CROCKPOT MEALS YOU NEED TO TRY

Ingredients

• 4 cups Fresh Baby Spinach (washed and trimmed)
• 12 oz Cheese Tortellini (frozen, cheese‑filled)
• 8 oz Chive and Onion Cream Cheese Spread (softened to room temperature)
• 1 lb Italian Sausage (lean, casings removed)
• 1 medium Onion (diced)
• 2 tablespoons Garlic (minced)
• 14 oz Diced Tomatoes (canned, undrained)
• 29 oz Tomato Sauce (canned)
• 4 cups Chicken Stock (low‑sodium, can use broth)
• 1.5 tablespoons Italian Seasoning (dried blend of oregano, basil, thyme)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper
• optional Red Pepper Flakes (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients

   Dice the onion, mince the garlic, wash the spinach, and measure out all canned items and seasonings.

   Time: PT10M

2. Brown Sausage and Onion

   Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the sausage (crumbled) and diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is browned and the onion is translucent, about 8‑10 minutes.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: Medium‑high heat

3. Add Garlic

   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

   Time: PT1M

   Temperature: Medium‑high heat

4. Transfer to Crock‑Pot and Add Base Liquids

   Move the sausage‑onion‑garlic mixture into the crock‑pot. Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, chicken stock, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

   Time: PT5M

5. Slow‑Cook on High

   Cover the crock‑pot and set it to HIGH for 3 hours.

   Time: PT3H

6. Add Tortellini, Spinach, and Cream Cheese

   After 3 hours, stir in the frozen cheese tortellini, fresh baby spinach, and the softened cream cheese spread. Mix until the cream cheese begins to melt and the spinach starts to wilt.

   Time: PT5M

7. Finish Cooking

   Cover and continue cooking on HIGH for another 45 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and the spinach is fully wilted.

   Time: PT45M

8. Serve

   Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired and serve with crusty garlic bread or a simple salad.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

20 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

3 g