Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini: A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Meal Perfect for Busy Days

Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini is a delicious and easy slow-cooker meal that combines savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners when you want a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Simply toss the ingredients into your crock pot, and let it cook low and slow until you're ready to enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality dinner at home.

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Italian flavors like garlic, basil, and oregano shine in this dish, complementing the richness of the sausage and the smoothness of the cream. The spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, while the cheese tortellini soaks up the flavorful sauce, making each bite a burst of deliciousness.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings):

Calories: 520 kcal
Fat: 36g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 980mg

Serving Suggestions

This Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini is perfect on its own as a complete meal, but you can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For an extra cheesy touch, top each bowl with grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This dish also pairs well with a light red wine, like Pinot Noir, or a sparkling water with a slice of lemon.

For a creative twist, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or substitute the spinach with kale for a heartier green.

Storage Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months, but the texture of the tortellini may change slightly after freezing.

Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions:

1. Brown the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, transfer the sausage to your crock pot.
2. Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Transfer the onions and garlic to the crock pot.
3. Add tomatoes and seasonings: To the crock pot, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
4. Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
5. Add tortellini and cream: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini and heavy cream. Continue cooking on low for an additional 30 minutes, until the tortellini are tender.
6. Add spinach: Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Serve: Ladle the creamy tortellini into bowls, and top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Extra Tips:

• If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add more chicken broth or a splash of water before adding the cream and tortellini.
• For a gluten-free version, swap out the cheese tortellini for gluten-free pasta, and ensure the sausage and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.