Are you craving a warm, hearty, and comforting meal that practically makes itself? Look no further than Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage! This deliciously creamy dish combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. The result is a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Perfect for busy weeknights or as a cozy weekend meal, this recipe brings comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort. Let’s break down why this dish is so irresistible and how you can recreate it easily at home.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

There are many reasons why Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage should be your next go-to recipe:

Effortless Preparation: Simply throw the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and let it do the work. No need to hover over the stove, just let the magic happen.
Comforting and Hearty: The combination of Italian sausage, creamy cream cheese, and cheese tortellini is filling, satisfying, and downright delicious. This meal provides all the comfort you need after a long day.
Versatile: Whether you like things spicy or mild, this recipe is easy to customize. You can adjust the level of heat by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausage, and you can even switch up the vegetables based on what you have available.
Family-Friendly: This dish is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. Kids love it because it’s cheesy and flavorful, while adults will appreciate the heartiness of the sausage and tortellini.
Nutritious: With fresh spinach and lean Italian sausage, this dish strikes a perfect balance of indulgent comfort and nutrition. Plus, the slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop fully, giving you a rich and savory meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe uses just a handful of basic ingredients, but the result is pure magic. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
1 (19 oz) package frozen cheese tortellini (any variety will work, but cheese is a classic choice)
4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
1 teaspoon minced garlic (for a burst of flavor)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for a touch of herby goodness)
Salt and pepper to taste (to bring out all the flavors)

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Now that you’ve got your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Here’s how you can make this creamy, cheesy crockpot dish:

1. Cook the Italian Sausage

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Once the sausage is cooked, drain any excess fat and set it aside. The sausage will provide a hearty, flavorful base for the dish, so make sure it’s nicely browned for maximum taste.

2. Prepare the Crockpot

While the sausage is cooking, prepare your crockpot. Add the cooked sausage to the slow cooker, along with the diced tomatoes (with their juice), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the mixture. The chicken broth serves as the base for the creamy sauce that will develop as it cooks.

3. Add the Cream Cheese

Cube the cream cheese into small pieces and scatter them over the mixture in the crockpot. This is where the magic happens. As the cream cheese melts, it creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats the tortellini and sausage, making the dish extra comforting and flavorful.

Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook the mixture on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together, and the cream cheese will fully dissolve into the broth, creating a silky, smooth base.

4. Add the Tortellini and Spinach

With about 30 minutes left of cooking time, add the frozen cheese tortellini and fresh spinach to the crockpot. Stir gently to mix the tortellini into the creamy sauce and ensure the spinach is submerged in the liquid. The tortellini will cook right in the sauce, soaking up all that rich flavor, while the spinach will wilt perfectly into the dish.

At this point, the crockpot should be filled with a gorgeous, creamy broth, and the tortellini will start to puff up as it cooks. Let the mixture cook for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is fully cooked and tender.

5. Season to Taste

Once the tortellini and spinach are cooked, it’s time to taste the dish. Add salt and pepper to your liking. This step is important to make sure the flavors are perfectly balanced.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the creamy, cheesy tortellini and sausage mixture into bowls and serve immediately. This dish pairs perfectly with a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce or a simple side salad for a light, refreshing contrast. You can also garnish the dish with some freshly grated Parmesan for an extra touch of flavor.

Nutritional Information

Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional information for this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe. Each serving (based on 6 servings) contains approximately:

Calories: 450 kcal per serving
Protein: 23g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 24g (including healthy fats from sausage and cream cheese)
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 800mg (this can vary depending on the broth and sausage used)

This dish offers a nice balance of protein, carbs, and fat to keep you satisfied without going overboard. It’s rich, creamy, and fulfilling just what you need after a busy day!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

To make sure your Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage turn out perfectly every time, here are a few extra tips:

Adjust the Spice Level

If you prefer a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage instead of the mild variety. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat. On the other hand, if you’re cooking for kids or prefer a milder flavor, stick with the mild sausage and skip any additional spices.

Add More Veggies

While spinach works beautifully in this recipe, you can easily swap it out for other vegetables, like kale, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just make sure to chop them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly in the crockpot.

Use Fresh Tortellini

While frozen tortellini is quick and convenient, you can use fresh tortellini for a slightly more elevated dish. Just be aware that fresh tortellini will cook faster, so you might want to add it later in the cooking process to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Make it Ahead

One of the great things about this dish is that it’s perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the recipe ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then reheat it when you’re ready to eat. The flavors will continue to develop as they sit, making the leftovers even more delicious.

What to Serve with Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Looking for the perfect sides to go with your Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage? Here are a few ideas:

Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy, and buttery garlic bread is the perfect companion for this rich and creamy dish.
Side Salad: A fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help balance the richness of the tortellini.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies like carrots, broccoli, and bell peppers are a great way to add more nutrients to your meal.
Crusty Bread: Serve this dish with a rustic loaf of bread for sopping up the creamy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other types of sausage for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional, you can substitute it with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even sausage links for a different flavor profile.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this recipe freezes well. Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! If you don’t have a crockpot, you can cook the sausage and sauce on the stovetop in a large pot, then simmer it all together for about 20-30 minutes. Add the tortellini and spinach at the end, just like in the original recipe.

How do I know when the tortellini is cooked?

The tortellini is done when it is tender and has expanded. You can check the packaging for the specific cooking time, but usually, 30 minutes in the crockpot will be enough.

Conclusion

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is the ultimate comfort food a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a casual family dinner, this recipe delivers on both flavor and ease. Plus, it’s customizable to suit your tastes, making it an incredibly versatile dish.

With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal that everyone will love. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon see why it’s destined to become a family favorite!

For more irresistible recipes like this one, check out these other comforting dishes:

So, grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the comforting warmth of Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage tonight!

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage – Comforting & Creamy

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a creamy, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor. With tender sausage, cheesy tortellini, and fresh spinach, this hearty meal is easy to make and perfect for busy nights. Let your crockpot do all the work for a delicious dinner that everyone will love!

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Prepare the Crockpot: 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.
Add the Cream Cheese: 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.
Add the Tortellini and Spinach: 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.
Season to Taste: Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Ladle the creamy, cheesy tortellini and sausage mixture into bowls and serve warm. Enjoy with crusty bread or a simple salad.

Notes

Feel free to use spicy sausage if you prefer a bit of heat.
This dish can be frozen. Simply store the leftovers in an airtight container and reheat when ready to serve.
Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
Method: Crockpot, Slow Cook
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/6th of the recipe)
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Crockpot tortellini, sausage and tortellini, creamy tortellini recipe, slow cooker sausage, cheese tortellini and sausage