If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this incredible Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe. Imagine tender cheese-filled tortellini soaking in a savory tomato sauce, enriched with flavorful Italian sausage and melted mozzarella. It’s an effortless dish that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and delivers big on taste, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with a handful of ingredients coming together to create a symphony of flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—the sausage adds a rich, meaty depth; the tortellini brings pillowy cheesiness; and the tomatoes and seasonings combine for a vibrant sauce that lingers on the palate.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, sliced or crumbled): Choose your preferred heat level to tailor the dish to your taste buds.
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini: Fresh cheese-filled pasta that cooks tenderly in the crockpot.
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or tomato pasta sauce: Provides the rich tomato base that ties all flavors together.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained): Adds texture and a fresh burst of tomato flavor.
- 1/2 cup water or low-sodium broth: Keeps the sauce from getting too thick and infuses more flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that lifts the dish with classic Italian herbs.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers pungent warmth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every ingredient.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey goodness, crowning the dish beautifully.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): Offers a pop of color and fresh herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and browning the Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking it up if crumbly or just slicing if you prefer. This step is crucial because it locks in the sausage’s rich flavor and renders out excess fat that you’ll want to drain off for a cleaner final dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
In your crockpot, combine the jar of marinara sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), water or broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Give it a good stir so all those herbs and spices start mingling together, creating a deeply flavored sauce foundation for your tortellini and sausage.
Step 3: Add Sausage and Tortellini
Next, add the browned sausage to the sauce mixture and then gently fold in the uncooked cheese tortellini. Stir carefully to ensure every little pasta pillow is evenly coated in that lush tomato sauce, setting the stage for an even, mouthwatering cook.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. This slow and steady heat lets the tortellini cook perfectly tender without turning mushy, while the sausage infuses the sauce with savory depth. The magic really happens here as all flavors blend beautifully over time.
Step 5: Melt the Cheese
About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, covering the crockpot afterward to let it melt into a creamy blanket. This final touch adds irresistible, gooey richness that pulls everything together into a comforting masterpiece.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
If you like, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over each serving for a fresh burst of color and a subtle herbal lift that brightens the dish. Then, dig in while it’s warm and enjoy every cheesy, savory bite.
How to Serve Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a fantastic simple garnish that adds a touch of herbal brightness and visual appeal. You can also sprinkle a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you want to add a little heat, or freshly grated Parmesan for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
Pairing this hearty main with a crisp green salad or garlic bread makes for a well-rounded meal. A simple Caesar salad or roasted vegetables work beautifully to balance the richness, while garlic bread can be perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious tomato sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe in rustic, deep bowls to showcase that gooey cheese pull. For a casual dinner party, set it out family-style with bowls of fresh herbs and grated cheese on the side so everyone can personalize their plates. You could even layer some in small baking dishes and broil briefly before serving for a slightly crispy cheese topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, any leftovers should be cooled to room temperature and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep nicely for up to 3 to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy quick, delicious lunches or dinners over the next few days.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, especially without the cheese on top. Transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce has thickened up, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it. Add fresh shredded cheese when reheating if you want to bring back that melty cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini, but add extra cooking time in the crockpot to ensure the pasta cooks through completely. Keep an eye on the texture so it doesn’t become too soft.
Is it necessary to brown the sausage first?
While you can technically skip browning, cooking the sausage first enhances flavor and removes excess grease, which helps prevent the final dish from becoming oily.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or add cooked mushrooms and sautéed vegetables for a tasty meat-free version.
What’s the best way to prevent the tortellini from sticking together in the crockpot?
Stir gently when you add the tortellini and halfway through cooking, if possible. Make sure there’s enough sauce or liquid to keep the pasta from drying out and clumping.
Can I use shredded parmesan instead of mozzarella?
While mozzarella provides that creamy melt, parmesan adds a sharp, salty bite. You can sprinkle some parmesan on top before serving, but for melting goodness, mozzarella is ideal.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe is one of those gems that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but is actually effortless. It’s perfect for sharing with family, entertaining friends, or cozying up to your favorite show on a chilly evening. I highly encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort food!
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Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This comforting Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe combines tender Italian sausage with cheese-filled tortellini in a flavorful marinara sauce, slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for a hands-off, easy meal that delivers rich Italian flavors with minimal prep, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, sliced or crumbled)
Main Ingredients
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 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
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese & 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. Drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In your crockpot, combine the marinara sauce, undrained diced tomatoes, water or broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix all the flavors.
- Add Sausage and Tortellini: Add the cooked sausage and the uncooked cheese tortellini into the crockpot. Gently stir everything to ensure the tortellini is coated evenly with the sauce and mixed well with the sausage.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. This allows the tortellini to soften and absorb the rich flavors of the sauce and sausage.
- Add Cheese: About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover again and let the cheese melt into the hot dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve warm straight from the crockpot for a hearty, comforting meal.
Notes
- To reduce cooking time, you can cook the tortellini separately and add it in during the last hour of cooking.
- Feel free to use spicy sausage for an extra kick.
- Low-sodium broth can be used to control salt levels in the dish.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of water or broth slightly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
