why make this recipe
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage is a fantastic dish for busy days. It is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort. Just combine the ingredients in a crockpot, and let it cook itself. The creamy cheese tortellini pairs perfectly with the savory sausage and rich tomato sauce. Plus, it’s a great meal for the whole family!
how to make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Ingredients:
- 1 pound sausage (Italian or your choice)
- 1 package (approximately 20 ounces) cheese tortellini
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Directions:
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the cooked sausage to a crockpot.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini.
- Once the tortellini is cooked through, serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
how to serve Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Serve Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage while it’s hot. You can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving. This dish goes well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
how to store Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove. You might add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up if it gets too thick.
tips to make Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
- Feel free to use any type of sausage you like, whether it’s spicy, mild, or even turkey sausage.
- You can add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- If you want a creamier texture, stir in some cream or cream cheese before serving.
variation
For a meatless version, you can replace the sausage with mushrooms or a plant-based sausage. This will keep the dish flavorful while making it vegetarian.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A: Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add them to the crockpot about 30 minutes before serving.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: The spice level depends on the type of sausage you use. Choose a mild sausage for a less spicy dish.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare all ingredients the night before, store them in the refrigerator, and then cook them the next day.