Okay, friends, gather ‘round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s basically a warm hug in a bowl. It’s my go-to when I need something comforting, satisfying, and, let’s be honest, ridiculously easy. I’m talking about Crockpot Cheese Tortellini Sausage. Think of it as the lazy person’s lasagna – all the cheesy, meaty goodness but with, like, a tenth of the effort. Remember those nights when mac and cheese just didn’t cut it? This is its infinitely more delicious, grown-up cousin. I’ve been making this for years, and every single time it’s a hit. Seriously, even my pickiest eaters devour it. The first time I made it, I was skeptical, but the way the cheese melts into the sauce and coats the tender tortellini… well, let’s just say the leftovers were gone by breakfast. This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini Sausage recipe is a family favorite.
What is crockpot cheese Tortellini sausage?
Alright, let’s break it down. Crockpot Cheese Tortellini Sausage is exactly what it sounds like – cheesy, delightful cheese tortellini and savory sausage cooked low and slow in your trusty crockpot. Think of it as an Italian-American casserole, but instead of baking in the oven, it’s simmering away, developing incredible depth of flavor in your Slow Cooker. It’s essentially a creamy tomato-based sauce enveloping plump cheese tortellini and perfectly browned sausage. I often get asked if it’s similar to baked ziti or lasagna, and while it shares some common ground, the crockpot method gives it a unique tenderness and richness that you just can’t replicate in the oven. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, and honestly, it’s a lifesaver on those crazy weeknights when you just don’t have the energy to stand over a hot stove. It’s simple to prepare, making it one of my favorite recipes for quick weeknight dinners.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Okay, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini Sausage is a winner in my book. First off, the flavor is insane. We’re talking rich, savory sausage mingling with a creamy tomato sauce that’s infused with the cheesy goodness of the tortellini. It’s seriously addictive! And the best part? It’s unbelievably simple to make. I mean, dump-and-go kind of simple. You brown the sausage, throw everything into the crockpot, and let it work its magic. This is why I love this recipe, it’s truly effortless.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly cost-effective. Sausage and tortellini are relatively inexpensive, especially if you buy them in bulk, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. What I love most about this is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different veggies, spices, or even using different types of sausage. I sometimes throw in some spinach or Bell Peppers for extra nutrients.
It’s also incredibly kid-friendly (my kids beg me to make it at least once a week!), which, as any parent knows, is a huge win. And let’s not forget about the leftovers – they’re just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping. You know, if you have any leftovers at all.
If you love other Italian-inspired dishes, like lasagna soup or creamy pesto pasta, you’ll absolutely adore this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini Sausage. It has all the comforting flavors you crave, but with minimal effort. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll be making again and again.
How do you make a crockpot cheese Tortellini sausage?
Quick Overview
Is it easier to make a Crockpot Cheese Tortellini Sausage than takeout? I like Italian sausage, so I start by browning it, then you brown it. What is your favorite marinara sauce and cheese tortellini recipe? Is it necessary to add Italian seasoning to a sandwich? What is magic? Stir it all together, set it to low, and let the magic happen. What do you cook in a crockpot? Is it really that simple? What is the beauty of tortellini? How do I get tender without getting mushy? What is a good meal without spending hours in the kitchen?
Ingredients
For the Main Dish:
* 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference) * 1-pound sausage.
* 1 (20-ounce) package frozen cheese tortellini
* 1 jar marinara sauce (I love Rao’s, but any good quality sauce works)
* 4 ounces Cream Cheese, cut into cubes
* 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
What is the best marinara sauce? I swear by Rao’s, but find a brand you genuinely enjoy the taste of. I like Italian sausage, but feel free to use any other sausage you like. What do you prefer? Is ground beef good for sausage?
Optional Add-in
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (10-ounce) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry.
* 1 red bell pepper, chopped
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil These are completely optional, but I find they add an extra layer of flavor. What are the nutrients in food? What are some good ways to sneak in some greens, and bell pepper adds a nice pop of color and texture?
What are the steps needed
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the sausage from its casings (if using links) and crumble it into the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for developing that rich, savory flavor that permeates the entire dish. Don’t skip it!
Step 2: Add to Crockpot
Transfer the browned sausage to a crockpot. If you’re using onion and garlic, sauté them in the skillet before adding them to the crockpot for a quick dinner. What are some of the best ways to add flavor to a dish
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add the frozen cheese tortellini, marinara sauce, Cream Cheese cubes, and Italian seasoning to the bowl. Stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I always do a taste test at this point to make sure the seasoning is just right.
