If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that brings together rich flavors and delightful textures, then this Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender Italian sausage mingling with fresh vegetables, hearty chicken broth, and cheesy tortellini all slow-cooked to perfection in your Crockpot, making dinner effortless yet deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of soup that feels like a hug in a bowl and shines brightest on chilly evenings or whenever you need a boost of cozy deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, building layers of flavor while adding vibrant color and satisfying textures. The beauty here is in the simplicity—fresh aromatics, quality sausage, and fresh tortellini come together effortlessly in one pot.
- 16 ounces Italian sausage: Provides a savory, spiced base that enriches every bite with meaty depth.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and foundation for the soup’s flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Brings a bright, aromatic punch that awakens the senses.
- 2 medium carrots (sliced or chopped): Offer sweetness and a bit oftexture that softens beautifully during the slow cook.
- 2 sticks celery (chopped finely): Adds slight earthiness and crunch when cooked just right.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Gives the soup a rich, tangy base and vibrant red hue.
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds additional tomato texture and natural sweetness.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that brings it all together.
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini: The star ingredient providing cheesy, tender pillows bursting with flavor.
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional): Offers a luscious creaminess that perfectly balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach: Adds fresh, leafy green color and a nutritional boost at the end.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for rounding out and enhancing all the flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Aromatics
Start by heating a skillet to medium and adding the Italian sausage along with the chopped onions. Break the sausage apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly and develop rich flavor. This browning step is essential because it deepens the sausage’s taste and renders out some fat that adds natural seasoning. Once browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but careful not to let it burn.
Step 2: Layer the Soup Base in Your Crockpot
Transfer your sausage, onions, and garlic mixture into the Crockpot. Then add the sliced carrots, finely chopped celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, and the chicken broth. This is where those fresh veggies and canned tomatoes come together, creating a hearty, aromatic broth filled with wholesome ingredients that enhance both flavor and nutrition.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your Crockpot to low for about 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The slow cook melds all the flavors beautifully and tenderizes the vegetables. If you’re in a bit more of a hurry and want to cook for 3-4 hours, just make sure to chop your carrots finely so they soften quicker. This part of the process is what transforms simple ingredients into a soul-warming soup that practically makes itself.
Step 4: Add Tortellini, Cream, and Spinach
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini, heavy cream if you’re using it, and fresh baby spinach. Increase the heat setting to high and let the tortellini cook through while the cream adds a velvety smooth texture. The spinach wilts gently, adding freshness and a pop of color. Don’t forget to adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving to make those flavors pop.
How to Serve Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a scattering of chopped fresh basil brightens up the dish beautifully. A drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add just the right touch of indulgence or heat,, turning this cozy soup into an impressive yet simple meal.
Side Dishes
A crusty bread or warm garlic knots are perfect for dipping and soaking up every last flavorful drop of the soup. Alternatively, a fresh Caesar salad can complement the heartiness of the soup while adding a crisp contrast to the tortellini’s softness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in individual rustic bowls with a small ramekin of additional grated cheese on the side. For a fun twist, ladle the soup over toasted sourdough bread bowls to make an edible serving vessel that amps up the comfort factor and impresses guests at family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This soup tends to thicken as it chills, so feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to bring back the perfect consistency.
Freezing
While this soup freezes well, the tortellini may become a bit softer after thawing. To maintain the best texture, consider freezing the soup base without the tortellini and adding fresh tortellini when reheating. Store the soup base in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a little broth or water and stir in fresh or refrigerated tortellini. Warm through until the tortellini is tender and the spinach wilts again, which should only take a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative, but you might want to add some Italian seasoning or spices to replicate that classic sausage flavor.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in this recipe?
The heavy cream is optional but highly recommended if you want a richer, creamier soup. You can leave it out for a lighter version without compromising too much on flavor.
Can I make this soup on the stove instead of a Crockpot?
Yes, you can. Brown the sausage and veggies in a pot first, then add the liquids and simmer until veggies are tender. Add tortellini, cream, and spinach near the end and cook until the tortellini is done.
What size Crockpot is best for this recipe?
A 6-quart Crockpot works best for this recipe, giving enough space for all the ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding.
Can I substitute frozen spinach for fresh?
Yes, but if using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding it near the end of cooking to avoid watering down the soup.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, perfect for cozy nights in and feeding family or friends without labor-intensive preparation. The way the flavors meld together in the slow cooker is downright magical, and with such simple ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make time and time again. I can’t wait for you to dive into this hearty, cheesy, savory soup and share it with those you love!
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Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy days. It combines Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, crushed tomatoes, and cheese tortellini slow-cooked to tender perfection. A splash of cream and fresh baby spinach added near the end enriches the soup with a creamy texture and vibrant color, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced or chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or whipping cream (optional)
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage and Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage meat and chopped onions. Sauté for 7-8 minutes, breaking the sausage into small pieces with a spoon until browned. Remove excess fat if necessary.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Add the browned sausage mixture into the Crockpot.
- Add Vegetables and Tomatoes: Add the sliced carrots, finely chopped celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth to the Crockpot. Stir to combine. For faster cooking (3-4 hours), chop carrots finely; for longer cooking (7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high), larger pieces are fine.
- Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until vegetables are tender and flavors melded.
- Add Tortellini, Cream, and Spinach: About 30 minutes before serving, set the Crockpot heat to high. Add the cheese tortellini, heavy cream, and packed fresh baby spinach. Stir occasionally and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Once the tortellini is cooked through and spinach is wilted, ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy.
Notes
- Italian sausage can be spicy or mild based on preference.
- Heavy cream is optional but recommended for a richer soup.
- If preferred, use turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste, especially if chicken broth is salted.
- For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and use vegetable broth, and substitute tortellini with a vegetarian variety.
