Creamy Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage – Easy Slow Cooker Dinner
As the sun dips below the horizon and the evening chill sets in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting embrace of a warm, hearty meal. That’s precisely what my Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage provides—an effortless yet delightful blend of savory Italian sausage, creamy cheese tortellini, and vibrant spinach, all coming together in one blissful pot. I first discovered this gem of a recipe during a particularly hectic week when every minute counted. With minimal hands-on time, I was able to whip up a dish that made the whole house smell inviting and filled our plates with pure joy.
Imagine the rich aroma wafting through your kitchen while you go about your evening—no more fast-food runs! Perfect for cozy family dinners or busy weeknights, this dish assures you a flavorful experience without the hassle. Let’s dive in and transform mundane meals into something extraordinarily tasty with just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker!
Why love Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage?
Effortless Cooking: With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that practically cooks itself, freeing you to tackle other chores or simply relax.
Rich, Creamy Texture: The combination of cream cheese and chicken broth results in a luscious sauce that coats the tortellini perfectly.
Savory Goodness: Juicy Italian sausage paired with tender tortellini promises a flavor explosion that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Nutritious Twist: Packed with fresh spinach, it’s a healthy addition to your dinner table, bringing color and nutrients without the fuss.
Family-Friendly Meal: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish, making it an instant family favorite that suits everyone’s taste!
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Ingredients
For the Base
• Italian Sausage – Provides a hearty, flavorful base; choose spicy or mild based on desired heat.
• Diced Tomatoes – Adds acidity and moisture; canned makes for a quick option.
• Minced Garlic – Enhances flavor with aromatic notes; freshly minced is best, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
• Italian Seasoning – Delivers classic Italian flavor; substitute with individual herbs like oregano and basil if preferred.
• Chicken Broth – Serves as the creamy sauce base; vegetable broth is a great vegetarian alternative.
For the Creaminess
• Cream Cheese – Ensures a rich, creamy texture; regular or reduced-fat varieties work, but steer clear of non-fat.
For the Pasta
• Frozen Cheese Tortellini – Cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing delicious flavors; fresh tortellini can be swapped but may need different cooking times.
For the Fresh Element
• Fresh Spinach – Adds color and nutrition; can be easily replaced with kale or chopped zucchini for variation.
This delightful and easy slow cooker dinner will surely warm your heart and home!
How to Make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Sauté the Sausage: Start by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain the excess fat to keep the dish light and vibrant.
Prepare the Crockpot: In your trusty crockpot, combine the cooked sausage, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir them all together for a well-mixed base, ensuring each flavor shines.
Add Cream Cheese: Cube the cream cheese and add it to the mixture in the crockpot. This will melt down into the sauce, creating a creamy and luscious texture by the end of the cooking process.
Cook the Mixture: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This allows all the delicious flavors to meld beautifully, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Combine Tortellini and Spinach: With about 30 minutes left on the timer, stir in the frozen cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Cover again and let it cook until the tortellini are tender and the spinach is wilted, adding a lovely pop of color.
Season and Serve: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary. Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that extra touch of flavor.
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of olive oil for added richness!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage?
A delicious meal deserves equally delightful companions to create a well-rounded dining experience.
Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up that rich, creamy sauce and adds a satisfying crunch.
Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the tortellini.
Roasted Veggies: Seasoned with herbs, roasted vegetables provide a savory touch that complements the dish’s creamy flavors beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan on top enhances the overall flavor, making every bite even more delightful.
Red Wine: A glass of Chianti or Merlot mirrors the Italian roots of the dish, creating an inviting, warm atmosphere.
Apple Crisp: For dessert, this warm and comforting sweet treat offers a delightful finish to your meal, balancing the savory flavors perfectly.
Italian Herb Risotto: Creamy risotto with herbs serves as another layer of comfort that pairs beautifully with the tortellini dish for an indulgent touch.
Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Their umami punch will harmonize with the Italian sausage and give an extra flavor dimension to your dinner spread.
Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower: This low-carb option still provides that cheesy goodness and compliments the main dish effortlessly without overshadowing it.
Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing drink to cleanse the palate while enhancing your dining experience, perfect for lively conversation around the table.
How to Store and Freeze Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Room Temperature: Do not leave this dish out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.
