Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Easy Recipe

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a total game-changer for those nights when energy is low but your hunger’s high. Between after-school chaos and work, who seriously has time to spend hours in the kitchen?

I’m always on the hunt for easy dinners, like this hearty meal, that tastes amazing but basically cooks itself. If you’re like me and enjoyed making this crockpot chicken tortellini recipe or you’re looking for another cozy favorite after trying a sweet potato taco meat and cottage cheese bowl, you’ll love this one too. Let’s jump straight into it, I promise it’s a crowd-pleaser.

TL;DR – Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

This slow cooker sausage and tortellini recipe is a quick, comforting dinner that’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy nights. With cheesy tortellini, Italian sausage, and a creamy tomato sauce, it’s a no-stress meal that basically cooks itself.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (low)
• Servings: 6
• Main Flavors: Cheesy, savory, hearty
• Main Ingredients: Tortellini, sausage, pasta sauce, mozzarella
• Best For: Weeknight dinners, family meals, cozy comfort food

Simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor, this crockpot cheese tortellini with sausage will become a weeknight staple.

Crockpot Tortellini with Sausage The Perfect Weeknight Meal with Simple Ingredients

So, here’s the deal. You basically dump everything in the slow cooker, turn it on, and forget about it until you smell that dreamy, cheesy goodness. The combination of cheese tortellini and sausage is a classic, and the crockpot just makes life easier. I’ve made this on nights when I literally had zero motivation, and it still turned out like a five-star restaurant meal (okay, maybe not that fancy, but still absolutely delicious). With simple store-bought ingredients, you get comfort food with almost no work. My picky kids demolished it, and my husband had seconds and thirds. If that’s not a glowing review, I dunno what is.

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Ingredients You’ll Need for Sausage and Cheese Tortellini

So, don’t stress, here’s what you need:

• 1 package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen, doesn’t matter)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild, depends on your mood)
• 1 jar pasta sauce (marinara or tomato basil is my jam)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup water or broth
  You could also snag a red bell pepper or some mushrooms if you wanna jazz it up. That’s it. Bare bones, fast, and delightful.
  

  

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Tortellini with Sausage

First thing, brown your sausage in a skillet. I know, it’s one extra step, but it makes a huge difference in flavor. Once that’s done, drain it (nobody wants greasy sauce). Then, into the crockpot goes: your browned sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, pasta sauce, and water (or broth). Stir it up. Pop the lid on and cook on low for about 4 hours. After about 3-ish hours, toss in the tortellini. Cooking them too early turns ‘em mushy. Right before serving, sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan on top. Cover so it gets melty. Dinner is served.

Expert Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Tortellini

Want next-level flavor? Use sausage with fennel. Or brown the onions with the sausage for an extra punch. Don’t add the tortellini at the start, timing is everything or they’ll get weird and gooey. Also, shredded cheese on top makes it rich and gooey, not stringy! I learned the hard way not to go overboard with water or sauce, or you’ll end up with soup. Frankly, trust your gut and taste as you go – it rarely lets you down.

Recipe Variations to Try

Literally, this recipe begs for tweaking. Sub spinach for extra veg, swap sausage for ground turkey if you’re feeling virtuous. Forgot the pasta sauce? Use tomato soup in a pinch (seriously, it works). Alfredo + chicken sausage makes an entirely different flavor but still rocks. Feeling spicy? Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. Don’t fuss about perfection, half the fun is mixing it up.

Add-ins: Mushrooms, Zucchini, or Peppers

Here’s a secret, toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or fresh peppers if you’re short on greens. You can totally get away with sneaking veggies into the sauce or just lay them on top near the end. This meal is forgiving, so whatever’s in the fridge can become the next great add-in. I sometimes add diced carrots just for color (and to use up the bag).

Pair with Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread

I’m pretty adamant about this, it’s basically a rule in my house. If you don’t have crunchy bread nearby to mop up every piece of gooey sauce, what are you even doing? Pull-apart buns, baguette, or whatever you like, just make sure it’s warm. My crew starts hovering when they see me with a basket of garlic bread. Try it once, and you’ll see why.

• Serve with classic garlic bread, toasted golden.
• Try a hunk of sourdough for something fancier.
• Breadsticks? Absolutely, pass them around.

Fresh Salad Sides

A crisp salad on the side makes everything feel balanced, right? I’ll grab mixed greens, tomatoes, and maybe some cucumbers. Dress it simple, don’t work too hard here. I promise, even picky eaters don’t mind a salad with all that cheesy pasta nearby. This trick also works beautifully with other cozy meals like crockpot hamburger potato casserole or candied sweet potatoes recipe.

