Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage – Comforting & Creamy
Introduction
If you’re searching for a cozy dinner that effortlessly combines comfort and flavor, look no further than Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage. This dish is restful and creamy, perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends. With its rich blend of cheese tortellini, savory sausage, and fresh spinach, it warms you from the inside out. Plus, with the slow cooker doing most of the work, you can enjoy your time without the hassle of intricate cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy days; just set it and forget it!
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday items you likely already have at home.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves creamy pasta dishes that feel like a warm hug.
- Unbelievably Delicious: A perfect balance of flavors with just the right amount of creaminess.
This recipe stands out because of its easy preparation that results in deep, satisfying flavors and a creaminess that can impress anyone at your dinner table. It’s a classic comfort food that makes you feel at home, even on the busiest days.
Ingredients Needed
For the dish:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (choose mild or spicy based on taste)
- 1 (19 oz) package frozen cheese tortellini
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. This step enhances the flavor, so make sure there’s no pink left. Drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In your slow cooker, add the cooked sausage, diced tomatoes (with their juice), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to ensure that the flavors mix well.
- Add Cream Cheese: Place the cubed cream cheese evenly over the top of the mixture in the slow cooker. Put on the lid and let it cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. This allows the cream cheese to melt and blend with the broth.
- Incorporate Tortellini and Spinach: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix in the frozen cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Stir well to ensure that the tortellini cooks through and the spinach wilts.
- Adjust Seasonings: Before serving, taste the dish and add salt and pepper to your liking.
- Serve: Ladle the creamy, cheesy tortellini and sausage mixture into bowls and enjoy warm! It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple salad.
Serving and Storage Tips
For serving, consider topping with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for extra flavor. This dish is best enjoyed right away; however, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Helpful Notes
- Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap out the spinach for kale or add bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Make it Vegetarian: Use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth for a meat-free option.
- Freeze for Later: This dish can be frozen. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-friendly container, and it should keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is truly a winner for anyone who loves creamy pasta dishes with minimal effort. Its combination of flavors and comforting textures makes it a meal you’ll want to revisit again and again. If you give this recipe a try, please leave a comment and a star rating! We would love to hear how it turned out for you. Share your experience on social media like Pinterest or Facebook. What variations did you try? Let us know below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage is a healthier option and works well in this recipe.
How do I make this gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free tortellini and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Just remember to store in an airtight container and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Print
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
- Total Time: 315 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Description
A comforting and creamy dish combining cheese tortellini, savory sausage, and fresh spinach, perfect for busy weeknights.
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 (do not drain)
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- In the slow cooker, add the cooked sausage, diced tomatoes (with juice), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir to mix the flavors.
- Place the cubed cream cheese evenly over the top and cover. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, mix in the frozen cheese tortellini and spinach, stirring to ensure the tortellini cooks through and spinach wilts.
- Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper before serving.
- Ladle into bowls and enjoy warm, optionally topping with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs.
Notes
For a meat-free option, use plant-based sausage and vegetable broth. This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg