This easy crockpot recipe combines cheese tortellini and sausage for a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal prep and lets the slow cooker do the work.
With just a few ingredients, you can create a delicious dish that is both hearty and flavorful, making it a family favorite.
Comforting Ingredients
The combination of cheese tortellini and Italian sausage creates a delightful harmony of flavors. Each bite offers a burst of savory goodness, making this dish a favorite among many. The tortellini, filled with creamy cheese, pairs perfectly with the hearty sausage, enhancing the overall experience.
Rich Tomato Sauce
A robust tomato sauce serves as the foundation for this meal.
Using crushed tomatoes adds depth and richness, while the addition of garlic and onion infuses the sauce with aromatic notes.
Italian seasoning and a hint of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile, providing a subtle kick that complements the other ingredients.
Slow Cooking Magic
Utilizing a slow cooker simplifies the cooking process significantly.
With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over hours.
This method not only enhances the taste but also makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Cheesy Topping
As the dish nears completion, the addition of shredded mozzarella cheese transforms it into a gooey delight.
Melting on top of the tortellini, it creates a comforting layer that is hard to resist.
A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a touch of color and freshness, making the dish visually appealing.
Serving Suggestions
Presenting this dish in a rustic bowl adds to its charm and warmth.
A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavor, while a slice of garlic bread on the side completes the meal.
This combination not only satisfies hunger but also creates a cozy dining experience.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not only delicious but also provides a balanced meal.
With a good mix of protein from the sausage and carbohydrates from the tortellini, it offers a fulfilling option for dinner.
Each serving is packed with flavor while keeping calories in check, making it a smart choice for families.
Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
This recipe features cheese tortellini cooked in a savory tomato sauce with Italian sausage, creating a rich and satisfying meal. It takes about 4 hours in the crockpot and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (9-ounce) package cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer to the crockpot.
- Add Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the crockpot with the sausage.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
- Add Tortellini: Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high, or until the tortellini is tender.
- Finish: Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g