So You’re Craving Something Tasty but Too Lazy to Spend Forever in the Kitchen, Huh? Same
Well, my culinary comrade, let me introduce you to the miracle that is Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage. This dish is like making a cozy blanket of cheese all around your soul, and the best part is you can throw it all in your handy-dandy crockpot! You basically get to be a lazy genius in the kitchen, and who doesn’t want that?
Now, arm yourself with your favorite bowl, a good spoon, and maybe your favorite TV show because we are about to make some culinary magic happen.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let’s break it down real quick. First of all, it is practically idiot-proof. Seriously, even I didn’t mess it up. Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing while you sit around being amazing. Second, this dish is delightfully cheesy, super comforting, and will likely make you feel like a top chef even if the most complex thing you usually make is toast. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, so clean-up is pretty much non-existent which is a seal of approval in my book. Can I get an Amen for that? Now, let’s get this party started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a short and sweet list of what you’ll need. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple so you’re not overwhelmed.
- Italian sausage: 1 pound, because everything is better with sausage
- Cheese tortellini: 2 cups, the star of the show. If you don’t like cheese, are you even human?
- Marinara sauce: 2 cups, we are getting saucy here
- Ricotta cheese: 1 cup; you know, the creamy stuff that keeps your dish dreamy
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Feel free to throw in a few extra cloves if you want to ward off vampires
- Italian seasoning: 1 tablespoon, because we need some Italian vibes
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, for that cheesy finish that sends everyone into a swoon
- Spinach: 2 cups; we need a little green in this cheesy goodness for the Instagram pic
- Salt and pepper: to taste, but we all know you’re probably gonna go heavy-handed on the salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, put on your favorite apron and let’s get to business. Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll look like a culinary Picasso by the end.
Cook the Sausage: First, get that Italian sausage sizzling. Brown it in a skillet over medium heat. You want a good sear on it. Remember, you want some flavor, don’t be afraid of that sizzle.
Mix the Marinara Magic: In a bowl, combine the marinara sauce, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir. This will be your holy grail of flavor.
Layer It Up: Grab your crockpot and toss in the cooked sausage. Then, add the cheese tortellini on top of that saucy goodness.
Add Some Creaminess: Spoon in the ricotta cheese and layer it on the tortellini. No need to be neat; it will all melt together in the end.
Pour the Sauce: Now it’s time to pour that marinara mixture evenly over the whole thing. It’s like a big warm hug for your pasta.
Season It Right: Toss in some salt and pepper and give it a little wiggle. Not a dance move, more like a gentle shake to combine everything.
To the Crockpot: Set the crockpot to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-4 hours. Easy peasy, am I right?
Throw in the Spinach: About 30 minutes before serving, add the spinach to the pot. This is when you get to feel good about having greens in your life.
Finish It Off: When it’s nearly done, sprinkle that glorious shredded Parmesan cheese on top. Let it melt and then serve it up on your fanciest bowl (or, you know, whatever is clean).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few slip-ups to dodge that could turn this dish from masterpiece to disaster. Trust me, I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to.
- Not Browning the Sausage: Seriously, don’t skip this step unless you want sad, flavorless meat.
- Overloading on Tortellini: More isn’t always better. Too much tortellini can turn your lovely dish into a gummy disaster.
- Forgetting the Spinach: Yes, you need some greens for balance. Plus, it makes you feel healthier.
- Thinking You Don’t Need to Stir: Give it a gentle stir after it’s been cooking for a while to help everything mingle together.
- Letting It Cook Too Long: Keep an eye on your magic. If you overcook it, you may end up with mush instead of tortellini.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Now, let’s get a little funky with substitutions. Don’t have ricotta cheese on hand? No prob. Cream cheese can swoop in as a last-minute hero.
Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the sausage for some delicious mushrooms or even black beans. If you’re feeling adventurous, get some sun-dried tomatoes in there for an Italian twist.
And if you can’t find tortellini, use any pasta you love and just adjust the cooking time accordingly. I mean, we’re here to have fun, and cooking is all about experimenting. Don’t be shy!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Well, duh. Frozen tortellini is totally cool. Just give it a little extra time in the slow cooker so it has enough love to thaw and cook through.
Can I add vegetables?
Heck yes. Throw in some bell peppers, zucchini, or whatever veg you’ve got hanging around. The more color, the more fun!
Is this freezable?
Absolutely! Just let it cool down, and toss it in a freezer-safe container. But let’s be real, it’s probably not gonna make it to the freezer.
What’s that weird cheese you mentioned?
Oh, Parmesan is like the fairy godmother of cheese. It makes everything taste better, and I genuinely cannot encourage you enough to sprinkle it everywhere.
Can I leave the lid off while cooking?
Nope. That’s a giant no-no. Keeping it covered helps everything stay moist and lets those flavors mingle like a happy family.
Is there a way to make this spicier?
Absolutely! Add some crushed red pepper flakes. Go wild if you dare.
Do I really have to use a crockpot?
Well, you can use a regular pot on the stovetop if you’re feeling spicy. Just keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn.
Final Thoughts
And voilà, you have created a dish that’s as comforting as your favorite pair of sweatpants. Now don’t just stand there looking at your masterpiece. Dig in and let the cheesy goodness warm your soul.
Now go impress someone or just yourself with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it. Don’t forget to take a photo for the ‘Gram because I mean, if you didn’t post it, did you even cook? Enjoy your fantastic creation, and until next time, happy cooking, my friend!
Print
Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Meat
Description
A comforting and cheesy slow-cooker dish that combines Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and rich marinara sauce for an effortless meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 2 cups cheese tortellini
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat.
- In a bowl, combine the marinara sauce, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- In a crockpot, layer the cooked sausage and top with cheese tortellini.
- Spoon in the ricotta cheese over the tortellini.
- Pour the marinara mixture evenly over all ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper, and gently combine.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the spinach to the pot.
- Just before serving, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top and let it melt.
Notes
This dish is great for meal prep and can be made vegetarian by substituting the sausage with mushrooms or beans.