Step 4: Stir Well
What is the best way to stir everything together? Make sure the Cream Cheese is evenly distributed. What should I do if I want to make a creamy sauce?
Step 5: Cook
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or on high for 1-2 hours. The sauce is heated through and bubbly. Cooking times may vary depending on your crockpot, so keep an eye on it. Where does magic happen? Slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Stir and Serve
What is the best way to serve Parmesan cheese with arugula? If you’re using fresh basil, stir it in at this point as well. Serve hot and enjoy!
7. What to Serve It With
What can I serve it with?
What is a good recipe for crockpot cheese Tortellini sausage? What are some good serving suggestions?
What is a simple weeknight dinner?Serve it with a side of Garlic Bread or green salad. What is the best garlic bread to soak up?
For a More Elegant Meal:What is the best combination of Caprese salad and Caesar salad? What makes the Caprese salad a good contrast to the richness of the tomatoes and mozzarella in the main dish? The Tortellini.
For a potluck or gathering:What is a crowd pleaser? Serve it with a variety of sides, like roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, or fruit salad.
For Cozy Snacks:Serve in small bowls with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, perfect for movie night or for lunch. Is it a lazy Sunday afternoon
My family always loves garlic knots. I make a big batch to go with it. What’s so good about tortellini and garlic bread? What makes a good meal? What are some good recipes to try?
How do I make a Crockpot Cheese Tortellini Sausage?
How do I make a Crockpot Cheese Tortellini Sausage? More delicious: What are
Sausage Prep:What is the best way to brown sausage? Don’t be afraid to let it get a little crispy. Also, make sure to drain off any excess grease. What is a good tortellini dish?
Mixing Advice: Don’t overcook the tortellini. Since it’s frozen, it doesn’t take long to cook through in the crockpot. If you cook it for too long, it will become mushy. Nobody wants mushy tortellini.
Swirl Customization: Experiment with different sauces. While I love marinara, you can also use Alfredo sauce or a combination of both. I’ve even used a pesto sauce once, and it was surprisingly delicious!
Ingredient Swaps: Add vegetables. Spinach, Bell Peppers, onions, and garlic all add extra flavor and nutrients. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand.
Baking Tips: Use full-fat Cream Cheese. It melts better and creates a creamier sauce. Trust me on this one!
Adding a splash of heavy cream at the end. This will make the sauce even richer and more decadent.
Glaze Variations: If you want to add a bit of a kick, try using hot Italian sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
I remember the first time I made this, I forgot to brown the sausage and just threw everything into the crockpot. It was still good, but it lacked that depth of flavor that you get from browning the sausage first. So, trust me, don’t skip that step!
Also, I once accidentally used too much Italian seasoning, and it made the dish a little too strong. So, start with a teaspoon and add more to taste.
And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different add-ins. This recipe is very forgiving, so you can easily customize it to your liking. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving this at room temperature for more than two hours, especially if it’s warm. Bacteria can grow pretty quickly!
Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld together.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the leftovers for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing. I like to portion it out into individual containers for easy reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: Whether you store in the fridge or freezer, it’s best to avoid adding any fresh garnish (like basil or parsley) until right before serving. That way it’ll be fresh and vibrant.
When reheating, you can either microwave it (heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between) or heat it up in a skillet over medium heat. If it seems a little dry, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. I’ve found that reheating it in the oven can sometimes dry it out, so I prefer the microwave or skillet method.
Also, when reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This will prevent it from becoming mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my super simple, incredibly delicious Crockpot Cheese Tortellini Sausage recipe! I hope you love it as much as my family does. It’s truly the perfect comfort food for a busy weeknight, a potluck, or just when you need a little bit of cheesy, savory goodness in your life.
If you’re a fan of easy crockpot meals, be sure to check out my other recipes, like my slow cooker chili or my pulled pork sliders. They’re all just as simple and delicious as this one! And if you try this recipe, please let me know how it turns out in the comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you might have made. Happy cooking, friends! And don’t forget to share your own versions of this dish!
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini Sausage
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage Mild or spicy, your preference
- 1 pkg Cheese tortellini Frozen
- 24 oz Jar of marinara sauce
- 1 cup Chicken broth
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the browned sausage, tortellini, marinara sauce, and chicken broth to a slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, or until the tortellini is cooked through.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
