These slow cooker 4-ingredient creamy sausage tortellini packets are the kind of low-effort dinner that feels especially smart on busy summer evenings, when turning on the oven is the last thing anyone wants to do. Wrapping everything into individual foil packets keeps cleanup simple, helps the tortellini steam gently in the creamy sauce, and gives each person that fun little moment of opening their own cheesy packet at the table.
Serve these packets with a crisp green salad, roasted or steamed broccoli, or simple garlic bread to catch any extra creamy sauce. If you want to stretch the meal a bit for a larger group, a bowl of fresh fruit or sliced tomatoes on the side fits the easy warm-weather feel perfectly.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient Creamy Sausage Tortellini Packets
Servings: 4
Ingredients
1 pound Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled
20 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 jar (15 ounces) Alfredo sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
1. Cook the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until browned and fully cooked, then drain any excess grease and let it cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked sausage, tortellini, Alfredo sauce, and mozzarella until the tortellini is evenly coated.
3. Tear 4 large sheets of heavy-duty foil and divide the tortellini mixture evenly among them. Fold and seal each packet tightly, leaving a little room inside for heat to circulate.
4. Place the foil packets in a slow cooker, stacking slightly if needed. Cover and cook on Low for 2 to 3 hours, until the tortellini is tender and the cheese is melted.
5. Carefully open the packets, let the steam escape, and serve hot right from the foil or spooned onto plates.
Variations & Tips
Add a vegetable: A handful of baby spinach or a small amount of steamed broccoli mixed into the filling makes these packets feel a little more complete without adding much extra work.
Use a different sausage: Mild Italian sausage keeps this family-friendly, but spicy Italian sausage adds a little kick if everyone at your table likes more heat.
Make cleanup even easier: If your slow cooker runs hot, place a sheet of parchment inside each foil packet before adding the filling. It is a nice little trick to help prevent sticking and make serving smoother.
Prep ahead: Brown the sausage the night before and refrigerate it. When you get home from work, all you need to do is mix, packet, and start the slow cooker.
Watch the timing: Refrigerated tortellini cooks fairly quickly, so check on the packets at the 2-hour mark if your slow cooker tends to heat fast. Overcooking can make the pasta too soft.