Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage – Comforting & Creamy

Why Make This Recipe

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a comforting and creamy dish that is perfect for any occasion. It’s an easy one-pot meal that brings together delicious flavors and requires minimal effort. The combination of savory Italian sausage, creamy cheese, and vibrant spinach makes it a satisfying dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s cooked slowly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

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:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. 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 nicely with crusty bread or a simple garden salad. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

How to Store Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Tips to Make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

• Feel free to use turkey sausage for a lighter version.
• If you like more heat, add red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
• To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the broth before cooking.

Variation

You can substitute the spinach with kale for a different texture. Additionally, try using different types of frozen pasta, like ravioli, for a fun twist.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, but cook fresh tortellini for a shorter time since they usually have a quicker cooking time than frozen.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for flavor.

Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the dish. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months.

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage – Comforting & Creamy

This comforting crockpot recipe features savory sausage and cheesy tortellini in a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

• crockpot
• skillet

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 19 ounces Italian sausage casings removed
• 8 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 15 ounces diced tomatoes undrained
• 20 ounces tortellini frozen or refrigerated
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 5 ounces fresh spinach

Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks; drain any excess fat.
• Transfer the cooked sausage to the crockpot, then add the cubed cream cheese, chicken broth, undrained diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Stir all ingredients well, cover, and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
• Once cooked, stir in the tortellini, heavy cream, and fresh spinach.
• Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the spinach has wilted.

Notes

For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.