This Cheesy Crockpot Tortellini is the perfect easy weeknight dinner-hearty, cheesy, and full of flavor. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a comforting and satisfying meal in no time.
I don't know about you, but I'll take a good slow cooker pasta recipe over standing at the stove any day-especially when it's hot outside or the schedule's jam-packed. This crockpot tortellini with sausage and cheese is full of flavor, super kid-friendly, and makes the house smell like a cozy Italian kitchen. Add a side of my Black Angus Copycat Cheesy Garlic Bread (or a crisp salad if you're feeling fancy), and dinner is done!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Here's what you'll need for this easy and delicious crockpot tortellini recipe. To see printable recipe card, scroll below or click the “jump to recipe” button at the top.
- Italian Sausage– Browned and crumbled before adding to the slow cooker. You can also use ground beef or turkey for a lighter twist.
- Spaghetti Sauce– Use your favorite brand or even homemade if you've got a jar in the freezer. Marinara sauce works too!
- Diced Tomatoes– I love using the Italian-seasoned canned tomatoes for a little extra flavor addition.
- Tortellini– Frozen tortellini, thawed before adding. You can use refrigerated too! If using dry tortellini, add about 15-20 minutes of cook time.
- Shredded Mozzarella & Cheddar Cheese– The cheesy combo that makes this dish irresistibly gooey and delicious. Feel free to add Parmesan, Romano, or Asiago cheese.
Optional Add-Ins
- Mushrooms, Fresh Spinach, Onions, or Black Olives are a great way to sneak some veggies in.
- A few ounces of cream cheese makes this an extra creamy cheesy tortellini meal.
- Up to 3 teaspoon Italian seasoning for a bold, herb addition.
- Feel free to add additional seasonings like salt, black pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder.
How to make Cheesy Crockpot Tortellini
This recipe could not be easier-just a few steps and your cheesy slow cooker pasta is good to go:
Step 1. Cook the Meat- Brown your Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain fat.
Step 2. Load the Crockpot- Add the cooked sausage, pasta sauce, and diced tomatoes to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Step 3. Let It Simmer- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. This slow simmer really helps develop those comforting flavors.
Step 4. Add in the Tortellini- stir in the tortellini ensuring it is fully submerged in the meat sauce.
Step 5. Sprinkle Cheeses- add the shredded Mozzarella and Cheddar cheese and place lid back onto slow cooker for an additional 15-25 minutes, or until pasta is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 6. Serve and Enjoy- Spoon onto plates and top with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, or even a little crushed red pepper for spice lovers!
Helpful Tips
- Stir gently when adding tortellini to keep the pasta from breaking apart.
- Don’t overcook the pasta once it’s added-tortellini cooks quickly!
- Add a splash of cream, milk, or chicken broth when reheating leftovers to keep it creamy.
- Want to stretch the meal? Serve it with garlic bread, salad, or even roasted veggies.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Got extras? You’re in luck-cheesy crockpot tortellini makes delicious leftovers!
- Store in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or even right back in your crockpot.
More Easy Crockpot Recipes You’ll Love
This Cheesy Crockpot Tortellini is weeknight comfort food at its best-warm, easy, and totally satisfying. Don't forget to print, pin, and leave a rating if you give it a try!
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Cheesy Crockpot Tortellini Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage *crumbled
- 24 oz spaghetti sauce
- 14.5 oz Italian diced tomatoes
- 9 oz tortellini
- 1 cup Mozzarella cheese *shredded
- ½ cup Cheddar cheese *shredded
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook and crumble the Italian sausage until cooked through.
- Combine the sausage, spaghetti sauce, and tomatoes in your crockpot.
- Place lid on top and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Stir in the tortellini and sprinkle both cheeses on top.
- Place lid back on to slow cooker for an additional 15 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.
- Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or even right back in your crockpot.
- Stir gently when adding tortellini to keep the pasta from breaking apart.
- Don’t overcook the pasta once it’s added-tortellini cooks quickly!
- Add a splash of cream, milk, or broth when reheating leftovers to keep it creamy.
- Want to stretch the meal? Serve it with garlic bread, salad, or even roasted veggies.
- Mushrooms, Spinach, or Black Olives are a great way to sneak some veggies in.
- A few ounces of cream cheese makes this extra creamy.
- Up to 3 teaspoon Italian seasoning for a bold, herb addition.
Nutrition
SunnyDaysNora says
Oh yummy! I have to say all of the Ragu Homestyle sauces are tasty but I think the Thick and Hearty Roasted Garlic variety is my absolute favorite- so much flavor! I love that your recipe uses the crockpot- no heating up the house during the summer!
Kristin says
Oh mine too, I love the garlic!! Yum!! Here in Houston, TX it is hot, hot, hot, so I am always coming up with ways to avoid using my stove/oven!! Enjoy!
Theresa says
I’ve never tried making it in the crockpot. Do you have to pre cook the sausage?? I’d love to make this.
Kristin says
Yes, the sausage needs to be pre cooked before adding it into your slow cooker! Hope you enjoy!
carmen says
Yum yum yum. I love the idea of Crockpot tortellini. :]
// ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲
Kristin says
Its really yummy, and of course, incredibly simple to make!!