Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Crockpot cheese tortellini and sausage is basically the ultimate comfort food mashup—tender cheese-filled pasta, perfectly seasoned Italian sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce that brings everything together in the most satisfying way possible. I’m talking about the kind of dinner that makes your whole house smell incredible, fills everyone up completely, and somehow manages to taste like you spent hours slaving over a hot stove when you literally just dumped everything in a crockpot and walked away. This isn’t your basic pasta and sauce situation; this is hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food that happens to be ridiculously easy to make.

I discovered this crockpot cheese tortellini and sausage combination during one of those weeks when I needed something substantial and satisfying but had zero energy for actual cooking. What started as a “let’s see what happens when I combine all my favorite comfort foods” experiment became our family’s most requested cold-weather meal. The best part? It’s practically impossible to mess up, feeds a crowd, and makes amazing leftovers that somehow taste even better the next day.

Why This Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Will Become Your Go-To Comfort Meal

• Ultimate comfort food combo – Cheese, sausage, and pasta in one incredibly satisfying dish • True set-and-forget cooking – 15 minutes prep, then 4-6 hours of hands-off bliss • Feeds an army – Perfect for big families or meal prepping for the entire week • Kid and adult approved – Appeals to picky eaters and sophisticated palates alike • Budget-friendly – Uses affordable ingredients to create a restaurant-quality meal

What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

For the Sausage and Base:

• 1½ lbs Italian sausage (680g) – sweet or spicy, your choice
• 1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini (20 oz/565g) – fresh, not dried
• 1 large onion, diced (about 2 cups)
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz/410g) – fire-roasted preferred
• 2 cups chicken broth (480ml)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz/305g)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened (225g) – room temperature is crucial
• ½ cup heavy cream (120ml)
• 1 packet Italian seasoning mix (1 oz/28g)
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Cheesy Finish:

• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded (200g)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (50g)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (60g) – or 1 cup frozen
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Essential Equipment

• 6-8 quart slow cooker (minimum)
• Large skillet for browning sausage
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Can opener
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large spoon for stirring
• Slotted spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

Brown That Sausage for Maximum Flavor

1. Brown the sausage – In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Don’t drain the fat—it’s pure flavor gold.
2. Sauté aromatics – Add diced onion and bell pepper to the sausage and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
3. Transfer to crockpot – Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage and vegetable mixture to your crockpot, leaving most of the fat behind (save it for later if you want).

Build Your Sauce Base

4. Add tomatoes and broth – Pour diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth into the crockpot with the sausage mixture.
5. Mix in soup and seasonings – Add cream of mushroom soup, Italian seasoning packet, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together.
6. Cover and cook – Put the lid on and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. The flavors need time to meld together beautifully.

Add the Pasta and Creaminess

7. Add tortellini – About 45 minutes before serving, add fresh cheese tortellini to the crockpot. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
8. Create creamy magic – Add softened cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring until the cream cheese is completely melted and incorporated.
9. Continue cooking – Cover and cook on HIGH for 30-45 minutes until tortellini are tender but not mushy.

Finish with Cheese and Greens

10. Add spinach – Stir in fresh spinach (it’ll wilt quickly) or frozen spinach. Let cook another 5-10 minutes until wilted and heated through.
11. Melt in cheese – Turn heat to low and gradually stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Don’t let it boil or the cheese might get grainy.
12. Season and serve – Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Smart Variations and Flavor Boosters

Different sausage options: Try chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even chorizo for different flavor profiles.

Vegetable additions: Mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes all work beautifully.

Spice level control: Use mild sausage and skip red pepper flakes for family-friendly, or add jalapeños for extra heat.

Different pasta: Ravioli, gnocchi, or even penne work well if you can’t find tortellini.

Herb variations: Fresh basil, oregano, or Italian parsley add bright, fresh flavors at the end.

Pro Tips for Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage Success

• Brown the sausage first – This step adds incredible depth of flavor that you can’t get from just dumping raw sausage in the crockpot.

• Use fresh tortellini – Dried pasta gets mushy in slow cookers. Fresh pasta holds its texture much better.

• Don’t add pasta too early – Tortellini only needs 30-45 minutes to cook properly in the crockpot.

• Soften cream cheese properly – Cold cream cheese creates lumps that never smooth out. Plan ahead or microwave briefly.

