Sausage brings bold flavor and hearty satisfaction to so many meals. Paired with cheese-stuffed tortellini, cream cheese, canned tomatoes, broth, and fresh spinach, it becomes an effortless slow cooker dinner that even picky eaters will ask for again.
This simple family dinner is quick to assemble, ideal for busy weeknights, and loved by picky eaters.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian pork sausage (such as Jimmy Dean)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (32 oz)
- 2 (15 oz) cans Italian diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 (20 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini (or refrigerated)
- 3 cups fresh spinach (or more to taste)
Start by browning the sausage in a medium skillet, breaking it into pieces and cooking until no longer pink. Drain off excess grease. Transfer the cooked sausage to your slow cooker, then add the vegetable broth, both cans of diced tomatoes, and the cubed cream cheese. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on LOW for about 4 hours, or until the cream cheese has fully melted into the broth and created a creamy base. If your timing is flexible, you can keep it on the warm setting until ready to finish the dish.
About 30 minutes before serving, add the frozen tortellini and the fresh spinach to the slow cooker and stir well. Continue cooking on LOW until the tortellini is tender and the spinach has wilted. Waiting to add the tortellini prevents it from becoming overly soft.
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian pork sausage
- 4 cups vegetable broth (32 oz)
- 2 (15 oz) cans Italian diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
- 1 (20 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 3+ cups fresh spinach
Instructions
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Chop and brown the sausage in a medium skillet over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain excess grease.
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Place the cooked sausage, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and cubed cream cheese into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
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Cook on LOW for about 4 hours, until the cream cheese has fully melted and the base is creamy. You can keep it on warm if you need more hold time.
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Add the frozen tortellini and fresh spinach, stir, and cook on LOW for about 30 minutes or until the tortellini is tender.
Notes
- No extra seasoning needed: The seasoned sausage and salted broth usually provide enough flavor, but add black pepper, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning if you prefer.
- Any broth works: vegetable, chicken, or beef will all produce a tasty base.
- Pasta options: refrigerated tortellini can be used but may cook more quickly than frozen.
- Spinach wilts down significantly, so start with several cups to get a generous portion of greens.
- Choose your preferred sausage: mild, spicy, or other varieties will change the heat level and flavor.
- Serve with garlic bread and a simple salad. Finish with shredded Parmesan or red pepper flakes if desired.
Save this easy slow cooker dinner for busy nights and family meals!
