Description
This Crockpot Creamy Tortellini recipe combines tender cheese tortellini with flavorful Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting, hands-off meal that’s ready in just a few hours, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (optional)
- 2 cups spinach, fresh or frozen
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook Italian Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set the cooked sausage aside.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In the crockpot, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Stir to combine. Add the browned sausage and spinach to the mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the spinach to soften.
- Add Tortellini and Cheese: Stir in the cheese tortellini and shredded mozzarella cheese. Increase the crockpot to high heat and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the tortellini is tender and the cheese is melted and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the creamy tortellini warm. Optionally, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
Notes
- Use frozen tortellini directly; no need to thaw before adding to the crockpot.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the Italian sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- The recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings, but adjust crockpot size accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
