This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage recipe is everything you want in a cozy dinner: cheesy, creamy, savory, and incredibly easy. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this slow cooker meal delivers rich flavor and comforting texture that the whole family will love.
The Ultimate Set-It-and-Forget-It Comfort Meal
In busy households, crockpot dinners are lifesavers. They simmer away while you’re at work or juggling tasks, and they reward you with a complete, warm meal by dinnertime. One of the all-time favorites in that category? Cheese tortellini with sausage, slow-cooked in a creamy tomato sauce.
This dish brings together three comfort food icons—pasta, sausage, and cheese—in one delicious pot. Originating from Italian-American kitchens where rich, hearty meals are cherished, this recipe is a modern twist that uses the convenience of store-bought tortellini and the hands-off power of a slow cooker.
It’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or cold-weather gatherings. Best of all, it’s totally customizable depending on your tastes, pantry, or dietary needs.
Ingredients Overview
Let’s walk through the key ingredients and how each one contributes to this flavorful dish:
1. Cheese Tortellini (Refrigerated or Frozen)
-
Texture & Flavor: These plump, pasta-filled pillows bring cheesy goodness in every bite.
-
Type: Use refrigerated tortellini for best texture. Frozen works too—just adjust cooking time slightly.
2. Italian Sausage (Mild or Spicy)
-
Protein & Flavor: Adds depth, spice, and a satisfying bite. Browning beforehand is essential for best flavor.
-
Options: Pork is classic, but you can use chicken or turkey sausage.
3. Crushed Tomatoes
-
Base for the Sauce: Tangy and robust, they create the tomato backdrop that balances the cream and cheese.
4. Cream Cheese or Heavy Cream
-
Creaminess: Smooths the acidity of the tomatoes and gives a rich, velvety finish.
-
Note: Cream cheese offers a thicker texture; heavy cream gives a silkier mouthfeel.
5. Onion & Garlic
-
Aromatics: These are sautéed with sausage to build layers of savory flavor.
6. Italian Seasoning + Basil
-
Herbal Notes: Brings brightness and ties together the Italian flavors.
7. Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
-
Final Touch: Adds a sharp, salty layer at the end and helps thicken the sauce slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you make this dish successfully, even if it’s your first time using a slow cooker for pasta.
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
-
In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon.
-
Add 1 small chopped onion and cook until translucent.
-
Stir in 2–3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute more.
-
Drain excess fat and transfer mixture to the crockpot.
This step is crucial. Browning the sausage enhances its savory flavor and adds depth to the sauce.
Step 2: Add Sauce Ingredients
To the crockpot, add:
-
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
½ tsp dried basil
-
Salt and pepper to taste
At this point, your kitchen will already start smelling like an Italian restaurant.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Base
-
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours.
This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld and develop a richer, deeper sauce.
Step 4: Add Dairy and Tortellini
In the last 30 minutes of cooking:
-
Stir in 4–6 oz cream cheese (cubed) or 1 cup heavy cream
-
Add 1 (20 oz) package of refrigerated cheese tortellini
Give it a gentle stir to coat the pasta in the sauce. The tortellini will cook perfectly in the hot sauce without getting mushy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
-
Once the tortellini are tender (usually 20–30 minutes on HIGH), stir in a handful of grated Parmesan, if desired.
-
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Serve warm with garlic bread or a crisp salad to round out the meal.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Pro Tips:
-
Don’t add tortellini too early or it will become overcooked and mushy.
-
Cut cream cheese into small cubes so it melts faster and blends evenly.
-
If sauce looks too thick after adding dairy, splash in a bit of broth or milk.
Variations:
-
Meatless Version: Use sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage.
-
Spicy Kick: Choose hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
-
Add Veggies: Spinach, kale, or zucchini can be stirred in during the last 10 minutes.
Substitutions:
-
Sausage: Swap with ground beef, turkey, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
-
Cream Cheese: Heavy cream or half-and-half can replace it for a silkier texture.
-
Tortellini: Spinach or mushroom-filled varieties also work great.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
This dish is versatile and perfect for:
-
Weeknight dinners when you want comfort without standing over the stove.
-
Potlucks or family gatherings—easy to double and travel with.
-
Game nights or cozy Sundays with a loaf of warm bread on the side.
Pair it with:
-
Garlic knots or baguette
-
Arugula or Caesar salad
-
Roasted vegetables for a balanced meal
Serve right from the crockpot or transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with extra herbs and cheese.
Nutrition & Health Notes
While rich and comforting, this meal can be tweaked for healthier eating without sacrificing flavor:
Nutrition Highlights:
-
Protein: Sausage and cheese provide ample protein for satiety.
-
Calcium: Thanks to the cheese and cream.
-
Carbohydrates: From tortellini—balanced by fats and protein.
Lighten It Up:
-
Use chicken or turkey sausage.
-
Swap cream cheese for reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt (added at the very end).
-
Add spinach or kale for extra fiber and vitamins.
Portion control is key—this dish is rich, so serving it with vegetables or a salad helps balance the meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, but add it in the last 40 minutes instead of 30, as it takes slightly longer to cook. No need to thaw beforehand.
2. Can I cook this entirely on the stovetop?
Absolutely. Brown sausage in a large pot, add sauce ingredients, simmer for 20 minutes, then stir in cooked tortellini and cream.
3. Will the tortellini get soggy in the crockpot?
Only if overcooked. Add it during the last 30 minutes on HIGH, and check for doneness around the 20-minute mark.
4. Is this freezer-friendly?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, as cooked tortellini can become soft after freezing. However, the sausage-tomato base can be frozen separately.
5. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Replace sausage with mushrooms, spinach, or plant-based sausage alternatives.
6. Can I use jarred pasta sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes. Use your favorite marinara or tomato basil sauce to save time—just reduce added salt accordingly.
7. What kind of sausage is best?
Italian sausage (mild or spicy) is classic. Chicken sausage adds a lighter taste, and turkey sausage is leaner but still flavorful.
