Easy Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Okay, so picture this: it’s Tuesday, you’ve just gotten home from, like, the longest day EVER, and the thought of actually *cooking* something feels…well, impossible. I get it! That’s where my Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe comes in to save the day. Seriously, this thing is a lifesaver.

It’s the ultimate comfort food, but without all the fuss. I mean, who doesn’t love cheesy tortellini and savory sausage? And the best part? You basically just dump everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing. Seriously easy. Even my super picky kids devour it! I started making this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage for potlucks, and now everyone begs me for the recipe. It’s honestly become a weeknight staple at my house. You’re gonna love it!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Seriously, we’re talking minimal effort here! Just brown the sausage, dump everything in the crockpot, and boom – dinner’s basically done. I love that I can throw it all together in the morning and come home to the most amazing smell. No slaving over a hot stove after a crazy day!

Packed with Flavor

Oh my gosh, the flavor combo is just *chef’s kiss*! You’ve got cheesy, pillowy tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a rich, tangy marinara sauce. It’s a party in your mouth, I swear! Plus, all those flavors just meld together in the slow cooker, making it even more delicious.

Comfort Food Classic

This is the kind of meal that just makes you feel good, you know? Warm, hearty, and totally satisfying. It’s like a big hug in a bowl! Perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little extra comfort.

Simple Ingredients

No fancy ingredients here, folks! You probably already have most of this stuff in your pantry and freezer. That’s what makes it so perfect for those “I have no idea what to make for dinner” kinda nights!

Ingredients for Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and drained

Okay, so for the sausage, I usually go with sweet Italian sausage ’cause the kids aren’t big on spicy. But hey, if you like a little kick, go for the hot Italian sausage! Just make sure you cook it up real good and drain off all that extra grease. Nobody wants a greasy tortellini, trust me!

1 (20 ounce) package frozen cheese tortellini

Frozen tortellini is the way to go here – it’s just so easy! I haven’t tried it with fresh tortellini yet, but I’m guessing it would work just fine. You might need to cut back on the cooking time a bit though, so keep an eye on it!

1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce

Grab your favorite jar of marinara sauce! I’m a huge fan of Rao’s, but honestly, any good quality store-bought sauce will do the trick. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, go ahead and use your own homemade marinara! Wow, that would be amazing!

1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained

I usually just grab a regular can of diced tomatoes, but if you’re feeling fancy, petite diced tomatoes work great too! And don’t drain ’em! You want all that juicy tomato-y goodness in there.

1/2 cup heavy cream

This is what makes it extra creamy and delicious! I usually use regular heavy cream, but I bet half-and-half would work too if you’re trying to save a few calories (but honestly, why would you?! Haha!).

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Parmesan cheese! I always buy the pre-grated stuff ’cause, well, I’m lazy. But freshly grated Parmesan is always a good idea if you want to be extra fancy!

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Dried oregano. Can’t forget that!

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Garlic powder gives it that extra little zing.

Salt and pepper to taste

Don’t forget to season it up! You can always add more later, so start with a little and then adjust to your liking.

How to Make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Prepare the Sausage

Alright, first things first, you gotta get that sausage cooked! I usually just brown it in a skillet on the stovetop. Just crumble it up and cook it over medium heat until it’s nice and brown. Make sure you drain off all the extra grease, okay? Nobody wants a greasy sauce! You could also bake the sausage in the oven if you’re feeling lazy – just spread it out on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F until it’s cooked through. Works like a charm!

Combine Ingredients in Crockpot

Now comes the super easy part! Just dump everything into your crockpot! I usually start with the cooked sausage on the bottom, then I add the frozen tortellini, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure everything’s mixed up nice and evenly. You want that sauce all up in the tortellini!

Slow Cook to Perfection

Okay, now just pop the lid on and let the crockpot do its magic! You can cook it on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. I usually do low ’cause I like the way the flavors meld together over a longer period of time. Just make sure the tortellini is tender and heated through.

