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Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free option available (use gluten-free tortellini and check sausage ingredients)

Description

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a warm, comforting slow cooker meal combining tender cheese-filled tortellini and seasoned Italian sausage in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for hassle-free weeknight dinners, this dish is creamy, hearty, and family-friendly, with easy customization options for veggies, cheese, and spice levels.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casing removed

Pasta

  • Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini (about 9-12 oz)

Sauces & Dairy

  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

Herbs & Garnish

  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing and brown it in a skillet over medium heat. This step caramelizes the meat, deepening the flavor and improving the sauce’s richness.
  2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Transfer the browned sausage to the crockpot. Add marinara sauce, minced garlic, chopped onion, and heavy cream. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 4 to 5 hours. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully for a rich, comforting dish.
  4. Add the Tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Cook until the tortellini is tender and fully cooked, about 25-30 minutes.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling with fresh basil or parsley and additional Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Brown the sausage first to enhance flavor and avoid a greasy texture.
  • Use fresh or frozen tortellini, adding it in the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking and mushiness.
  • Stir gently after adding the tortellini to keep the pasta intact.
  • Adjust creaminess by adding more heavy cream or Parmesan cheese at the end if desired.
  • Optional additions include spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and flavor.
  • This recipe can be modified for vegetarian diets by substituting plant-based sausage and extra vegetables.
  • Can be adapted for Instant Pot cooking with shorter times and sauté function for browning.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Crockpot, slow cooker, cheese tortellini, sausage, creamy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal

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Find it online: https://marysplate.com/crockpot-cheese-tortellini-and-sausage/