If comfort food had a hall of fame, this sausage tortellini crockpot casserole would be a top contender. It’s everything you want in a warm, hearty dinner: cheesy tortellini, rich Italian sausage, a creamy tomato base, and a slow-cooked magic that blends it all together like a dream. This recipe was born out of my love for easy crockpot dinners and a fridge full of things I didn’t quite know what to do with—some fresh tortellini, a pack of Italian sausage, and a half jar of marinara. A few hours later, I had a bubbling, cheesy casserole that made my kitchen smell like an Italian grandmother had just moved in.
Whether you're new to crock pot cooking or a seasoned pro in crockpot recipes slow cooker style, this recipe is ridiculously easy, super flavorful, and absolutely satisfying. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or lazy Sundays when you want dinner to cook itself. Trust me—this is one of those tortellini slow cooker recipes you'll come back to again and again.
Sausage Tortellini Crockpot Casserole
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 4 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Crockpot / Slow Cooker (at least 6-quart) This is essential. If you’re new to crock pot meals, this one is a great intro recipe.
Large skillet For browning the sausage and aromatics before they go into the crockpot.
Cutting board and knife To chop your onion, garlic, and optional veggies.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula For stirring your ingredients as they cook.
Measuring cups and spoons Always helpful for consistent results.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage sweet or spicy, casings removed
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini or frozen, just adjust cooking time
- 3 cups marinara sauce homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup heavy cream for a creamy base
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium preferred
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Optional Add-ins
- 2 cups fresh spinach stirred in at the end
- 1 bell pepper diced
- Mushrooms sautéed or raw
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, about 7–8 minutes. Break it up with your spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add chopped onion and garlic to the same skillet and cook until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes. This adds depth to your casserole base.
Step 3: Layer in the Crockpot
In your slow cooker, combine the browned sausage, sautéed onions and garlic, marinara sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper. Stir until well combined.
Step 4: Add Tortellini
Stir in the cheese tortellini. If using frozen tortellini, no need to thaw—just toss them right in. For fresh pasta, consider adding it halfway through to prevent overcooking.
Step 5: Let the Crockpot Do Its Thing
Set your crockpot to LOW for 4 hours. You can also do HIGH for 2 hours if you're short on time, though low and slow yields a better texture and flavor blend. Stir once halfway through if you’re around.
Step 6: Cheese It Up
30 minutes before serving, sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring lightly to distribute. Top with a little extra mozzarella for a melty finish on top. Cover again and let it melt into gooey perfection.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Right before serving, stir in fresh spinach if using, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot, preferably in a deep bowl with crusty bread on the side.
Pairings
This sausage crockpot dish is rich and creamy, so pairing it with lighter, refreshing sides works best:
- Side Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Garlic Bread or Baguette: You’ll want something to mop up that sauce.
- Roasted Veggies: Try broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini to round out the meal.
- Glass of Red Wine: If you're of age, a light Italian red like Chianti complements the sausage beautifully.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon: Refreshing and cuts through the creaminess.
This casserole also makes a killer leftover lunch—just reheat and enjoy with a small green salad or slice of focaccia.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Absolutely! Crockpot cheese tortellini works well even when frozen. Just add it directly to the pot—no need to thaw. You might want to cook on low instead of high to avoid mushiness.
2. What kind of sausage should I use?
Italian sausage is ideal—either sweet or spicy depending on your preference. Pork gives the most flavor, but you can also use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version. This is a staple in many italian sausage tortellini recipes.
3. Can I make this a chicken version?
Yes! Swap the sausage for cubed or shredded chicken breast or thigh meat. This turns it into a chicken tortellini crock pot dish. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding or ensure your slow cooker time is sufficient.
4. Can I make this vegetarian?
For a meatless version, simply leave out the sausage and add more veggies—mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or even canned white beans make great substitutes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up. This is one of those tortellini crock pot recipes that tastes just as good the next day.