How to Store Leftovers in the Fridge

Leftovers never last long in my kitchen, but if you have some, just scoop the rest into a container with a tight lid. The tortellini can soak up the sauce, so it gets even more flavorful overnight. Keep it in the fridge, not hanging out on the counter – trust me, this is seasoned advice from midnight snackers everywhere. Eat within 3 days for best taste.

Best Way to Reheat Without Overcooking

Microwave? Sure, but use a lower setting and cover so the cheese melts, not scorches. Or, pop the leftovers in a covered dish, toss in a splash of extra sauce if it’s thick, and heat up in the oven (170°C or 350°F for 15 minutes…ish). Heads up, don’t reheat too many times, or the tortellini gets weird and gummy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Listen, I’ve messed this up before, so let me save you the trouble. Don’t add the tortellini too early unless you want pasta sludge. Over-saucing makes it soup, unless that’s your goal. Forgetting to brown the sausage? Nah, you’ll miss out on all that flavor. Oh and, don’t use that weird plasticky cheese – it won’t melt the same. It’s worth a few extra bucks for good cheese.

Nutrition Information

Full honesty…this isn’t low-cal, but it’s worth it for the occasional comfort meal. You get protein from the sausage, carbs from pasta, some calcium thanks to cheese. Add veggies and it’s an all-in-one bowl. Of course, portion size is up to you (my spoon is always way bigger than I plan). For something lighter but still cozy, consider sweet potato cottage cheese bowl.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving • makes 6 servings

Calories

560

Carbohydrates

48 g

Protein

26 g

Fat

30 g

Saturated Fat

12 g

Cholesterol

85 mg

Sodium

1180 mg

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

8 g

Calcium

350 mg

Iron

3.2 mg

Potassium

520 mg

Estimated values for Crockpot Cheese Tortellini & Sausage. Actuals vary by brands and serving size. Recipe • First Step Recipes

What’s The Best Sausage to Use?

I go spicy every time, but mild Italian sausage is most crowd-pleasing. Turkey sausage or chicken sausage? Go for it, but add extra flavor elsewhere. Don’t use breakfast sausage – tried that and just, no. The links or ground both work, just chop them up so you get a bit in every bite.

How Long Does Tortellini Take in the Slow Cooker?

Weirdly, tortellini cooks super fast, 30 to 45 minutes, tops, right in the sauce. Don’t let it go too long or it’ll be mush city. If you’re using frozen tortellini, maybe a hair longer. Fresh stuff is even quicker. If you put it in from the get-go, you’ll end up with very, um, “blended” pasta.

Can I Make This Recipe on the Stovetop or Instant Pot?

Totally. On the stovetop, brown your sausage and onions, dump in the sauce and tortellini, and simmer for ten minutes, covered. In the Instant Pot, just use the sauté mode first, then pressure cook one minute and quick release. Like magic, you’ll have dinner. If you want another cozy dinner, try out this crockpot taco pasta – same vibe, different twist.

Scaling Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe For A Crowd

I’ve doubled and even tripled it for parties (football Sunday, anyone?). Just use a bigger crockpot – otherwise, it gets cramped and messy. The only problem? No leftovers for lunch. If you’ve got a slow cooker army, you’re golden – just make sure to give it a good stir halfway so nothing sticks.

More Easy Crockpot Dinner Recipes You’ll Love

Craving more slow-cooked comfort? Don’t miss garlic parmesan crockpot chicken potatoes, or check out the savory goodness in crockpot teriyaki chicken. Need a soup night? There’s instant pot ham cheese broccoli soup or the popular Mexican street corn soup crockpot version. Lots more inspiration where that came from, so don’t be shy about trying new combos.

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Questions & Answers

Give This Cozy Crockpot Dinner a Try Tonight

So, there you have it. Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is your one-way ticket to a no-stress, stick-to-your-ribs dinner. It’s simple, warming, and leaves hardly any dishes (my favorite part). Mix it up with add-ins, sides, or whatever’s already in your fridge, and you’ll see why it’s become my weeknight staple. Tired of scrolling for new recipes? Check out these easy tips for weight loss using the salt and ice trick or treat yourself with a fluffy, jiggly Japanese cheesecake for dessert. Go on, give it a shot – you might not ever go back to takeout.