especially if your broth is salted.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Adding fresh herbs like basil at the end can enhance flavor.