Fridge: Store leftover Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if necessary.
Freezer: Freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. For best texture, consider freezing the tortellini and sauce separately.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Variations
Feel free to personalize this recipe with these delightful twists that add a wonderful dimension to your dish!
Turkey Sausage: Swap Italian sausage for turkey sausage for a lighter, leaner option that doesn’t compromise flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy all the comforts while cutting back on calories.
Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based sausage or simply omit the meat altogether for a healthy, vegetarian version. This way, you can indulge guilt-free while savoring all the flavors.
Different Tortellini: Explore varied types of tortellini, such as spinach or mushroom-flavored, to give another layer of taste. Each variety opens up exciting flavor profiles to enjoy with your sauce.
Creamy Spinach: Add extra creamy spinach to enhance both flavor and nutrition. A mix of ricotta or cottage cheese blends beautifully with cream cheese for a rich twist.
Spicy Kick: Boost the heat with spicy Italian sausage or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. This little addition can elevate your dish and provide a thrilling flavor explosion.
Flavorful Broth: For a depth of flavor, try swapping out chicken broth for beef broth. It’s a simple touch that transforms the overall taste experience.
Veggie Medley: Toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for a hearty and colorful veggie boost. This not only adds nutrition but also creates a vibrant presentation that’s eye-catching on your dinner table.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, right before serving for an aromatic finish. Fresh herbs bring brightness and vibrant flavor that lifts the entire dish!
Expert Tips for Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Choose Your Sausage: Select either mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your family’s taste preferences; it significantly influences the overall flavor.
Avoid Overcooking Tortellini: If using fresh cheese tortellini, add it closer to the end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Mix and Match Veggies: For a veggie boost, substitute spinach with kale, bell peppers, or zucchini to create variations while keeping your Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage delicious.
Perfect Creaminess: Ensure you cube the cream cheese for even melting; this avoids clumps and helps achieve that silky sauce texture.
Reheat Wisely: If you have leftovers, add a splash of broth or water while reheating to maintain the creamy consistency of the dish.
Make Ahead Options
These Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the entire sausage and sauce mixture up to 24 hours in advance by sautéing the sausage, then combining it with the diced tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth in the crockpot. Store this prep in the refrigerator, ensuring that flavors stay fresh. Simply cube and add the cream cheese right before cooking. When ready to enjoy, pour the mixture into your slow cooker, set it on low for 4-5 hours, and stir in frozen tortellini and spinach during the last 30 minutes for a hearty, delicious meal just like fresh!
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe FAQs
What type of Italian sausage should I use?
Absolutely! You can choose between spicy or mild Italian sausage depending on your taste preference. Spicy sausage adds a kick to the dish, while mild sausage provides a more comforting flavor. Experiment to see which one becomes your family favorite!
How should I store leftover Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage?
Very simply! Allow the dish to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the creaminess intact.
Can I freeze this dish?
Certainly! For freezing, place the cooled Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage in an airtight container and it’ll last up to 3 months in the freezer. For optimal texture, you may want to freeze the sauce separately from the tortellini.
What do I do if my tortellini becomes mushy?
To prevent this from happening, always add frozen cheese tortellini to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If you prefer using fresh tortellini, add it in about 10-15 minutes before the dish is done to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! To make this dish gluten-free, simply choose gluten-free tortellini and check that the sausage and broth are also gluten-free. For those with dairy allergies, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative, though the creaminess may vary slightly.
Can this recipe be adapted for different veggies?
Very much so! Get creative by substituting the fresh spinach with diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even kale for a different flavor profile. Just ensure you add any veggies that require longer cooking times earlier in the process. Enjoy experimenting with your own tasty twist!
These Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe FAQs ensure your slow cooker experience is delightful and delicious!
Creamy Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage – Easy Slow Cooker Dinner
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sauté the Sausage: Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Crockpot: Combine cooked sausage, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth in a crockpot. Stir to mix well.
- Add Cream Cheese: Cube cream cheese and add it to the mixture in the crockpot to melt into the sauce.
- Cook the Mixture: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Combine Tortellini and Spinach: Stir in frozen cheese tortellini and fresh spinach with 30 minutes left to cook until tortellini are tender.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, serve hot, and garnish with Parmesan cheese.
