![- 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce - 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth - 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, green) - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste To make this dish, gather the main ingredients first. You need cheese tortellini, marinara sauce, and broth. These create a rich base. Then, add colorful bell peppers, onion, and garlic for flavor. Next, season the dish with Italian seasoning. If you like heat, toss in red pepper flakes. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness. Finally, top it all with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. These simple ingredients blend to create a comforting meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights. For a detailed guide, check the full recipe. In a slow cooker, I start by combining the marinara sauce and broth. I add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers next. Then, I sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if I want some heat. I stir everything well to mix the flavors together. Next, I add the cheese tortellini to the slow cooker. It’s important they get fully submerged in the sauce. After that, I season with salt and pepper to taste. I cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. I choose low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, depending on my schedule. About 15 minutes before serving, I stir in the frozen peas. I also sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. I cover the slow cooker again and let it cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once it's done, I give everything a good stir to mix all the flavors. I like to serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a nice finish. This makes for a delightful meal that everyone will love. You can find the Full Recipe [here]. - Opt for fresh tortellini for added flavor. Fresh tortellini has a rich taste and soft texture. It cooks quicker and absorbs the sauce well. - Adjust cook times based on your slow cooker model. Each slow cooker is unique, so check for doneness. If your slow cooker runs hot, reduce the cooking time slightly. - Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Garlic bread offers a crunchy contrast, while a fresh salad balances the dish. This combo makes your dinner feel special and satisfying. - Experiment with additional herbs or vegetables. Adding spinach can boost nutrition and flavor. You can try fresh oregano or thyme for a fragrant twist. Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies, like zucchini or mushrooms. This customizes the dish to your taste. {{image_2}} You can add cooked chicken or Italian sausage to your slow cooker. This makes the dish heartier. Simply cook the protein ahead of time, then mix it in with the other ingredients. The flavors from the meat blend well with the sauce. It also adds extra protein to your meal, making it more filling. For a vegetarian dish, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables for extra taste and nutrients. Think about adding zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. These veggies will make your meal colorful and healthy. It's a great way to enjoy all the flavors while keeping it meat-free. Different cheeses can change the flavor of your tortellini dish. Try using Parmesan or provolone for a unique twist. Each cheese brings its own taste. For a creamy texture, you can mix in ricotta as well. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses to see what you like best. You can find the full recipe for this delicious meal in the earlier sections. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you’ll have a quick meal ready for lunch or dinner. Just remember to let it cool down before sealing. If you want to save some for later, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Make sure to label your containers with the date. This helps you remember when you made it. When you’re ready to eat, reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If it looks a bit dry, just add a splash of broth or water. Stir well to mix everything together. Enjoy your warm, tasty meal! Yes, frozen tortellini can be used, just adjust cooking time accordingly. When using frozen tortellini, they may take a little longer to cook. I recommend checking them around the end of the cooking time. This way, you get perfectly cooked tortellini without overcooking them. You can use alfredo sauce or pesto for different flavor profiles. Each sauce brings its own taste to the dish. Alfredo gives it a creamy texture, while pesto adds a fresh, herby flavor. Feel free to get creative and mix different sauces! Tortellini should be tender and heated through; follow package instructions for cooking times. Most tortellini cook in about 2 to 5 minutes once added to simmering sauce. Keep an eye on them to avoid mushiness. Taste one to check if it's just right! This recipe lets you create a cheesy, comforting meal with ease. We covered all the key ingredients, from tortellini to fresh veggies, to make a delicious dish. You can customize it with proteins or different cheeses, ensuring it fits your taste. Remember, storage options help you enjoy leftovers. By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll impress your family and friends. Cooking should be fun, so don't hesitate to get creative. Enjoy your tasty tortellini dish!](https://flavorsprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7cb26736-5542-49c6-91e1-931ab58fbd5f-768x768.webp)
Looking for an easy weeknight dinner? Let me introduce you to Slow Cooker Italian Tortellini! This comforting dish combines creamy tortellini, zesty marinara, and fresh veggies for a meal that’s both filling and flavorful. I’ll guide you step-by-step to create a delicious family dinner with minimal effort. Get ready to enjoy an Italian feast right at home—perfect for busy evenings or lazy weekends!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini
– 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
– 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
Vegetables and Aromatics
– 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Extras
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
To make this dish, gather the main ingredients first. You need cheese tortellini, marinara sauce, and broth. These create a rich base. Then, add colorful bell peppers, onion, and garlic for flavor.
Next, season the dish with Italian seasoning. If you like heat, toss in red pepper flakes. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness. Finally, top it all with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.
These simple ingredients blend to create a comforting meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. For a detailed guide, check the full recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
In a slow cooker, I start by combining the marinara sauce and broth. I add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers next. Then, I sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if I want some heat. I stir everything well to mix the flavors together.
Cooking Process
Next, I add the cheese tortellini to the slow cooker. It’s important they get fully submerged in the sauce. After that, I season with salt and pepper to taste. I cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. I choose low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, depending on my schedule.
Final Touches
About 15 minutes before serving, I stir in the frozen peas. I also sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. I cover the slow cooker again and let it cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once it’s done, I give everything a good stir to mix all the flavors. I like to serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a nice finish. This makes for a delightful meal that everyone will love. You can find the Full Recipe [here].
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
– Opt for fresh tortellini for added flavor. Fresh tortellini has a rich taste and soft texture. It cooks quicker and absorbs the sauce well.
– Adjust cook times based on your slow cooker model. Each slow cooker is unique, so check for doneness. If your slow cooker runs hot, reduce the cooking time slightly.
Serving Suggestions
– Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Garlic bread offers a crunchy contrast, while a fresh salad balances the dish. This combo makes your dinner feel special and satisfying.
Flavor Enhancements
– Experiment with additional herbs or vegetables. Adding spinach can boost nutrition and flavor. You can try fresh oregano or thyme for a fragrant twist. Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies, like zucchini or mushrooms. This customizes the dish to your taste.
Variations
Protein Additions
You can add cooked chicken or Italian sausage to your slow cooker. This makes the dish heartier. Simply cook the protein ahead of time, then mix it in with the other ingredients. The flavors from the meat blend well with the sauce. It also adds extra protein to your meal, making it more filling.
Vegetarian Options
For a vegetarian dish, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables for extra taste and nutrients. Think about adding zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. These veggies will make your meal colorful and healthy. It’s a great way to enjoy all the flavors while keeping it meat-free.
Cheese Variations
Different cheeses can change the flavor of your tortellini dish. Try using Parmesan or provolone for a unique twist. Each cheese brings its own taste. For a creamy texture, you can mix in ricotta as well. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses to see what you like best.
You can find the full recipe for this delicious meal in the earlier sections.
Storage Info
Refrigeration
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you’ll have a quick meal ready for lunch or dinner. Just remember to let it cool down before sealing.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to save some for later, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Make sure to label your containers with the date. This helps you remember when you made it.
Reheating Tips
When you’re ready to eat, reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If it looks a bit dry, just add a splash of broth or water. Stir well to mix everything together. Enjoy your warm, tasty meal!
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used, just adjust cooking time accordingly. When using frozen tortellini, they may take a little longer to cook. I recommend checking them around the end of the cooking time. This way, you get perfectly cooked tortellini without overcooking them.
What can I substitute for marinara sauce?
You can use alfredo sauce or pesto for different flavor profiles. Each sauce brings its own taste to the dish. Alfredo gives it a creamy texture, while pesto adds a fresh, herby flavor. Feel free to get creative and mix different sauces!
How do I know when the tortellini are done?
Tortellini should be tender and heated through; follow package instructions for cooking times. Most tortellini cook in about 2 to 5 minutes once added to simmering sauce. Keep an eye on them to avoid mushiness. Taste one to check if it’s just right!
This recipe lets you create a cheesy, comforting meal with ease. We covered all the key ingredients, from tortellini to fresh veggies, to make a delicious dish. You can customize it with proteins or different cheeses, ensuring it fits your taste. Remember, storage options help you enjoy leftovers. By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll impress your family and friends. Cooking should be fun, so don’t hesitate to get creative. Enjoy your tasty tortellini dish!
![- 1 package (20 oz) cheese tortellini - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce - 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth - 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, green) - 1 small onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste To make this dish, gather the main ingredients first. You need cheese tortellini, marinara sauce, and broth. These create a rich base. Then, add colorful bell peppers, onion, and garlic for flavor. Next, season the dish with Italian seasoning. If you like heat, toss in red pepper flakes. Frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness. Finally, top it all with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil. These simple ingredients blend to create a comforting meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights. For a detailed guide, check the full recipe. In a slow cooker, I start by combining the marinara sauce and broth. I add the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced bell peppers next. Then, I sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if I want some heat. I stir everything well to mix the flavors together. Next, I add the cheese tortellini to the slow cooker. It’s important they get fully submerged in the sauce. After that, I season with salt and pepper to taste. I cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. I choose low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, depending on my schedule. About 15 minutes before serving, I stir in the frozen peas. I also sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. I cover the slow cooker again and let it cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Once it's done, I give everything a good stir to mix all the flavors. I like to serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a nice finish. This makes for a delightful meal that everyone will love. You can find the Full Recipe [here]. - Opt for fresh tortellini for added flavor. Fresh tortellini has a rich taste and soft texture. It cooks quicker and absorbs the sauce well. - Adjust cook times based on your slow cooker model. Each slow cooker is unique, so check for doneness. If your slow cooker runs hot, reduce the cooking time slightly. - Pair with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal. Garlic bread offers a crunchy contrast, while a fresh salad balances the dish. This combo makes your dinner feel special and satisfying. - Experiment with additional herbs or vegetables. Adding spinach can boost nutrition and flavor. You can try fresh oregano or thyme for a fragrant twist. Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies, like zucchini or mushrooms. This customizes the dish to your taste. {{image_2}} You can add cooked chicken or Italian sausage to your slow cooker. This makes the dish heartier. Simply cook the protein ahead of time, then mix it in with the other ingredients. The flavors from the meat blend well with the sauce. It also adds extra protein to your meal, making it more filling. For a vegetarian dish, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables for extra taste and nutrients. Think about adding zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. These veggies will make your meal colorful and healthy. It's a great way to enjoy all the flavors while keeping it meat-free. Different cheeses can change the flavor of your tortellini dish. Try using Parmesan or provolone for a unique twist. Each cheese brings its own taste. For a creamy texture, you can mix in ricotta as well. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses to see what you like best. You can find the full recipe for this delicious meal in the earlier sections. Store any leftovers in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This way, you’ll have a quick meal ready for lunch or dinner. Just remember to let it cool down before sealing. If you want to save some for later, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Make sure to label your containers with the date. This helps you remember when you made it. When you’re ready to eat, reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If it looks a bit dry, just add a splash of broth or water. Stir well to mix everything together. Enjoy your warm, tasty meal! Yes, frozen tortellini can be used, just adjust cooking time accordingly. When using frozen tortellini, they may take a little longer to cook. I recommend checking them around the end of the cooking time. This way, you get perfectly cooked tortellini without overcooking them. You can use alfredo sauce or pesto for different flavor profiles. Each sauce brings its own taste to the dish. Alfredo gives it a creamy texture, while pesto adds a fresh, herby flavor. Feel free to get creative and mix different sauces! Tortellini should be tender and heated through; follow package instructions for cooking times. Most tortellini cook in about 2 to 5 minutes once added to simmering sauce. Keep an eye on them to avoid mushiness. Taste one to check if it's just right! This recipe lets you create a cheesy, comforting meal with ease. We covered all the key ingredients, from tortellini to fresh veggies, to make a delicious dish. You can customize it with proteins or different cheeses, ensuring it fits your taste. Remember, storage options help you enjoy leftovers. By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll impress your family and friends. Cooking should be fun, so don't hesitate to get creative. Enjoy your tasty tortellini dish!](https://flavorsprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/7cb26736-5542-49c6-91e1-931ab58fbd5f-250x250.webp)
