Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage: 3 Delicious Tricks

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There are days when dinner feels like one more thing on a never-ending to-do list. That’s exactly when Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage swoops in like a warm hug in a bowl. This recipe is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—yet it only requires a handful of ingredients and almost zero hands-on time. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or those evenings when you just want something delicious without hovering over the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

If I had to describe this dish in one word, it would be: effortless. Toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it transform basic ingredients into a creamy, cheesy dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Here’s why this recipe is a keeper:

Family-friendly: Even picky eaters can’t resist cheesy pasta wrapped in a creamy sauce.
Set-it-and-forget-it: The slow cooker does all the work while you tackle your day.
Cozy & filling: Perfect for chilly nights or when comfort food cravings strike.
Versatile: Works with spicy or mild sausage, different tortellini fillings, or even kale instead of spinach.

And let’s be honest—your house will smell so good, the neighbors might just “accidentally” drop by at dinnertime.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage, grab these simple, budget-friendly ingredients:

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 (19 oz) package frozen cheese tortellini
4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste

Pro tip: Don’t stress if you don’t have fresh spinach—it’s just as good with frozen.

How to Make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

This dish is as easy as it is delicious, but let’s walk through it together step by step so you can see just how simple it really is.

1. Cook the Sausage

First things first—grab a skillet and heat it over medium. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You’ll want it browned and fully cooked through, which usually takes about 5–7 minutes.

This step might feel like a tiny detour before tossing everything into the crockpot, but trust me—it makes all the difference. Browning the sausage locks in flavor and adds those delicious caramelized bits that will take your sauce from “good” to “can I have seconds?” Don’t skip draining the extra fat; you’ll keep all the flavor without the heaviness.

2. Build the Flavorful Base

Now for the fun part—layering flavors in your crockpot. Transfer the cooked sausage into your slow cooker, then add the diced tomatoes (juice and all), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Give everything a gentle stir.

At this stage, your kitchen is already smelling amazing, and you haven’t even gotten to the creamy part yet. The broth will act as the foundation, while the tomatoes and garlic bring brightness and depth. Think of this as the stage where your crockpot sets the mood for the meal.

3. The Creamy Magic

Next, take that block of cream cheese, cut it into cubes, and scatter them over the mixture in the crockpot. This is where the magic truly begins.

As the hours pass, the cream cheese slowly melts and swirls into the broth, creating a luxuriously smooth, velvety sauce. It’s basically comfort food alchemy. Cover your crockpot and let it cook:

Low for 4–5 hours if you’ve got a lazy day ahead, or
High for 2–3 hours if you’re more of a last-minute dinner hero.

Either way, you’re setting yourself up for a cozy, flavor-packed bowl of happiness.

4. Add the Tortellini and Spinach

About 30 minutes before dinner, it’s time for the finishing touches. Gently stir in the frozen cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. The tortellini will cook directly in that creamy sauce, soaking up every bit of flavor, while the spinach wilts into delicate green ribbons throughout the dish.

Don’t be surprised if you peek into the crockpot at this point and catch yourself drooling—the sauce will be bubbling gently, the tortellini puffing up with cheesy goodness, and the spinach adding a pop of color that makes the whole thing look downright restaurant-worthy.

5. Season and Taste

Once the tortellini is perfectly tender and the spinach is wilted, grab a spoon and taste. Add a pinch of salt and pepper as needed. This final step ensures every bite is perfectly balanced. (Pro tip: If you want a little kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes here too!)

6. Serve and Enjoy

Ladle generous portions into bowls, making sure to get a little bit of everything—tortellini, sausage, creamy broth, and those silky ribbons of spinach. Top with fresh Parmesan if you’d like, and don’t forget some crusty bread on the side for soaking up all that luscious sauce.

And just like that, you’ve got dinner ready: hearty, creamy, and guaranteed to make your family (or dinner guests) very, very happy.

Helpful Tips for the Best Results

Don’t skip browning the sausage. It adds extra flavor.
Want it spicy? Use hot Italian sausage and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
No cream cheese? Swap with heavy cream for a slightly different texture.
Leftovers? The tortellini will soak up the sauce, but add a splash of broth when reheating to bring it back to life.

This dish once saved me during a week when every night felt like a race against the clock. Coming home to the smell of simmering sausage and creamy sauce made me breathe a sigh of relief. Trust me, this one’s a sanity-saver.

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage with spinach, Italian sausage, tomatoes, and Parmesan in a rich tomato cream sauce. — Hearty and comforting Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage with spinach, sausage, and Parmesan makes the ultimate weeknight dinner.

FAQs About Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Can I use a different type of tortellini?

Absolutely! Spinach and ricotta or even mushroom tortellini work beautifully.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth to revive the creaminess.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Cook everything except the tortellini. Add that in 30 minutes before serving so it doesn’t get mushy.

A Cozy Bowl of Happiness

At the end of a long day, there’s nothing quite like curling up with a bowl of Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage. Creamy, hearty, and oh-so comforting, it’s the kind of meal that makes life just a little easier—and a lot more delicious. Next time dinner feels like a chore, let your crockpot work its magic.

More Cozy Recipes to Try Next

If you loved this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage, you’ll definitely want to keep the comfort food vibes going. Here are a few other recipes that pair beautifully with the flavors and cozy mood of this dish:

Warm up on chilly nights with this creamy and hearty Cajun White Chicken Chili—a slow cooker favorite that brings a little kick to your dinner table.
For another tortellini-inspired meal, try the ultra-satisfying Cheesy Beef Enchiladas Tortellini that combines Tex-Mex flavors with pasta comfort.
When the sweet tooth strikes, nothing beats the gooey decadence of a Crockpot S’mores Cake—it’s like summer campfire nostalgia in dessert form.
And if you’re craving a soul-warming soup, this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is another one-pot wonder that’s cozy, rich, and full of flavor.

These recipes are all easy, comforting, and perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor without maximum effort.