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Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe

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This easy crockpot cheese tortellini and sausage recipe is a comforting, one-pot dinner packed with cheesy pasta, savory sausage, and a creamy tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in about 30 minutes of prep and is always a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (spicy or mild, pork, turkey, or chicken)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, with juices (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 18 to 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage (casings removed) and break up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until onion is soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. In a 6-quart crockpot, pour in marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.
  4. Add browned sausage, sautéed onions, and garlic to the crockpot. Mix until combined.
  5. Dot cubed cream cheese evenly over the mixture.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours (or HIGH for 1-2 hours).
  7. 20-30 minutes before serving, stir in cheese tortellini and baby spinach. Cover and cook on LOW until tortellini are tender and spinach is wilted.
  8. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top. Cover and let melt for 5 minutes. For a golden top, broil the insert for 2-3 minutes if oven-safe.
  9. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
  10. Serve hot with crusty bread.

Notes

For best flavor, brown the sausage before adding to the crockpot. Add tortellini only in the last 20-30 minutes to prevent mushiness. Use plant-based sausage and dairy-free cheese for a vegetarian version, or gluten-free tortellini for gluten sensitivities. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer. If sauce is too thick after reheating, add a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot, cheese tortellini, sausage, slow cooker, easy dinner, one pot, family meal, comfort food, Italian, pasta, creamy, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/crockpot-cheese-tortellini-and-sausage-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner/