Description
A hearty, comforting meal featuring tender cheese tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a creamy tomato-based sauce cooked in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 bag (19 ounce) frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 bag (10 ounce) fresh spinach
- 2 cans Italian-style diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (12 ounce each) low-fat chicken broth
- 1 block (8 ounce) cream cheese, cut into cubes
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by cooking the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat from the pan before adding the sausage to the crockpot.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Once the sausage is browned, place it in the crockpot along with the frozen cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, diced tomatoes (including the juices), and chicken broth. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
Step 3: Cook in the Crockpot
Cover the crockpot and cook the Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the tortellini are tender and the flavors have had a chance to meld together.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream Cheese
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the cubed cream cheese until it has melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cream cheese has fully incorporated, give the Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage a final stir and serve it warm. This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
For a leaner protein option, use ground turkey or chicken sausage. You can also add mushrooms, bell peppers, or diced onions for extra vegetables. For a creamier sauce, substitute half-and-half or milk for cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg