Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Italian Sausage Florentine made effortlessly in your crock pot—a hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners. This recipe combines juicy Italian sausage, tender wilted spinach, and aromatic garlic and onions, all slow-simmered in a luscious sauce of diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The addition of Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes ensures a depth of flavor with just the right amount of warmth. Serve this creamy, tomato-based delight over your favorite pasta or rice for a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal at home. With minimal prep and the slow cooker doing all the work, this dish is as convenient as it is irresistible! Perfect for crock pot enthusiasts and lovers of Italian cuisine.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
Brown the Italian sausage in the skillet, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon, until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and transfer the sausage to the crock pot.
In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the crock pot.
Add the canned diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the crock pot. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 3 hours.
After 3 hours, add the fresh spinach to the crock pot. Stir well to incorporate the spinach into the mixture. Cover and cook for an additional 1 hour on low until the spinach is wilted and fully cooked.
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese before serving, ensuring everything is well combined and heated through.
Serve the Italian Sausage Florentine over cooked pasta or rice (optional) for a complete meal. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Calories |
4296 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 237.9 g | 305% | |
| Saturated Fat | 101.8 g | 509% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 587 mg | 196% | |
| Sodium | 7863 mg | 342% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 361.2 g | 131% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.6 g | 120% | |
| Total Sugars | 36.3 g | ||
| Protein | 167.7 g | 335% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1428 mg | 110% | |
| Iron | 25.1 mg | 139% | |
| Potassium | 3268 mg | 70% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.