This crockpot cheese tortellini and sausage recipe is one of my favorite ways to get a hearty pasta dinner on the table without standing over the stove. I first made this on a Saturday when everyone was hungry early and patience was running low. I tossed everything into the slow cooker, went about my day, and by dinnertime we had bubbling sauce, tender tortellini, and melted cheese waiting for us.
It is cozy, filling, and perfect for nights when you want comfort food with very little effort. The sausage adds big flavor, the tortellini stays soft and cheesy, and the whole thing feels like a warm bowl of pasta you did not have to babysit.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy slow cooker pasta dinner
- Hearty enough for hungry families
- Minimal prep and cleanup
- Great for weeknights or weekends
- Leftovers reheat beautifully
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or spicy, sliced or crumbled
Pasta And Sauce
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- ½ cup water or low-sodium broth
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese And Garnish
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, optional
How To Make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini And Sausage
Step 1: Cook The Sausage
Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain off any excess grease and set aside.
Step 2: Build The Sauce
In the crockpot, add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, water or broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
Step 3: Add Tortellini And Sausage
Add the cooked sausage and uncooked cheese tortellini to the sauce. Gently stir so the tortellini is coated and nestled into the liquid.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the tortellini is tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Melt The Cheese
About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Cover again and let the cheese melt.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley if you like, then scoop into bowls and serve warm.
Notes And Variations
- Use spicy Italian sausage if you want a little heat.
- Swap mozzarella for an Italian cheese blend if that is what you have.
- Add a handful of spinach near the end for a pop of green.
- If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth before serving.
Serving Suggestions
We usually serve this with garlic bread or a simple side salad. It also pairs well with roasted vegetables if you want something lighter on the side.
Storage And Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or sauce to loosen it up.
FAQs
Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Cooking time may increase slightly.
Low heat works best for pasta texture, but high can be used if needed. Check for doneness sooner.
Turkey sausage or chicken sausage are good options if you want something lighter.
📖 Recipe
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours on low
- Total Time: 3 hours 37 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe is the ultimate weeknight comfort food! Hearty cheese-filled tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a rich tomato sauce come together in the slow cooker with gooey mozzarella on top — all with minimal effort and major flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, sliced or crumbled)
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
- ½ cup water or low-sodium broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- In the crockpot, combine marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, water or broth, and all seasonings. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooked sausage and uncooked tortellini to the crockpot. Gently stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until tortellini is tender.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top about 10 minutes before serving. Cover to let the cheese melt.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
You can use spicy or mild sausage based on preference. Add red pepper flakes for heat or stir in spinach at the end for extra greens. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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