Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe is a comforting, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days. Combining flavorful Italian sausage with tender cheese tortellini in a rich tomato sauce, it’s a satisfying dish the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat and set aside.
2. Step 2: In the crockpot, combine the browned sausage, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and broth. Stir to combine.
3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours.
4. Step 4: About 15–20 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini. Cover and cook until the tortellini is tender (fresh tortellini will take about 10 minutes; frozen may take longer).
5. Step 5: Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Use spicy sausage for a little heat, or sweet sausage for a milder flavor.
• Fresh tortellini cooks faster, so check doneness early to avoid overcooking.
• Add a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta for an extra creamy sauce.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with mushrooms or a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened. This dish is not recommended for freezing due to the texture of the tortellini.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen sausage in this recipe?

It’s best to thaw the sausage before browning to ensure it cooks evenly and breaks apart easily.

What can I substitute for cheese tortellini?

You can use other filled pastas like ravioli or plain pasta such as penne, though cooking times may vary.

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 83 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and hearty Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe that combines flavorful Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, tender cheese tortellini, and melted mozzarella cheese into an easy, slow-cooked meal perfect for busy days.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Sausage and Vegetables

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Tomato Base

• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Pasta and Cheese

• 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Garnish and Seasonings

• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Crockpot: In the crockpot, combine the browned sausage, diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and broth. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
3. Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4–6 hours or on high for 2–3 hours to allow flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
4. Add Tortellini: About 15–20 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini. Cover and cook until the tortellini is tender—fresh tortellini will take about 10 minutes, frozen tortellini may need a bit longer.
5. Finish and Serve: Once the tortellini is cooked through, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

• Use either sweet or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference.
• Fresh tortellini cooks faster than frozen; adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to control heat level.
• If you prefer, substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make it vegetarian-friendly by using vegetarian sausage.
• Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (on high) to 6 hours (on low)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Crockpot meal, slow cooker, cheese tortellini, Italian sausage, comfort food, easy dinner, sausage pasta, one-pot meal