When it comes to comfort food, Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage stands out as a warm, hearty option that you can easily prepare in your slow cooker. This dish has a delightful blend of flavors, featuring tender tortellini, savory sausage, and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce. Whether you’re preparing a casual family dinner or hosting friends, this recipe will surely impress and satisfy.
Why We Love This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe
This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe is not just delicious—it’s also incredibly convenient. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that is guaranteed to please everyone at the table. The combination of sausage and cheese tortellini brings robust flavors, while the spinach adds a refreshing touch.
Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Convenience: The slow cooker does all the work for you. Just prep the ingredients in the morning, and you’ll have a warm meal waiting for you when you return home.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the creamy, cheesy pasta, making it the perfect choice for family meals or casual gatherings.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Swap out the sausage for chicken or turkey, or add in your favorite vegetables for extra nutrition.
- Flavorful: The blend of sausage, creamy cheese, and zesty tomatoes creates a comforting dish that’s packed with flavor.
Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to create this masterpiece.
Ingredients for Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
To whip up this delightful dish, gather the following 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
These simple and accessible ingredients combine to create a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
How to Make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Creating your own Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a breeze. Follow these easy steps to bring this delightful dish to life:
- Brown the Sausage: Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your Italian sausage. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, typically around 7 to 10 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat, leaving behind just the flavorful meat.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Transfer the browned sausage into your crockpot. Add the entire can of diced tomatoes along with its juice, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until combined.
- Add the Broth and Cream Cheese: Pour in the chicken broth, which adds depth and flavor to the dish. Then, take your cubed cream cheese and place it on top. Don’t stir just yet—the cream cheese will melt and mix in as it cooks.
- Set It to Cook: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. For best results, cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting works as well—cook it for 2 to 3 hours instead.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add in the frozen cheese tortellini and the chopped fresh spinach. Gently stir the mixture to ensure the tortellini and spinach are well distributed in the sauce.
- Season to Taste: Before serving, taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the warm, hearty tortellini and sausage mixture into bowls and prepare to enjoy!
The result is a creamy, flavorful meal that embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort food.
How to Serve Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Serving Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is simple and versatile. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Garnish: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can add a nice touch of flavor and presentation. Fresh basil or parsley can also be used to brighten up the dish visually.
- Accompaniments: Serve your tortellini with a side of garlic bread or a crisp, green salad. The bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce, while a salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
- Presentation: Consider using rustic bowls for an inviting look. A warm, charming presentation makes the meal feel even more special.
With these thoughtful serving suggestions, your dish will be a hit at any table.
Expert Tips for Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
- Choosing Sausage: Decide between mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your family’s preference. You can even mix both for a balanced flavor profile.
- Cream Cheese Tips: For a quicker melting process, cut the cream cheese into smaller cubes. This helps it blend smoothly into the dish.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables into the mix, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for extra texture and nutrition.
- Adjusting Consistency: If the dish turns out thicker than you like, simply stir in a little more chicken broth or even water to achieve your preferred consistency.
- Timing is Key: Be sure not to add the tortellini too early, as it can become overcooked. The last 30 minutes is just long enough to ensure it’s tender without losing its bite.
Implementing these tips will help you achieve a fantastic dish every time.
How to Store Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Storing this dish is quite straightforward. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Refrigerate: Allow the leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored properly, it will last in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can gently reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to bring it back to a desirable consistency.
- Freezing: If you want to make a larger batch for future meals, you can freeze the dish. Just ensure it cools down completely and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
By following these storage guidelines, you can enjoy this delicious dish even after the initial meal.
Variations of Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
This recipe is quite adaptable, allowing you to personalize it to your liking. Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:
- Protein Swaps: Instead of Italian sausage, consider using cooked ground turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter option.
- Cheese Variations: While cream cheese lends a creamy texture, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Try adding shredded mozzarella or ricotta for a different flavor experience.
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in additional vegetables like diced carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers for an added nutritional boost. They’ll add flavor and texture to the dish.
- Herbs and Spices: Influence the flavor profile by experimenting with different herbs. Adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can bring a nice kick if you enjoy some heat.
- Pasta Options: Switch the tortellini for another pasta type that you prefer, such as penne or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
These variations open up endless possibilities, making it easy to keep this dish fresh and exciting!
Frequently Asked Questions about Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
What is Cookpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage? Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a comforting dish made with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, spinach, and cream cheese, all slowly cooked together in a rich sauce.
How can I make this dish vegetarian? You can easily make a vegetarian version by swapping the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or omitting it altogether. Add more veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to enhance flavor.
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen? Yes, but if you’re using fresh tortellini, you might need to adjust the cooking time. Fresh tortellini cooks quicker, so add it in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
How spicy is the dish? The spice level depends on the Italian sausage used. Opt for mild sausage for a milder dish or spicy sausage for more heat.
Can I use homemade broth? Absolutely! Homemade chicken broth can elevate the dish’s flavor. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned to maintain the dish’s overall taste.
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 package 19 oz frozen cheese tortellini
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 can 28 oz diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1 block 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat for about 7-10 minutes. Drain excess fat and transfer to the crockpot.
- Add diced tomatoes (with juice), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and place the cubed cream cheese on top without stirring.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, add the frozen tortellini and chopped spinach to the crockpot, stirring gently.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm.
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