If you’re looking for an effortless, comforting meal that’s packed with bold flavors, this Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is the perfect recipe! Made with just a handful of ingredients, this dish is creamy, cheesy, and bursting with Italian goodness. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal-prepping for the family, this slow cooker tortellini recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set It and Forget It – Minimal prep means more time for you!
Rich & Creamy – A comforting, cheesy pasta dish that’s always a hit.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Makes great leftovers for easy lunches.
Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved – Even picky eaters will love it!
Ingredients for Crockpot Tortellini and Sausage
To make this delicious crockpot pasta, you’ll need:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 bag (19 oz) frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Add-ins: Crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, or fresh spinach for extra flavor!
How to Make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Brown the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess grease.
Add to the Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked sausage to the crockpot. Stir in the marinara sauce and chicken broth.
Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
Add Tortellini & Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen cheese tortellini and mozzarella cheese. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted.
Serve & Enjoy!
Garnish with fresh basil, grated Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Serve hot with garlic bread!
Tips to Make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
- Use Quality Sausage – Italian sausage adds bold flavor, and you can choose mild or spicy based on preference.
- Brown the Sausage First – This enhances the flavor and prevents greasy sauce.
- Drain Excess Grease – Helps keep the dish from becoming too oily.
- Use Frozen Tortellini – Holds up best in the slow cooker without getting mushy.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Add tortellini in the last 30 minutes for perfect texture.
- Thin the Sauce if Needed – If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth.
- Make It Creamier – Stir in heavy cream or cream cheese at the end.
- Choose a Good Marinara Sauce – A high-quality sauce improves overall taste.
- Shred Your Own Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Add Fresh Herbs – Basil or parsley adds a burst of freshness.
- Try Different Cheeses – Parmesan, provolone, or gouda can add a unique flavor.
- Use Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Prevents the dish from becoming too salty.
- Go Spicy – Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Let It Rest Before Serving – This helps the flavors meld together.
- Double the Recipe for Meal Prep – This dish reheats well for quick meals.
- Make It in an Instant Pot – Use the sauté function for sausage, then pressure cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir Gently – Prevents breaking apart the delicate tortellini.
- Layer the Ingredients Properly – Place sausage at the bottom, sauce in the middle, and tortellini on top.
- Watch the Salt – Some sausages and marinara sauces can be salty, so taste before seasoning.
- Serve with Garlic Bread – The perfect pairing for soaking up the sauce!
Variations for Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
- Creamy Tortellini – Add heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
- Spicy Kick – Use hot Italian sausage and add extra cayenne pepper.
- Spinach & Cheese Tortellini – Stir in fresh spinach in the last 10 minutes.
- Mushroom Lover’s Version – Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy depth.
- Alfredo Twist – Swap marinara for Alfredo sauce.
- Pesto Tortellini – Stir in pesto for a fresh, herby flavor.
- Meat Lover’s Style – Add diced pepperoni or cooked bacon.
- Veggie-Packed – Add bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrients.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Version – Toss in chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor.
- Mexican-Inspired – Replace Italian sausage with chorizo and add black beans.
- Cheesy Overload – Mix in extra Parmesan or gouda.
- Gluten-Free Version – Use gluten-free tortellini.
- Low-Carb Option – Swap tortellini for cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles.
- Buffalo Style – Add buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy twist.
- Meatless Monday – Use plant-based sausage or omit the meat.
- White Wine Flavor Boost – Deglaze the sausage pan with white wine before adding to the crockpot.
- Cheddar Ranch Tortellini – Mix in ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar.
- Cajun Style – Add Cajun seasoning and andouille sausage.
- BBQ Twist – Replace marinara with BBQ sauce and use smoked sausage.
- Taco Tortellini – Swap Italian sausage for ground beef, use taco seasoning, and add cheddar.
FAQs About Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes! Add fresh tortellini in the last 15-20 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Do I need to brown the sausage before adding it to the crockpot?
Yes, browning adds flavor and prevents excess grease in the sauce.
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead?
Absolutely! It’s a great way to lighten up the dish.
What’s the best type of tortellini to use?
Cheese tortellini works best, but spinach or sausage-filled tortellini are also great.
How do I make this spicier?
Use hot Italian sausage, add red pepper flakes, or mix in cayenne pepper.
Can I use a different pasta instead of tortellini?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What’s the best way to make this dish creamier?
Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, or extra mozzarella.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free tortellini and cheese alternatives.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms work well.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Thin it out with extra chicken broth or a splash of milk.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or microwave in short intervals.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, but freeze before adding the tortellini for best results.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the sauce and sausage, then refrigerate. Add tortellini before serving.
What’s the best way to keep this warm for serving?
Use the crockpot’s “Keep Warm” setting.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free tortellini.
Can I make this without meat?
Yes, use plant-based sausage or extra vegetables.
How can I reduce the sodium in this recipe?
Use low-sodium chicken broth and choose a marinara sauce with less salt.
What’s a good substitute for chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or beef broth works well.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Brown the sausage on sauté mode, add ingredients, and pressure cook for 3 minutes.
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, full of rich flavors, and perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a hearty, cheesy, and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the many variations, this dish is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.
The slow cooker does all the work, making this an effortless meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Plus, with plenty of customization options, you can tweak it to suit your taste preferences, dietary needs, or spice level.