Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make – Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work.
  • Comforting & Hearty – Packed with cheesy pasta, sausage, and a creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for chilly nights.
  • Crowd-Pleaser – Both kids and adults love the combination of cheese tortellini and sausage.
  • Minimal Prep – No need for complicated steps; simply combine the ingredients and let the crockpot work its magic.
  • Great for Leftovers – This dish reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Cheese tortellini
  • Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Cream cheese
  • Chicken broth
  • Garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Spinach (optional for added nutrition)
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Cook the sausage – In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
  2. Add ingredients to the crockpot – Place the cooked sausage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth into the crockpot. Stir to combine.
  3. Slow cook – Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours to let the flavors meld together.
  4. Add tortellini and cream cheese – In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the cheese tortellini and cream cheese. Stir occasionally until the tortellini is tender and the cream cheese is fully melted.
  5. Add spinach (optional) – If using spinach, stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking until wilted.
  6. Serve and enjoy – Give everything a good stir, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)

Variations

  • Spicy Kick – Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes.
  • Vegetarian Option – Swap sausage for mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
  • Extra Creamy – Add heavy cream or shredded cheese for extra richness.
  • Protein Boost – Stir in cooked chicken or shrimp for a different twist.
  • More Veggies – Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the texture of the tortellini may soften after thawing.
  • Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if needed.

FAQs

How long can I leave this in the crockpot?

You can cook it for up to 6 hours on low without overcooking, but the tortellini should be added only in the last 30 minutes.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! You can add frozen tortellini directly into the crockpot, but it may take a few extra minutes to cook.

Do I need to brown the sausage first?

Yes, browning the sausage helps enhance the flavor and prevents excess grease in the dish.

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh tortellini may cook faster, so check for doneness after 20-25 minutes.

What type of sausage is best?

Italian sausage (mild or spicy) works best, but you can also use turkey sausage or chicken sausage.

Can I make this on the stovetop instead?

Yes! Cook the sausage, add the ingredients, and simmer for about 30 minutes, then stir in the tortellini and cream cheese.

How do I prevent the tortellini from getting mushy?

Add the tortellini during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.

What can I serve with this dish?

Garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables pair well with this meal.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free tortellini and replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the cheesy tortellini and creamy sauce. If serving picky eaters, you can omit the spinach.

Conclusion

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a simple yet flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and a rich, creamy texture, this dish is a true comfort food favorite. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy dinner or prep it ahead for leftovers, it’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family. Give it a try and enjoy a warm, hearty meal with ease!

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Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
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Description

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a rich, creamy, and hearty slow-cooked meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This easy comfort food dish combines cheese-filled tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce for a meal the whole family will love. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this crockpot recipe is a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

  • 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Brown the Sausage – In a skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles. Drain excess grease.
  • Add Ingredients to the Crockpot – Transfer cooked sausage to the crockpot. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  • Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours to develop flavors.
  • Add Tortellini and Cream Cheese – In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in cheese tortellini and cream cheese. Stir occasionally until tortellini is tender and cream cheese is melted.
  • Add Spinach (Optional) – If using spinach, stir it in during the last 10 minutes until wilted.
  • Season & Serve – Stir everything together, season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Spicy Kick – Use hot Italian sausage and add red pepper flakes.
  • Vegetarian Option – Swap sausage for mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
  • Extra Creamy – Add heavy cream or shredded cheese for extra richness.
  • Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months (tortellini may soften).
  • Reheating – Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner, Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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