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Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage: A Hearty and Comforting Meal
If you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and family-friendly meal, this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe is perfect for you! With minimal prep work and a hands-off cooking process, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home.
This slow cooker meal combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, and a savory marinara sauce, all topped with gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The result? A mouthwatering dish that will have your family coming back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Easy to Make – Just brown the sausage, toss everything into the crockpot, and let it cook.
✔️ Minimal Ingredients – Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste even better the next day!
✔️ Crowd-Pleaser – A favorite among kids and adults alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild, sweet, or spicy, depending on your preference)
• 1 bag (19 oz) frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (adds extra depth of flavor)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to tast
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease to avoid making the dish too oily.
Step 2: Assemble in the Crockpot
In your slow cooker, add the cooked sausage, frozen cheese tortellini, marinara sauce, and chicken broth. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The tortellini will become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover and allow the cheese to melt into a bubbly, golden layer of goodness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Tortellini and Sausage
✔️ Choose Your Sausage Wisely – Spicy Italian sausage adds a kick, while sweet or mild sausage keeps it family-friendly.
✔️ Use a Quality Marinara Sauce – Since the sauce is a key component, opt for a high-quality brand or make your own from scratch.
✔️ Don’t Overcook the Tortellini – Stick to the recommended cooking times to prevent mushy pasta.
✔️ Make It Creamy – For a creamier texture, stir in ½ cup of heavy cream before adding the cheese.
What to Serve with Crockpot Tortellini and Sausage
Pair this dish with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A glass of red wine, like a Chianti or Merlot, also complements the flavors beautifully.
How to Store & Reheat
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or marinara sauce if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a true comfort food classic! With its rich, cheesy goodness and hearty sausage flavor, it’s bound to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish delivers on taste and convenience.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turns out in the comments below! What’s your favorite way to customize it?
Craving More Easy Crockpot Meals?
If you love simple and delicious slow cooker recipes, check out these next:
➡️ Slow Cooker Chicken Alfredo Pasta
➡️ Crockpot Lasagna Soup
➡️ Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Happy cooking!
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