Delight in This Comforting Dish
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is the perfect meal for those chilly nights when you need something warm and hearty. This dish brings together flavorful Italian sausage, creamy cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach for a comforting dinner that will satisfy everyone at your table. Best of all, it cooks in your slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it until it’s time to eat!
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe stands out because it blends rich flavors and creamy textures effortlessly. The savory Italian sausage pairs perfectly with the soft cheese tortellini, while fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. Plus, the slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, delicious dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Easy Steps to Prepare 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
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Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Cook the Italian sausage until it turns brown and is thoroughly cooked. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
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In your crockpot, mix together the browned sausage, diced tomatoes (including their juice), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir so that the flavors blend nicely.
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Distribute the cubed cream cheese evenly on top of the mixture in the crockpot. Cover the pot with its lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the cream cheese has melted and combined beautifully with the broth.
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About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, add the frozen cheese tortellini and chopped spinach to the crockpot. Stir well to mix everything, ensuring that the tortellini cooks properly and the spinach wilts down.
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Before serving, taste the mixture and adjust salt and pepper according to your liking.
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Scoop the creamy, cheesy tortellini and sausage servings into bowls and enjoy while warm! Pair with crusty bread or a simple salad if you like.
Serving Up the Comfort
Serve this delicious crockpot dish warm for the most comforting experience. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can enhance its presentation. It’s wonderful alongside a fresh salad or crusty garlic bread, making it an excellent choice for family dinners.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, you can easily store them. Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.
Helpful Tips for Success
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Sausage Choice: Choose between mild or spicy Italian sausage according to your taste preference.
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Spinach Substitutes: Feel free to swap out spinach for other greens like kale or arugula if you prefer.
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Broth Variety: For even more flavor, use homemade chicken broth or a good-quality store-bought broth.
Delicious Variations
You can spice things up with some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Consider adding mushrooms or diced bell peppers for extra veggies.
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves about 6 and provides approximately:
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g
Perfect Pairings for Family Dinners
Consider serving this dish with a fresh Caesar salad, a side of garlic bread, or a light antipasto platter for a truly satisfying family meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh tortellini, reduce the cooking time slightly since they cook faster.
2. Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Just ensure to cool it completely before transferring to an airtight container. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat gently.
Enjoy your warm and creamy Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage meal, knowing it’s an effortless dish that brings joy to the table!
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy) Choice of sausage can vary based on preference
- 1 19 oz package frozen cheese tortellini Can substitute with fresh tortellini, adjust cooking time
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped Other greens like kale or arugula can be substituted
- 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese, cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth Use homemade or quality store-bought for best flavor
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by heating a skillet over medium heat. Cook the Italian sausage until it turns brown and is thoroughly cooked. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
- In your crockpot, mix together the browned sausage, diced tomatoes (including their juice), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir so that the flavors blend nicely.
- Distribute the cubed cream cheese evenly on top of the mixture in the crockpot.
Cooking
- Cover the pot with its lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the cream cheese has melted and combined beautifully with the broth.
- About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, add the frozen cheese tortellini and chopped spinach to the crockpot. Stir well to mix everything, ensuring that the tortellini cooks properly and the spinach wilts down.
- Before serving, taste the mixture and adjust salt and pepper according to your liking.
Serving
- Scoop the creamy, cheesy tortellini and sausage servings into bowls and enjoy while warm!
