Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
A comforting slow-cooked dish featuring Italian sausage, creamy cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach, perfect for chilly nights.
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!
Notes
Serve this delicious crockpot dish warm for the most comforting experience. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top can enhance its presentation. It pairs well with a fresh salad or crusty garlic bread.