Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?

Yes! If you’re not a fan of turkey sausage, you can easily swap it for ground beef, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage. For a spicier version, try using spicy Italian sausage. The key is to choose a sausage that will complement the creamy tortellini and veggies.

How do I prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy?

To avoid overcooking the tortellini, stir the dish only after the first two hours of cooking. Be sure to check the pasta's texture toward the end of the cooking time. If you’re concerned about the pasta getting too soft, consider cooking the tortellini separately and adding it to the slow cooker in the final 30 minutes of cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them. In the morning, just place the slow cooker on low and let it cook while you go about your day. It’s a great way to have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort.

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Name: Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound lean turkey sausage; 1 bag (19 ounces) frozen cheese tortellini; 3 cups baby spinach leaves; 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, drained; 3 ½ cups chicken broth; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed; 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

Description

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender sausage, creamy cheese tortellini, juicy tomatoes, and hearty spinach, this slow-cooker recipe offers a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound lean turkey sausage
1 bag (19 ounces) frozen cheese tortellini
3 cups baby spinach leaves
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, drained
3 ½ cups chicken broth
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large skillet, over medium-high heat, brown and crumble turkey sausage. Drain any grease.
Grease the inside of a large (7 quart) slow cooker. Place the frozen cheese tortellini in the bottom. Spread the cooked sausage evenly over the tortellini.
Pour the spinach leaves, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning over the sausage.
Place the cubed cream cheese evenly over the top. Close the slow cooker lid.
Cook on low for up to 5 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally after 2 hours.
After cooking, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Let it stand for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

Stir occasionally to prevent the tortellini from sticking to the bottom.
Feel free to use ground beef, chicken sausage, or vegetarian sausage as alternatives.
If the tortellini becomes too soft, cook separately and add toward the end of cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 522
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 970mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 80mg