Crock Pot Sausage & Cheese Tortellini
This recipe is totally easy and can be customized to your crowd’s taste buds! We used hot Italian sausage because we like things spicy, but you can most definitely substitute whatever you’d like for the sausage, tortellini, and broth flavors. Some great substitutions I’d recommend would be ground beef, chicken sausage, or veggie-filled tortellini and vegetable broth for vegetarians. Get creative! This is too simple to mess up. UPDATE: In response to some saying my cook time is too long, I made this recipe again and decided to cut it down a bit.
This recipe is totally easy and can be customized to your crowd’s taste buds! We used hot Italian sausage because we like things spicy, but you can most definitely substitute whatever you’d like for the sausage, tortellini, and broth flavors. Some great substitutions I’d recommend would be ground beef, chicken sausage, or veggie-filled tortellini and vegetable broth for vegetarians. Get creative! This is too simple to mess up. UPDATE: In response to some saying my cook time is too long, I made this recipe again and decided to cut it down a bit.
- 1 lb. italian sausage (we use hot for the spice but sub in the meat you’d like best!)
- 20 oz. frozen three-cheese tortellini (the buitoni ki
- 32 oz. low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cans diced tomatoes – the kind that are seasoned with b garlic & oregano. if you don’t have the seasoned ones, you’ll need to add in your own seasonings.
- 8 oz. cream cheese or neufchã¢tel cheese – we use the
- grated parmesan cheese (not pictured) for topping!
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Recipe (454g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Take your cream cheese or Neufchâtel out of the fridge, and let it sit while you quickly brown your meat.
- Add the sausage and tortellini to your Crock Pot. Pour the tomatoes, liquid and all, and broth over the top. Add your cream cheese to the Pot in chunks.
- Give your Crock Pot a good stir to get everything evenly distributed, making sure the liquids are adequately covering the tortellini.
- Cook on LOW for a total of 3 1/2–4 hours. Stir at 1 1/2 hours, and again at 3 hours, removing the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give the sauce some time to thicken up. You can leave the lid off longer if you need more thickening time, but stir every so often.
Crock Pot Sausage & Cheese Tortellini: A Weeknight Wonder
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present to-do list. That's why I rely heavily on my trusty Crock-Pot, that culinary lifesaver that transforms simple ingredients into comforting meals with minimal effort. This Crock Pot Sausage & Cheese Tortellini recipe is a perfect example – a flavorful, cheesy dish that's ready just in time for family dinner, with practically no hands-on time required.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage – spicy Italian, mild chicken, or even vegetarian crumbles. The same goes for the tortellini; you can use cheese-filled, meat-filled, or even spinach and ricotta. I've even swapped the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it a vegetarian delight! The base flavors of tomatoes and herbs create a savory and rich sauce that complements any of these variations. It's incredibly forgiving, which is a massive plus when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities.
One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. It's fantastic on its own, but I’ve also served it with a side of crusty bread for dipping in that luscious, creamy sauce. The kids adore it, and even my husband, a self-proclaimed 'meat and potatoes' kind of guy, raves about it. It's hearty enough for a chilly evening yet light enough for a warmer day. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deep and satisfying taste.
Beyond the Weeknight: This recipe isn't just a weeknight staple; it's also perfect for meal prepping. I often double the recipe on the weekend and freeze portions for busy weeknights. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and then warm it up in the Crock-Pot or on the stovetop. It's a true time-saver, allowing me to spend more quality time with my family and less time stressing over dinner.
Tips and Tricks for Crock-Pot Success:
- Don't overcrowd your Crock-Pot: Ensure there's enough space for the ingredients to cook evenly. If necessary, divide the recipe and cook in two batches.
- Adjust the cooking time: Depending on your Crock-Pot's wattage and the size of your ingredients, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Always check for doneness before serving.
- Garnish generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese adds a touch of elegance and enhances the overall flavor.
So, if you’re looking for a simple, delicious, and customizable recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prepping, give this Crock-Pot Sausage & Cheese Tortellini a try. You won't be disappointed! It’s become a beloved family favorite in our house, and I'm confident it will become one of yours, too. The ease of preparation and the satisfying taste make this a true winner. Embrace the simplicity, and enjoy the deliciousness!
