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

Scale

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

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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.