Why Make This Recipe

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a perfect blend of comforting flavors. This dish is creamy, cheesy, and warm, making it ideal for family dinners or chilly nights. Using a slow cooker means you can prepare your meal in the morning and let it cook while you go about your day. This recipe is not only easy but also satisfying, and it brings everyone to the table.

How to Make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

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
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
In your crockpot, combine the browned sausage, diced tomatoes (with their juice), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to distribute the flavors evenly.
Scatter the cubed cream cheese over the mixture in the crockpot. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the cream cheese has melted and combined with the broth.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the frozen cheese tortellini and fresh spinach to the crockpot. Stir well to incorporate them into the mixture, ensuring the tortellini cooks through and the spinach wilts.
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Ladle the creamy, cheesy tortellini and sausage mixture into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy with crusty bread or a simple salad.

How to Serve Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Serve this dish warm in bowls. It pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad. You can also garnish with grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

How to Store Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the mixture gets too thick, you can add a little chicken broth to loosen it up.

Tips to Make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

For a healthier version, you can use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
If you like it a bit spicier, use spicy Italian sausage.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Make sure to stir occasionally when adding tortellini and spinach to ensure even cooking.

Variation

You can replace cheese tortellini with other types of pasta, like penne or bowtie pasta, but cooking times may vary. You can also try adding some Italian herbs like basil or oregano for different flavors.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh tortellini, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Fresh tortellini only needs about 10-15 minutes near the end of cooking.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the sausage and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture or use spicy Italian sausage. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick.