There’s something magical about a meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. This Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini with Turkey Sausage is a one-pot wonder that combines tender cheese tortellini, lean turkey sausage, and fresh spinach with a rich and creamy sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend dinner.
When I first discovered this recipe, I was amazed at how effortlessly it comes together. The slow cooker does all the hard work, blending the flavors beautifully and creating a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s quickly become a favorite in my household, especially because it’s so easy to customize and adapt to different tastes. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or a crowd of foodies, this dish is guaranteed to please.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Let the slow cooker handle most of the work—just a few simple steps, and dinner is ready!
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and mozzarella creates an indulgent, velvety sauce.
- Packed with Protein: Lean turkey sausage and cheese tortellini make this a satisfying, protein-rich meal.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, thanks to its comforting flavors.
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients or add veggies to make it your own.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for creating this creamy tortellini masterpiece.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
- Lean Turkey Sausage: 1 pound, crumbled – Adds protein and a savory, slightly spicy flavor.
- Frozen Cheese Tortellini: 19 ounces – The tender, cheesy pasta base of the dish.
- Baby Spinach Leaves: 3 cups – Provides freshness and a boost of nutrients.
- Diced Tomatoes: 2 cans (14.5 ounces each), drained – Adds a touch of acidity and balance to the rich sauce.
- Chicken Broth: 3½ cups – Helps create the flavorful sauce base.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon – Enhances the overall flavor.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon – Adds a subtle hint of spice.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon – A blend of herbs that ties the flavors together.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, cubed – Creates a luscious, creamy texture.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup – Melts on top for a cheesy finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by browning the turkey sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it into crumbles as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned. Once cooked through, drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside. This step adds depth and flavor to the dish, as the sausage’s browned bits contribute to the sauce’s richness.
Step 2: Assemble Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Grease the inside of your slow cooker to prevent sticking. Start by placing the frozen cheese tortellini at the bottom. Evenly distribute the browned turkey sausage over the tortellini. Next, layer on the baby spinach leaves, followed by the drained diced tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning over the mixture for a well-balanced flavor profile.
Finally, top the mixture with cubed cream cheese, spreading the cubes evenly across the surface. The cream cheese will melt as the dish cooks, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Dish
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for up to 5 hours or high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Stir the mixture gently after the first 2 hours to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom and the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Add Mozzarella Cheese
Once the cooking time is complete, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish. Leave the lid off and let the dish stand for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt beautifully and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the creamy tortellini into bowls and serve it warm. For an extra touch, garnish with additional baby spinach or freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pair it with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Frozen tortellini is delicate and can become mushy if overcooked. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil or parsley on hand, sprinkle some over the dish before serving for added flavor and color.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: For a more robust flavor, sauté some chopped onions and minced garlic with the sausage before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Spice It Up: Swap regular turkey sausage for spicy Italian sausage to add a little heat to the dish.
- Customize the Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for more variety and nutrition.
Recipe Variations
This dish is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the turkey sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add chickpeas or extra spinach for protein.
- Creamy Marinara Style: Replace one can of diced tomatoes with marinara sauce for a tomato-forward flavor.
- Four-Cheese Tortellini: Use a blend of different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or Asiago along with the mozzarella for a cheesier twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular tortellini with gluten-free pasta options available at specialty stores.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~522
- Protein: ~34g
- Fat: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Sodium: ~1100mg
Serving Suggestions
This creamy tortellini dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the meal:
- Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Green Salad: Serve alongside a light, crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add a side of roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore the creamy texture.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini with Turkey Sausage is the epitome of comfort food. With its cheesy, creamy sauce, tender pasta, and flavorful turkey sausage, it’s a meal that’s sure to delight everyone at the table. The ease of preparation makes it ideal for busy days, while the rich, satisfying flavors make it feel like a treat.
What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. You can adapt it to suit your tastes, swap ingredients, or add your favorite veggies to make it even heartier. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let the magic happen. Don’t forget to share your photos and personal twists in the comments or tag me on social media—I’d love to see your creations! Let’s make dinner time more comforting, one delicious bowl of creamy tortellini at a time. 🍝🧀🌿
Print
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini with Turkey Sausage
- Total Time: Approximately 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This creamy slow cooker recipe combines cheese tortellini, lean turkey sausage, spinach, and a velvety cheese sauce for a rich, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- Lean Turkey Sausage: 1 pound, crumbled
- Frozen Cheese Tortellini: 19 ounces
- Baby Spinach Leaves: 3 cups
- Diced Tomatoes: 2 cans (14.5 ounces each), drained
- Chicken Broth: 3½ cups
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, cubed
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup
Instructions
- Brown sausage and drain grease.
- Grease slow cooker, layer tortellini, sausage, spinach, tomatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings.
- Add cream cheese cubes. Cook on low for 5 hours or high for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Top with mozzarella and let sit uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh spinach or Parmesan.
Notes
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Customize with mushrooms, zucchini, or peppers for extra veggies.
- Avoid overcooking to keep the tortellini tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American