Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This is such a busy time of year. And in the middle of all the holiday concerts and parties and holiday baking, we still have to make dinner. Which is why you need this super easy recipe for cheesy slow cooker tortellini with Italian sausage.
- Start this in the morning, and when it’s time for dinner, add some tortellini and dinner is served 15 minutes later! This is a great meal to come home to after a long day of work or running errands.
- This is a hearty, comforting meal that even picky eaters love! Just add a simple green salad and you have a complete meal.
- Keep all the ingredients handy in the freezer or pantry, so you can always put this meal together in the morning.
After you preview the recipe card, be sure to look below for ingredient substitutions, recipe and storage tips, and suggestions for pairings and fun variations!
Slow Cooker Cheesy Sausage Tortellini
There's nothing like a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, and this Slow Cooker Sausage Tortellini does it all. With tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and gooey melted cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a one-pot wonder that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.
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Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 308kcal
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage casings removed
- 1 23.5 oz jar marinara sauce
- 1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 18-20 oz. package refrigerated tortellini
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Crumble 1 pound Italian sausage into a large skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until browned. Drain.
- Add the cooked sausage, the1 23.5 oz jar marinara sauce, and the1 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes, undrainedo the slow cooker. Cover, and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
- Fifteen to twenty minutes before serving, stir in the 1 18-20 oz. package refrigerated tortellini. Sprinkle the 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover and cook until cheese is melted and tortellini is tender. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or basil and serve.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 308kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 51mg | Sodium: 757mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g
Keep scrolling for tips, ingredient substitutions, answers to frequently asked questions and more!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Italian Sausage Swaps: I like to use mild or spicy Italian sausage in this recipe, but for a leaner option, You can use ground turkey or chicken sausage. For a vegetarian version, leave out the meat or use a plant-based substitute.
- Tortellini Trades: I usually opt for refrigerated cheese tortellini in this dish, but other fillings are delicious too–try spinach and cheese, or meat filled versions for something a little different. And if you prefer refrigerated ravioli, that works too! You do need to opt for a refrigerated pasta to ensure it cooks properly.
- Cheesy Changes: Swap the shredded mozzarella for diced fresh mozzarella, or try Monterrey Jack, cheddar or a combination of shredded cheeses.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta! Refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly, even in the slow cooker. Add it toward the end of the cooking time—15 to 20 minutes is usually perfect. Any longer, and the pasta may become too soft and mushy.
- This recipe is highly adaptable. You can add vegetables like chopped spinach, kale, or mushrooms when you add the tortellini for a boost of nutrition.
- If your sausage is heavily seasoned, you may not need much in the way of additional salt or spices. Taste the sauce after the slow cooking stage and adjust with salt, pepper, or even red pepper flakes if you want a little heat.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftover slow cooker tortellini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this dish, because the tortellini tends to become soft and mushy when reheated. If you do opt for freezing, be sure to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: In the microwave, heat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through. On the stovetop, warm leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little extra marinara sauce or water if needed to loosen things up and prevent dryness.
Varations & Fun Twists
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tortellini: Swap the sausage for shredded rotisserie chicken or diced cooked chicken breast.
- Meatball Tortellini: Use small frozen or homemade meatballs instead of sausage for a fun, alternative!
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for a meat-free version.
Pairings
A green salad, or some crusty bread–or both–are perfect additions to this hearty, comforting slow cooker pasta dish.
These are some of our favorite salads and side dishes to enjoy with this recipe.