• Add cheese at the end – High heat makes cheese grainy. Turn to low and stir gently when adding cheese.

Common Mistakes That’ll Mess Up Your Dinner

Skipping the browning step – Raw sausage just doesn’t develop the same rich flavor as properly browned sausage.

Adding tortellini too early – Fresh pasta cooks quickly and gets mushy if cooked too long.

Using cold cream cheese – This creates lumps that won’t smooth out no matter how much you stir.

Boiling after adding cheese – High heat makes cheese grainy and can break the sauce.

Not tasting before serving – Every brand of sausage and seasoning is different, so adjust salt and pepper to your taste.

Storage and Make-Ahead Magic

Storage: This crockpot cheese tortellini and sausage keeps for 4-5 days in the fridge, though the pasta continues to absorb liquid.

Freezing: Not ideal for freezing since the pasta and dairy don’t freeze well, but it can be done for up to 2 months if needed.

Reheating: Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to loosen the sauce. Heat gently to prevent the cheese from breaking.

Make-ahead prep: Brown sausage and prep vegetables the night before. In the morning, just dump everything in the crockpot.

Perfect Comfort Food Pairings

This crockpot cheese tortellini and sausage pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for sopping up that incredible sauce
• Caesar salad for fresh, crispy contrast to the rich pasta
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrition
• Italian wedding soup as a starter if you’re feeling ambitious
• Chianti or Sangiovese for perfect Italian wine pairings

Nutritional Info (Per Serving, Serves 8)

Being honest about this hearty comfort food

• Calories: 515
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Calcium: 30% daily value
• Iron: 15% daily value

Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage

The Crispy Chef

This crockpot cheese tortellini with sausage is hearty, creamy, and outrageously comforting. With tender pasta, browned Italian sausage, and a rich, cheesy tomato cream sauce, it’s a one-pot wonder perfect for cold nights and hungry families.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 515 kcal

Equipment

• 6-8 quart slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• can opener
• Measuring cups and spoons
• large spoon
• Slotted spoon

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
• 1 package refrigerated cheese tortellini (20 oz / 565g)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz / 410g)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.75 oz / 305g)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 packet Italian seasoning mix (1 oz / 28g)
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• In a skillet, brown Italian sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 8–10 minutes. Don’t drain the fat.
• Add diced onion and bell pepper to the sausage. Sauté 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
• Transfer sausage mixture to crockpot using a slotted spoon, leaving excess fat behind.
• Add diced tomatoes (with juice) and chicken broth to the crockpot.
• Stir in cream of mushroom soup, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
• About 45 minutes before serving, add tortellini and stir gently to combine.
• Stir in softened cream cheese and heavy cream until smooth. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30–45 minutes until pasta is tender.
• Add spinach and cook another 5–10 minutes until wilted.
• Turn to low and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use fresh tortellini and softened cream cheese to avoid texture issues. Brown sausage for depth of flavor. Add cheese only at the end to prevent graininess. Prep everything except dairy and pasta the night before for a quicker morning.

Nutrition

Calories: 515kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 28gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 940mgPotassium: 610mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1100IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2.8mg

Keyword cheesy crockpot dinner, comfort food tortellini, easy sausage pasta, slow cooker sausage pasta

Tried this recipe?Mention @Thecrispycheff or tag #Thecrispychef!

Your Most Important Questions About This Comfort Food

Q: Can I use different types of sausage? A: Absolutely! Chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage work great. Just adjust seasoning as different sausages have different spice levels.

Q: What if I can’t find fresh tortellini? A: Fresh is best, but if you must use dried, add it in the last hour and watch carefully to prevent overcooking. The texture won’t be quite as good.

Q: Can I make this crockpot cheese tortellini and sausage dairy-free? A: You can try using cashew cream and dairy-free cheese, but the flavor and texture will be quite different from the original.

Q: Why is my sauce grainy? A: Usually this means the cream cheese wasn’t soft enough when added, or the heat was too high when adding the cheese. Next time, soften cream cheese properly and keep heat low.

Q: Can I prep this completely the night before? A: You can prep everything except the tortellini and dairy ingredients. Add those in the final hour for best texture. FYI, starting with cold ingredients will add about 30 minutes to cooking time.