This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe is your new go-to for a incredibly simple, yet gloriously flavorful, weeknight meal. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that practically cooks itself, making busy evenings a breeze.
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your preference), removed from casings
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (19 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
How to Make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe is a dream for busy cooks! In under 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying meal bubbling away in your slow cooker. The tender sausage, delightful tortellini, and savory sauce come together for a dish that promises pure comfort in every bite, perfect for any night of the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned sausage and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the sausage and onion mixture to your slow cooker. Add the jar of marinara sauce, can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the sauce is heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Add Tortellini and Cream (Optional): About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. If you desire a richer, creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream at this time as well.
- Melt the Cheese: Continue to cook uncovered on high for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and have floated to the surface. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it’s melted and gooey.
- Serve: Ladle the hot Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
You’ll adore this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage for its sheer simplicity and its unbelievably delicious outcome. The star of the show is undoubtedly the comforting combination of tender, flavorful sausage and pillowy cheese tortellini swimming in a rich, savory marinara-based sauce. Making this at home is a fantastic way to save money compared to dining out or ordering takeout, all while delivering a meal that rivals your favorite Italian restaurant. Plus, the optional addition of creamy heavy cream elevates this dish to pure indulgence, making it that much more special.
This recipe is a true weeknight warrior, offering a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort, much like a classic spaghetti and meatballs, but with the delightful twist of cheesy tortellini. It’s the perfect antidote to a long day, promising warmth and comfort in every spoonful. So, ditch the takeout menus and give this incredible Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage a try – your taste buds and your wallet will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This delicious Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a fantastic candidate for leftovers. Once cooled, store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked dish in oven-safe containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat, gently warm individual portions on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat smaller quantities in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before warming. For oven reheating, transfer to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is the epitome of comfort food made easy. It’s a warm, filling, and incredibly satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or any time you crave something truly delicious. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease.1 pound Italian sausage
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned sausage and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic
- Transfer the sausage and onion mixture to your slow cooker. Add the jar of marinara sauce, can of diced tomatoes (with their juice), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine.1 24 ounce jar marinara sauce, 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the sauce is heated through and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. If you desire a richer, creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream at this time as well.1 19 ounce package refrigerated cheese tortellini, 1 cup heavy cream
- Continue to cook uncovered on high for the remaining 30 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and have floated to the surface. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it’s melted and gooey.1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Ladle the hot Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.