Description
Tender cheese tortellini, crumbled sausage, juicy tomatoes, and spinach simmer together in a rich, creamy sauce for a cozy slow cooker meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean turkey sausage (or Italian sausage)
- 1 bag (19 oz) frozen cheese tortellini
- 3 cups baby spinach leaves
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, drained
- 3½ cups chicken broth
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the turkey sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Grease the inside of a large 7-quart slow cooker. Add the frozen cheese tortellini to the bottom in an even layer, then spread the cooked sausage evenly over the tortellini.
- Pour in the baby spinach, drained diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Gently stir just enough to distribute the spinach and seasonings without disturbing the tortellini too much.
- Scatter the cubed cream cheese evenly over the top without stirring.
- Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for up to 5 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the tortellini is tender. Do not stir for the first 2 hours.
- Once cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top. Turn off the heat, leave the lid off, and let it stand for about 15–20 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve warm straight from the slow cooker.
Notes
Watch the tortellini doneness to prevent mushiness. You can change up the sausage and add extra flavor boosters like garlic or onion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 315 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian