Quick & Cheap Slow Cooker Sausage Tortellini Recipe

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

Italian sausage

🥗Healthier: chicken sausage

💰Cheaper: pork sausage

Chicken sausage is lower in fat and calories.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated Pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Avocado oil has a higher smoke point and is heart-healthy.

Boil water in a large pot and cook tortellini according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain tortellini and set aside, reserving some pasta water.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Remove casing from Italian sausage and crumble it into the skillet; cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.

Add cooked tortellini to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce.

Incorporate spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy, adding reserved pasta water if needed.

Season with red pepper flakes and black pepper to taste.

Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens