Slow Cooker Kielbasa Tortellini with Mozzarella Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For extra flavor, use a marinara with herbs like basil and oregano. If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when layering.

You can also add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick. For a golden top, switch the slow cooker to HIGH for the last 30 minutes, but watch to prevent burning.

This recipe is endlessly adaptable: try adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach during the last hour of cooking. For a heartier meal, serve over cooked pasta or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. The leftovers taste even better the next day, as the flavors continue to meld.

Variations

• Spicy Sausage Tortellini: Use hot Italian sausage (cooked and crumbled) instead of kielbasa, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes. The extra heat pairs well with the creamy sauce.
• Vegetarian Tortellini: Omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth in place of any meat-based liquid.
• Chicken Tortellini: Use cooked, shredded chicken in place of kielbasa. Add the chicken during the last hour of cooking to prevent it from drying out.
• Gluten-Free Tortellini: Use gluten-free cheese tortellini and ensure the marinara and kielbasa are gluten-free. This makes the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Freezer

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools; add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it.

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot. The tortellini may absorb more sauce, so a little extra liquid helps restore the creamy consistency.

This recipe is ideal for meal prep. Assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed.

You can also cook the full dish, then cool and refrigerate for up to 3 days before reheating. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious.

Serving ideas

Serve this kielbasa tortellini hot, straight from the slow cooker. Spoon generous portions into bowls, ensuring each serving gets a good mix of sausage, tortellini, and creamy sauce.

Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired, though the dish is delicious as is. Pair with a simple green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs well with roasted vegetables or a side of steamed broccoli. For a touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice over the top can cut through the richness. Leftovers can be served over spaghetti or with crusty bread for a second meal.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Kielbasa Tortellini with Mozzarella

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 2 lb smoked kielbasa sausage, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
• 20 oz refrigerated three-cheese tortellini
• 24 oz crushed San Marzano marinara sauce
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• 2 cups shredded whole-milk mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Place the sliced kielbasa in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Spread the tortellini over the sausage. Pour the marinara sauce over the top, making sure the tortellini are mostly covered.
2. Place the cubed cream cheese in the center of the slow cooker, pushing it gently into the sauce. Do not stir; it will melt and create a creamy sauce as it cooks.
3. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top of the slow cooker contents.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 hours, or on HIGH for 2 hours, until the tortellini are tender and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
5. Once the tortellini are cooked, gently stir everything together to combine the creamy sauce. Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over each portion.

Contains: gluten, milk, eggs

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

620

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

36 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.