Name: Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

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why make this recipe

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm, comforting meal with minimal effort. Simply toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work while you go about your day. Plus, this recipe serves a crowd, making it great for family dinners or gatherings.

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 it is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set it aside.
In your crockpot, combine the browned sausage, diced tomatoes (with their juice), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to mix the flavors well.
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 mixed 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, making sure the tortellini cooks through and the spinach wilts.
Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if 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 hot in bowls. You can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra touch of flavor. Pair it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce, or a fresh salad to balance the meal.

how to store Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the mixture.

tips to make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

For added flavor, use a mix of mild and spicy sausage.
Make sure to stir the mixture halfway through cooking to ensure even heating.
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

variation

You can substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Also, try adding different kinds of cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, for a unique twist!

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh tortellini. Just adjust the cooking time, as fresh tortellini cooks faster. Add it in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the sausage with a meat substitute, such as veggie sausage or mushrooms, and keep the rest of the ingredients the same.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare everything in the crockpot and store it in the fridge overnight. Just set it to cook in the morning before you leave for the day!