If you are looking for a comforting, hearty meal that comes together with almost no fuss yet boasts rich flavors, then this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a savory tomato sauce, perfectly seasoned and studded with browned Italian sausage, all slowly cooked to meld the flavors into pure deliciousness. This recipe is a wonderful way to have dinner waiting for you at the end of the day without spending all afternoon at the stove. It’s a proven winner for busy weeknights or casual weekends with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe plays a crucial role in balancing bold flavors, hearty textures, and beautiful colors. From the spicy-sweet Italian sausage to the creamy cheese tortellini and the fresh herbs, these components come together simply but spectacularly.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Choose mild or spicy based on your heat preference; browning it first releases savory fat for extra flavor.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (20 oz): Fresh tortellini cooks perfectly in the crockpot and adds a creamy cheesy bite to the dish.
- Marinara or tomato pasta sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): Use your favorite rich marinara for a deep tomato base.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, undrained): These add a burst of juiciness and texture that brightens the sauce.
- Water or low-sodium broth (1/2 cup): Helps create the perfect saucy consistency without overpowering the dish.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Classic herbs like oregano and basil add that signature Italian flair.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a lovely, mellow garlic essence that infuses every bite.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle savory depth to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances and balances the natural flavors in the recipe.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts wonderfully for a gooey, cheesy finish that everyone loves.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green adds freshness and a pop of color for serving.
How to Make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the Italian sausage until it’s nice and browned throughout. This initial browning not only cooks the meat but also develops those irresistible savory flavors that become the backbone of the dish. Remember to drain off any excess grease so your sauce stays hearty but not oily.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base in the Crockpot
Next, pour the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, and water or broth into your crockpot. Season it up with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well to combine flavors beautifully before adding the main ingredients.
Step 3: Add Sausage and Tortellini
Now gently stir in the browned sausage and uncooked cheese tortellini. This step is crucial because the tortellini will cook right in the sauce, soaking up all those fantastic flavors as it does. Be gentle when mixing to avoid tearing the delicate pasta pockets.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover the crockpot and cook the mixture on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the tortellini to become perfectly tender and the flavors to meld into a warm, comforting meal. The kitchen will fill with an inviting aroma that’s pure comfort food magic.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the crockpot again to let the cheese melt into a creamy, gooey blanket over the pasta and sausage. This cheesy layer turns the dish into pure indulgence.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped parsley if you like. Serve the Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe steaming hot, straight from the crockpot, and savor how easy it was to create such a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish.
How to Serve Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the star garnish here, adding a burst of color and a hint of freshness that cuts through the richness beautifully. You can also offer grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for those who like a little extra zing.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own but pairs well with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a side of garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans also make a healthy, crunchy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this recipe family-style right from the crockpot at the table for an inviting, casual feast. For a fancier occasion, dish it out into shallow bowls and sprinkle the cheese and parsley just before serving to make it look picture-perfect. Adding a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few fresh basil leaves can elevate the presentation even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers — and you probably will — place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal. Make sure to consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and safety.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, but it’s best to freeze before adding the mozzarella cheese. Freeze the saucy tortellini and sausage mixture in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat through, topping with fresh cheese at the end.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. To recreate that melty cheese layer, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and cover for a few minutes until gooey and melted before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini in this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that frozen tortellini may require slightly less cooking time in the crockpot. Check for tenderness a bit earlier to avoid overcooking.
What type of Italian sausage works best?
You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference. Both work wonderfully, so feel free to choose the one that suits your taste buds.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly version that still brings plenty of flavor.
Is it okay to add extra vegetables?
Certainly! Adding bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini can boost nutrition and texture. Just add firmer veggies early and leafy greens toward the end of cooking for the best results.
How do I prevent the tortellini from sticking together?
Gently stirring the tortellini into the sauce at the start helps coat it and prevent sticking. Also, avoid overcooking by checking doneness around the 3-hour mark.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe truly feels like a warm hug in food form. Its ease and flavor make it a wonderful staple to add to your weekly meal rotation. Whether feeding family or impressing guests, it hits all the right notes—comforting, cheesy, and packed with heartwarming Italian flavors. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious simplicity of slow-cooked goodness!
Print
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a comforting and hearty slow-cooked meal featuring tender cheese tortellini, flavorful Italian sausage, and a rich marinara tomato sauce, all simmered to perfection in a crockpot for an easy, hands-off dinner.
Ingredients
Sausage and Tortellini
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, sliced or crumbled)
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 1/2 cup water or low-sodium broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping and Garnish
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy final dish.
- Prepare sauce base: In your crockpot, combine the marinara sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, water or low-sodium broth, and all the seasonings including Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend flavors.
- Add sausage and tortellini: Place the browned sausage and the uncooked cheese tortellini into the crockpot with the sauce mixture. Stir gently so the tortellini is well coated but not broken up.
- Cook the dish: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on the low setting for 3 to 4 hours, or until the tortellini is tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Add cheese topping: About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover again to allow the cheese to melt and become gooey.
- Garnish and serve: Once the cheese is melted, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm directly from the crockpot.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy sausage based on your heat preference.
- For a richer flavor, substitute water with low-sodium chicken broth.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the liquid slightly or cook the crockpot uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage alternatives.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat easily in the microwave.
