Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
There’s something undeniably comforting about coming home to a warm, hearty meal that’s been slowly cooking all day. Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is the kind of recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and wholesome spinach, this dish is the perfect balance of indulgence and comfort. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family, hosting friends, or simply craving a cozy bowl of goodness, this crockpot recipe will become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients
To make this irresistible Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients:
- 1 (19 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 (10 oz) bag fresh spinach
- 2 cans Italian-style diced tomatoes
- 2 (12 oz) cans low-fat chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cut into cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps, and your crockpot will do most of the work for you:
- Cook the sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbled. This step adds depth and ensures the sausage releases its savory flavor. Drain any excess fat. - Combine in the crockpot
Transfer the cooked sausage to your crockpot. Add the fresh spinach, diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and cubed cream cheese. Stir everything together so the cream cheese begins to soften and blend. - Slow cook
Cover and cook on low for about 5 hours, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while creating a creamy, savory broth. - Add the tortellini
About 20 minutes before the cooking time is complete, stir in the frozen cheese tortellini. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender and heated through. - Serve and enjoy
Once everything is ready, ladle into bowls and serve warm. Top with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.
About the Recipe
Why This Dish Works
The magic of Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage lies in its simplicity. The sausage adds richness and spice, the cream cheese creates a velvety base, and the spinach provides a fresh, nutritious balance. Slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen, while the tortellini absorbs all that creamy goodness in the final minutes.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Twist: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Veggie-Packed: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a more colorful, nutrient-rich dish.
- Lighter Version: Swap cream cheese for reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangy spin.
- Different Pasta: Not a fan of tortellini? Try ravioli or another stuffed pasta for variety.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t add tortellini too early: The pasta will become mushy if left in the crockpot for hours. Always add it toward the end.
- Stir occasionally: This helps the cream cheese melt evenly into the broth.
- Cook sausage thoroughly: Browning it first prevents greasy texture and ensures bold flavor.
Nutrition Insights
While Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is definitely on the indulgent side, you can make it lighter by using lean sausage and low-fat cream cheese. The spinach boosts vitamins and minerals, while the cheese tortellini provides carbs for energy. It’s a well-rounded comfort food dish that balances protein, carbs, and fats.
Serving Suggestions
This recipe is a meal on its own, but you can round it out with:
- A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping
- A glass of red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese for pairing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking tortellini: Always wait until the last 20 minutes to add it.
- Not cubing the cream cheese: Large blocks won’t melt evenly, leaving chunks in the soup.
- Skipping the spinach: It might be tempting to leave it out, but spinach adds both flavor and color.
Conclusion
Warm, creamy, and packed with flavor, Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or cozy weekends, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal prep and the magic of your slow cooker, you’ll have a hearty, satisfying meal that tastes like it came from a rustic Italian kitchen.
So grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and let the slow cooking begin—you’ll be rewarded with a comforting dinner that everyone will ask for again and again. And when you do make it, don’t forget to share your creation—it just might inspire someone else to try this delicious recipe!
