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In this recipe, we need some tasty ingredients. Here’s what you’ll use: - 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, removed from casing - 1 onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup vegetable broth - 12 ounces fresh cheese tortellini - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients combine to create a rich and creamy dish. The sausage adds a savory flavor, while the cheese tortellini brings a delightful texture. Marinara sauce gives the dish a nice, tangy base. Fresh basil leaves make a perfect garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness. Make sure to gather everything before you start cooking. This way, you’ll have an easier time preparing this delicious meal. Enjoy the cooking process! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian chicken sausage to the pan. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. Use a spoon to break the sausage into small pieces. Once browned, drain any excess fat. This helps keep the dish lighter. Next, transfer the cooked sausage to the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. These veggies add flavor and color. Pour in the marinara sauce and vegetable broth. Stir in the dried oregano and basil for extra taste. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 4 hours. If you're short on time, use the high setting for 2 hours. After the cooking time, add the fresh cheese tortellini and heavy cream. Stir gently to mix. Cover again and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low or 15 minutes on high. When the tortellini is tender, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until it melts and becomes creamy. To make this dish even better, adjust the seasonings. You can add more oregano and basil for a stronger taste. If you love spice, try a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth. To enhance creaminess, add the heavy cream slowly. Stir it well into the sauce. This helps it mix evenly. You can also use a whisk to blend it smoothly. If the sauce seems too thick, add more broth or cream until you reach your desired texture. For a beautiful presentation, serve the tortellini in large bowls. Top each bowl with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. This adds color and makes it look fancy. For sides, garlic bread pairs perfectly. It soaks up the sauce nicely. A simple green salad adds freshness to the meal. You can also serve it with a light vinaigrette for extra zest. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Opt for fresh basil and seasonal bell peppers for a vibrant taste. Customize Your Sausage: Experiment with different types of sausage such as spicy Italian or turkey sausage for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative instead of heavy cream. Perfect Tortellini Cooking: To avoid overcooking, add the tortellini during the last 30 minutes of cooking and check for doneness frequently. {{image_2}} You can switch up the sausage for more flavor. Try spicy Italian sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter option. Both give a nice twist to the dish. You can also use plant-based sausage if you want a vegetarian meal. For veggies, consider adding spinach or zucchini. Both cook well in the slow cooker and boost nutrition. You can also toss in mushrooms for a hearty texture. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free tortellini. Many brands offer this choice now, so it's easier than ever. Just check the package to be sure. For lower-calorie versions, use less heavy cream. You can swap in low-fat milk to keep it creamy. You can also reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter cheese. This keeps the taste without too many calories. After you enjoy your Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini and Sausage, you may have some leftovers. Let the dish cool down to room temperature first. This helps to keep the flavors fresh. Once cooled, transfer the leftovers to airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal them tightly to prevent air from getting in. Label the containers with the date. This way, you remember when you stored them. To reheat the dish, the best method is using the stove or microwave. On the stove, heat it in a pot over low heat. Stir often to warm it evenly. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir between each burst to avoid hot spots. Enjoy the meal within three to four days for the best taste. If stored correctly, it can last up to a week. Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add it to the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking. It will cook perfectly and still taste great. To make this dish vegetarian, swap the sausage for a plant-based option. You can also use mushrooms or zucchini for added flavor and texture. You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a plant-based cream. These options will give you a creamy texture without the heaviness. Yes, you can! Start by browning the sausage in a pot, then add the veggies and sauces. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir in the tortellini and cream last. The tortellini is done when it is tender and floats to the top of the sauce. This usually takes about 30 minutes on low heat. This recipe uses simple ingredients like chicken sausage, fresh tortellini, and marinara sauce. I shared easy steps for cooking in a slow cooker. I also highlighted tips for flavor and possible swaps for different diets. In the end, making this dish is fun and rewarding. With little effort, you can create a tasty meal everyone will enjoy. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Cheesy Delight Tortellini & Sausage

A creamy and cheesy tortellini dish with Italian chicken sausage and vegetables, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound Italian chicken sausage, removed from casing
  • 1 unit onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 unit bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 12 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste unit salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • for garnish unit fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. About 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Transfer the cooked sausage to the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the slow cooker.
  • Pour the marinara sauce and vegetable broth over the sausage and vegetable mixture. Stir in oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours.
  • After cooking time, add the fresh tortellini and heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  • Cover and continue to cook on low for an additional 30 minutes (or on high for 15 minutes) until tortellini is tender.
  • Before serving, stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.

Notes

Serve in large bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top. Pair with garlic bread on the side for a complete meal!
Keyword cheesy, sausage, slow cooker, tortellini