Crockpot Cheese Tortellini Sausage

Crockpot cheese tortellini and sausage is the ultimate fix it and forget it recipe for any night you want a hearty cheesy pasta meal without hovering over the stove This is the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with delicious smells and always guarantees requests for seconds

When I first tried this on a cold Friday night after work it was so good there was not a bite left for leftovers My family now asks for it every time we need something cozy

Ingredients

• Italian sausage: about one pound removing the casings gives you savory bites in every mouthful Look for sausage with visible herbs and not too much fat
• Frozen cheese tortellini: one standard bag makes this recipe perfectly cheesy Choose brands with real ricotta or Italian cheese blends for best flavor
• Marinara sauce: one jar forms the saucy base Classic or garlic roasted varieties work great Check labels for brands using real tomatoes and olive oil
• Chicken broth: just enough to loosen the sauce and keep things luscious Use low sodium for more control over saltiness
• Mozzarella cheese: shredded adds creamy melty texture on top Always select cheese you shred yourself for the smoothest melting
• Parmesan cheese: grated for finishing with that signature salty nutty bite Choose blocks and grate as needed for fresh flavor
• Salt and pepper to taste: for balanced seasoning Add little by little until it is just right

Step by Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:

Cook sausage over medium heat in a large skillet breaking it up as you go until fully browned and no longer pink about six to eight minutes This creates little flavorful crumbles that add richness to the dish Remove extra grease so the final result is not oily

Combine Ingredients in Crockpot:

Add cooked sausage frozen tortellini marinara sauce and chicken broth straight into your slow cooker Give everything a thorough stir so the sauce is fully mixed with the pasta and sausage Every piece should be coated for even cooking

Slow Cook:

Put the lid on and set your crockpot Set to low for four to five hours or high for two to three hours Check for doneness by testing a tortellini it should be fork tender and the sauce slightly thickened

Add the Cheese:

Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the whole surface in the last half hour Let it melt into a gooey stretchy topping Cover again so the cheese gets melty and golden

Season and Serve:

Before serving taste and adjust with salt and pepper Ladle into bowls piping hot and top with chopped parsley basil or enjoy it just as is

Pin

Mozzarella cheese is always my highlight because it goes so golden and melty It reminds me of the times my brother and I scraped the sides of the crockpot for extra cheese as kids One bite takes me right back to Sunday movie nights

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep beautifully in sealed containers for up to three days Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of extra broth Never freeze once cooked tortellini as it can turn mushy

Ingredient Swaps

You can use mild or spicy sausage depending on what you like Turkey sausage gives a lighter option If you do not have tortellini small ravioli or mini stuffed shells can work in a pinch

Pin

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread and a tossed salad for a complete meal I like to sprinkle more Parmesan on each bowl right before serving For extra veggies stir in a few handfuls of spinach during the last thirty minutes

Cultural Inspiration

Italian American home cooks make cozy one pot pasta dishes like this often Crockpot tortellini captures all the homey flavors of an Italian bakes without any oven time It is a recipe that brings families back to the table again and again

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use fresh instead of frozen tortellini?

Yes, fresh tortellini can be used; just reduce the cooking time as it cooks faster than frozen.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Choose hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

→ Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?

Provolone or fontina make great alternatives for a different cheesy flavor and melt.

→ Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?

You can assemble ingredients in the crockpot and refrigerate overnight, cooking the next day as directed.

→ What side dishes pair well with this meal?

Try a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to complement the rich, cheesy pasta.