If you’re anything like me and adore comforting meals that feel like a warm hug from the inside, then you absolutely must try this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that effortlessly blends hearty Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce into one slow-cooked masterpiece. The flavors meld together beautifully in the crockpot, making dinner prep hands-off and stress-free, perfect for busy days or cozy nights when you want something delicious waiting for you at the end of the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Despite the complexity of its flavors, this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe calls for straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—whether it’s the savory sausage adding depth, the cheese tortellini bringing pillowy texture, or the fresh spinach lending vibrant color and nutrition.
- Italian sausage (1 lb, mild or spicy): Provides bold, meaty flavor; choose your heat level to control spice.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (20 oz): Soft pasta pockets filled with creamy cheese that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- Fresh spinach (3 cups): Adds freshness and a pop of green, balancing the richness.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz): Forms the tangy, hearty tomato base that ties the dish together.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups): Keeps the soup flavorful but not overly salty, enhancing the sauce’s depth.
- Medium onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and aromatic complexity when slow-cooked.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3): Adds that essential savory punch everyone loves in Italian dishes.
- Dried basil (1 tsp): Infuses classic herbaceous notes.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Complements the basil with a warm, slightly bitter undertone.
- Salt (1/2 tsp) and black pepper (1/4 tsp): Season the dish to perfection, highlighting the flavors.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates a luscious, velvety sauce that makes each bite indulgent.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Adds nutty richness and a beautiful finishing touch.
- Optional red pepper flakes: For those who want a little extra heat and zing.
How to Make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and crumbling the Italian sausage into it. Cook until it’s fully browned—a process that releases those savory juices and builds the base flavor for the whole dish. Once browned, make sure to drain off the excess fat so your crockpot creation is rich but not greasy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Next, toss the cooked sausage into your 6-quart crockpot along with cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, chopped onion, garlic, and the dried herbs (basil and oregano) plus salt and pepper. This mix is where everything starts to come together—each ingredient layering flavor upon flavor.
Step 3: Give It a Good Stir
Make sure to stir everything thoroughly. This step is key because it distributes the seasonings evenly and ensures that the tortellini is surrounded by the tomato broth to absorb all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Let It Slow Cook
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours if you’re short on time. Slow cooking tenderizes the tortellini perfectly and allows the spinach to wilt gently, marrying all the textures and flavors in one comforting pot.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese into the crockpot. Stir well to combine—the cheese melts beautifully, turning the tomato broth into a silky, indulgent sauce that coats every bite.
Step 6: Finish Cooking with Cheese
Let the mixture continue cooking on low for that remaining half hour. This step gives the cheese enough time to melt completely and thicken the sauce, creating the signature creamy texture of this classic Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe.
Step 7: Optional Kick with Red Pepper Flakes
If you’re a fan of heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes just before serving. They add a lively pop of spice that balances the richness of the cream and cheese, making it an irresistible flavor combo.
How to Serve Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese make excellent garnishes. They add a fresh aroma and an inviting look that makes this dish feel extra special. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate the flavors on the palate.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. The crunchy, buttery bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of that creamy sauce, while a salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty tortellini and sausage.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends? Serve this dish in shallow pasta bowls and sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper on top just before serving. For a cozy vibe, offer it family-style on the table in the crockpot itself, allowing everyone to help themselves to this comforting goodness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftovers quickly and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or a reheated dinner on busy nights.
Freezing
While freshly cooked is best, you can freeze portions of the Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe for up to 2 months. To freeze, place leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion, and thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the tortellini from drying out. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help restore the luscious texture if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative that still brings great flavor. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly before adding to the crockpot for the best taste and texture.
Do I need to thaw frozen tortellini before adding to the crockpot?
No need to thaw! Fresh or refrigerated tortellini is recommended for this recipe, but if you use frozen, just add it directly to the crockpot—the cooking times may need a slight adjustment to ensure tenderness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might want to add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for added heartiness and flavor.
Is it okay to use canned spinach instead of fresh?
Fresh spinach is best for texture and flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, canned spinach can work. Just be sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture that could dilute the sauce.
What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?
You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit less rich. To mimic creaminess, adding a tablespoon of cream cheese or a touch of butter can help.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it hits every note of comfort food perfection—creamy, savory, and packed with wholesome ingredients that feel like a big, tasty hug. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or just craving a cozy night in, this dish is a winner every time. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your recipe rotation too!
Print
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 4h 30m
- Total Time: 4h 45m
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe combines Italian sausage, cheese-filled tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, this dish delivers creamy, cheesy flavors infused with herbs and spices, and offers a satisfying one-pot dinner with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Sausage and Protein
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, to taste)
Pasta and Vegetables
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Sauces
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Seasonings and Cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Optional: red pepper flakes for additional heat
Instructions
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and set the sausage aside for later use.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In a 6-quart crockpot, add the cooked sausage, cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, crushed tomatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix Well: Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are evenly combined in the crockpot.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours or on high heat for 2 to 3 hours, until the tortellini is tender and fully cooked.
- Add Cream and Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the shredded Parmesan cheese over the mixture. Stir well to incorporate the cheese and cream into the sauce.
- Finish Cooking: Let the crockpot continue cooking on low for the final 30 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and well blended.
- Serve and Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top for added heat just before serving to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level while enhancing the flavor.
- Adding red pepper flakes is optional and can be adjusted based on your heat preference.
- If refrigerated tortellini is unavailable, frozen tortellini can be substituted but may need slight cooking time adjustment.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though sauce will be less rich.
- Be sure not to overcook the tortellini to avoid mushy texture; check for tenderness near the end of cooking time.