Important Timing Note

Whatever you do, don’t overcook the tortellini! It can get mushy, and nobody wants mushy tortellini. Just check it every so often to make sure it’s cooked just right.

Serve Your Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Time to eat! Give it a good stir before serving, and then dish it up! I love to garnish it with some fresh basil or parsley – it just makes it look extra fancy (even though it’s the easiest meal ever!). You can also sprinkle on some extra Parmesan cheese, if you’re feeling cheesy (which, let’s be honest, you probably are!). Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Don’t Overcook the Tortellini

Seriously, I can’t stress this enough! Overcooked tortellini is just sad. It gets all mushy and loses its shape. Keep an eye on it and test it for doneness after about an hour on high or two hours on low. You want it to be tender, but still have a little bite to it!

Adjust Seasoning to Taste

Okay, so everyone’s taste buds are different, right? Don’t be afraid to play around with the seasonings! Add a little extra salt and pepper if you think it needs it. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. It’s your dinner, make it how *you* like it!

Add Vegetables

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Go for it! Spinach is always a good choice – it wilts right in and adds a nice pop of color. Bell peppers and onions are great too, just sauté them a bit before adding them to the crockpot. Trust me, it’s a delicious way to make this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage even better!

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Variations

Spicy Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Okay, so if you’re like me and love a little heat, this one’s for you! The easiest way to spice things up is to add a pinch (or, you know, a *big* pinch) of red pepper flakes to the crockpot. You can also use hot Italian sausage instead of sweet. Wowza, that’ll really get your taste buds dancing!

Creamy Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Want to make it even *more* decadent? Stir in a couple of ounces of cream cheese or ricotta cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It’ll melt right in and make the sauce super creamy and rich. Trust me, it’s amazing!

Vegetarian Crockpot Cheese Tortellini

Okay, so maybe you’re not a sausage fan, or maybe you’ve got some vegetarian friends coming over. No problem! Just leave out the sausage and load up on the veggies! Spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, onions – whatever you like! It’s still gonna be super delicious, I promise!

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Garlic Bread

Okay, like, is there anything better than garlic bread with pasta? I think not! Seriously, grab a loaf from the store (or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious!) and slather it with garlic butter. It’s the *perfect* side for soaking up all that yummy sauce!

Side Salad

Want to add a little something green to your plate? A simple side salad is the way to go! I usually just toss together some lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a little vinaigrette. Easy peasy!

Steamed Vegetables

If you’re trying to be healthy (good for you!), steamed veggies are a great option. Broccoli, green beans, carrots – whatever you’re in the mood for! Just steam ’em up and toss ’em with a little butter and salt. Yum!

Storing and Reheating Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Storing Leftovers

Okay, so if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (it’s usually gone in a flash at my house!), just pop ’em in an airtight container and stick ’em in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Easy peasy!

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to dig in again, you can either zap it in the microwave (that’s what I usually do ’cause I’m impatient!) or heat it up on the stovetop over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or broth if it seems a little dry. Boom! Back to deliciousness!

FAQs About Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Can I use frozen sausage in Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage?

Okay, so technically, yeah, you *can* use frozen sausage. But honestly? I really don’t recommend it. It’ll release a lot of water as it cooks, and that can make your sauce kinda watery. Plus, it might take longer to cook through. If you absolutely *have* to use frozen sausage, make sure you brown it first to help get rid of some of that excess moisture!

Can I add vegetables to Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage?

Absolutely! Adding veggies is a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients and flavor. I love adding spinach, bell peppers, or onions. Just sauté them a bit before adding them to the crockpot so they don’t get too mushy. Trust me, it’s a delicious way to make this dish even better!

How long does Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage last in the refrigerator?

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which, let’s be real, is a rare occurrence!), they’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure you store them in an airtight container to keep ’em fresh and delicious!

Nutritional Information for Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Okay, so just a heads up: the nutrition info can vary a lot depending on the brands and ingredients you use. So, this is just an estimate, okay? Don’t come at me if it’s not exact!

Enjoy this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage!

Okay, that’s it! I really hope you love this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe as much as my family does! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below – I’d love to hear what you think!

Print