Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of Italian sausage, rich tomatoes, and perfectly cooked tortellini - without spending hours in the kitchen! This effortless slow cooker recipe is about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner solution. Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or simply someone who loves delicious, hassle-free meals, this Italian-inspired dish promises to transform your dinner routine and impress everyone at the table.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 package (9 ounces) cheese tortellini
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
- Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker, using a slotted spoon to drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker with the sausage.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the cheese tortellini to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the fresh spinach just before serving, allowing it to wilt slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Brown the sausage thoroughly before adding to the slow cooker to enhance flavor and remove excess fat.
- Use fresh spinach added at the very end to maintain its bright color and nutrients.
- For extra richness, consider using a mix of hot and mild Italian sausage.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste during cooking.
- Don't overcook the tortellini - add it only in the last 30 minutes to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Optional garnishes like fresh basil, grated Parmesan, or a drizzle of olive oil can elevate the dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and often taste even better the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 65mg
