There are nights when you want dinner to feel warm, filling, and a little bit indulgent without standing over the stove. That is exactly where this crockpot cheese tortellini and sausage comes in. It is rich, cozy, and smells incredible while it cooks, which already feels like a small win.
This is one of those recipes I reach for when the day has been long and everyone is hungry. Crockpot cheese tortellini and sausage simmers gently in tomato sauce, turns tender and saucy, and finishes with melty mozzarella on top. Ready to try it? Let's get cooking.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy slow cooker dinner with minimal prep
- Hearty and filling, perfect for family meals
- Uses simple store bought ingredients
- Hands off cooking while the crockpot does the work
- Comfort food that reheats beautifully
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or spicy, sliced or crumbled
- 20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara or tomato pasta sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) 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
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Italian sausage brings most of the flavor here. I usually use mild when cooking for my family, but spicy sausage adds a nice kick if you like a little heat. You can also use chicken or turkey sausage if that is what you have on hand.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini works best because it cooks up tender without falling apart. I have tested frozen tortellini too, and it works, but it may need a little extra cooking time.
- For the sauce, choose a marinara you already love. Since the ingredient list is short, the flavor of the sauce really shines through.
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Break it into bite sized pieces as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- In the crockpot, add the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices, water or broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until everything looks well combined and glossy.
- Add the browned sausage and the uncooked cheese tortellini. Gently stir so the pasta is coated in sauce. It might look a little crowded, but it settles as it cooks.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the tortellini is tender and the sauce is thick and rich. Give it one gentle stir halfway through if you are nearby.
- About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Cover again and let the cheese melt into a soft, stretchy layer.
- Finish with chopped parsley if you like, and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Browning the sausage first adds depth and keeps the texture just right.
- Stir gently when adding the tortellini so it stays intact.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a small splash of broth before serving.
- Keep the crockpot on low to avoid overcooking the pasta.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, which makes the next day's lunch especially good.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or sauce to loosen it up.
Make Ahead and Freezing
You can brown the sausage a day ahead and store it in the fridge to save time. This dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, as the tortellini texture can change after freezing.
Tips and Variations
- Add a handful of spinach during the last 15 minutes for a pop of green.
- Stir in a little cream or ricotta at the end for a richer sauce.
- Swap mozzarella for a blend of mozzarella and provolone.
- Serve with garlic bread to soak up every bit of sauce.
FAQs
Yes, frozen tortellini works, but plan on the full 4 hours of cook time and check for tenderness.
No, it cooks right in the crockpot and absorbs all that saucy flavor.
Spicy Italian sausage or a pinch of red pepper flakes does the trick.
📖 Recipe
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours on low
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe is a comforting, slow-cooked pasta dish that's both hearty and satisfying. Tender cheese tortellini is combined with savory Italian sausage and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, then topped with gooey melted mozzarella. It's perfect for easy weeknight meals or feeding a hungry crowd with minimal effort.
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 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- In the crockpot, combine the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, water or broth, and seasonings. Stir well.
- Add the browned sausage and uncooked tortellini to the sauce mixture. Gently stir to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until tortellini is tender.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top about 10 minutes before serving. Cover and allow cheese to melt.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
This dish is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep tortellini from becoming too soft.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect with warm garlic bread and a simple green salad. I also love serving it straight from the crockpot at casual gatherings because everyone can help themselves.
Reader Reviews
"This was such a hit with my kids. The cheese on top sealed the deal."
"Easy, filling, and perfect for leftovers the next day."
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