Imagine a kitchen filled with the delightful aroma of savory sausage, creamy cheese, and tender tortellini swirling together in a warm embrace. That’s precisely what happens when you whip up a batch of Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage; it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl that feels like home. cozy baked ziti savory sausage crescent rolls This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that beckons you to gather around the table, share stories, and indulge in every delicious bite.
I can still hear the laughter from last Thanksgiving when I decided to surprise my family with this hearty dish. The moment my cousin took a spoonful, his eyes lit up like he had just discovered gold. The blend of flavors was so comforting that it sparked memories of childhood dinners at Grandma’s house, where each plate was brimming with love and laughter—perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings alike.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This easy-to-make meal requires minimal effort while maximizing flavor and satisfaction. The vibrant colors and aromas make it a feast for the eyes and the palate. Perfect for cozy nights at home but versatile enough for entertaining guests. Plus, leftovers are just as delicious! [/info_box]
Sharing this dish with friends always brings smiles—and maybe even some happy tears.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Crockpot: Your trusty slow cooker is essential for this recipe to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
Cheese Tortellini: Use fresh or frozen tortellini; both work beautifully in soaking up all the flavors.
Italian Sausage: Choose your favorite type, whether spicy or mild, for added depth in flavor.
Heavy Cream: This is what transforms your dish into a creamy fantasy that makes everyone swoon.
Spinach: Fresh or frozen spinach adds color and nutrition; plus, it wilts down perfectly in the slow cooker.
Parmesan Cheese: Don’t skimp on this! It brings that extra cheesy goodness to every bite. cheesy Mississippi mud potatoes.
Onions and Garlic: These aromatics lay the flavor foundation—how can you resist their savory allure?
Chicken Broth: A splash of broth gives moisture without overwhelming the dish’s rich flavors. For more inspiration, check out this Cozy Rotisserie Chicken Soup recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the countertop. Chop your onions and mince your garlic until fragrant—they should smell like dinner already!
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and garlic until they turn translucent and fragrant—a little sweet aroma means you’re onto something great.
Add the Sausage: Crumble your Italian sausage into the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to break it apart evenly—this will add texture throughout the dish.
Toss In Everything Else: In your crockpot, combine sautéed sausage mix with cheese tortellini, heavy cream, spinach, chicken broth, and half the Parmesan cheese. crockpot chicken enchiladas Stir everything together until well mixed—this is where magic happens!
Cook Low and Slow: Cover your crockpot and set it on low heat for about 4 hours or high heat for 2 hours. Just wait until you walk into a room filled with heavenly aromas—it’s worth every minute!
Add Final Touches: Once cooked through, serve hot topped with remaining Parmesan cheese. Enjoy while basking in compliments from loved ones—you’ve earned it!
Now that you’re armed with this delightful recipe for Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage, get ready to impress everyone at your table—or simply treat yourself because you deserve it! For more inspiration, check out this Cozy Pumpkin Soup recipe.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage dish is the epitome of comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, smells heavenly while cooking, and has a creamy texture that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a great dish for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the sausage in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot. This enhances flavor and reduces excess grease. Next, add tortellini during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them tender yet firm.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out sausage for chicken or turkey for a lighter option. You can also add spinach, mushrooms, or your favorite veggies to boost nutrition and flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so on low heat in a saucepan, adding a splash of cream if needed to restore creaminess.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For perfect tortellini, avoid overcooking; they should be al dente. Always taste your sauce before serving; adjust seasoning as needed. If using frozen tortellini, no need to thaw; just add directly to the slow cooker! [/info_box]
Cooking this recipe always takes me back to family gatherings where laughter filled the air and bowls were never empty. The compliments from friends are still fresh in my mind!
FAQ
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh tortellini only needs about 15-20 minutes in the crockpot.
What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage is ideal, but any flavorful sausage will do just fine!
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Swap sausage with plant-based alternatives for a delicious vegetarian version.
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage—a warm, creamy dish that combines savory sausage, tender tortellini, and rich cheese for a delightful meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe offers a satisfying experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent.
- Crumble in the Italian sausage and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- In your crockpot, combine the sautéed mixture with tortellini, heavy cream, spinach, chicken broth, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours.
- Once cooked, serve hot topped with remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on low / 2 hours on high
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
