If you are craving a comforting bowl that combines hearty flavors with a touch of elegance, this Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and vibrant veggies all simmered gently in a rich tomato broth, it’s that perfect cozy meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The slow cooker does most of the magic, making it delightfully easy yet impressively tasty every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the best way to ensure this soup hits all the right notes. Each item plays a vital role, from the spicy depth of Italian sausage to the fresh crunch of celery, and the creamy silkiness of heavy cream that finishes the dish beautifully.
- 16 ounces Italian sausage: Brings bold, savory flavor and richness to the broth.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Adds natural sweetness and aromatic depth.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with a subtle, fragrant kick.
- 2 medium carrots (sliced or chopped): Impart a gentle sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 sticks celery (chopped finely): Offers freshness and a satisfying slight crunch.
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Creates the hearty, tangy base of the soup.
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices): Adds texture and deepens the tomato flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Provides a savory and soothing liquid foundation.
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini: Introduce a cheesy, tender bite for extra comfort.
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional): Gives the soup a luscious, silky finish.
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach: Brightens the dish with color and a hint of earthiness.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onions
Start by sautéing the sausage and onions in a skillet for about 7 to 8 minutes, breaking the sausage apart to encourage even browning. This step builds a robust foundation of flavor that will infuse the entire soup. If you notice excess fat rendering from the sausage, don’t hesitate to spoon some out to keep the soup from feeling greasy.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Transfer to Crockpot
Once your sausage is beautifully browned, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just about 30 seconds until fragrant—this prevents it from turning bitter. Immediately transfer the sausage mixture to your Crockpot, letting those robust aromas continue developing as the cooking progresses.
Step 3: Add Vegetables, Tomatoes, and Broth
This is where the magic starts coming together in the slow cooker. Add the sliced carrots, finely chopped celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth directly into the Crockpot. Depending on the timing you prefer, chop your carrots accordingly to ensure they soften perfectly by mealtime—smaller pieces for a faster cook, chunkier if you have more patience.
Step 4: Stir in Tortellini, Cream, and Spinach Near the End
Approximately 30 minutes before serving, add the cheese tortellini, cream, and fresh baby spinach to the pot and set the Crockpot to high. These ingredients need less time to cook, and adding them late ensures the tortellini stays tender without becoming mushy, while the spinach retains its fresh green vibrancy. Stir occasionally and season with salt and pepper to your liking just before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe to the next level, think fresh and flavorful garnishes. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty richness, while a few torn basil leaves or a dash of red pepper flakes can amp up freshness or heat, depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every last drop of broth. A light garden salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness with a crisp contrast, making for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a drizzle of good olive oil on top and a side of garlic focaccia. You might also consider serving it in hollowed-out bread bowls for a charming, edible presentation that guests will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your comforting bowl, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making the next serving just as delicious as the first.
Freezing
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe is freezer-friendly if you skip adding the tortellini and cream before freezing. Freeze the base soup separately, then add the pasta and cream fresh when you reheat to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. Add the tortellini and spinach mid-way through reheating to prevent overcooking, and stir in the cream last for maximum creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well as a leaner alternative and still provides great flavor, just keep in mind the soup may be a bit lighter in taste.
Do I have to use fresh spinach, or can I use frozen?
Fresh baby spinach is best as it retains its texture and vibrant color. If using frozen, add it earlier to ensure it cooks through properly, and be prepared for it to become softer.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
What’s the best way to ensure the tortellini doesn’t get mushy?
Add the tortellini only during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high heat, stirring occasionally, so it stays tender but not overcooked.
Can I prepare this soup in advance and reheat later?
Definitely! The soup tastes even better the next day after flavors meld. Just refrigerate leftovers and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding fresh ingredients like spinach and cream during reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe is a true game-changer for anyone who loves hearty, comforting meals without the fuss. It’s easy, delicious, and perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal waiting for you. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite go-to recipes for warmth and satisfaction.
Print
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 Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a hearty and comforting meal that combines savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and tender cheese tortellini all simmered to perfection in a flavorful tomato and chicken broth base. Ideal for a slow-cooked dinner, this soup delivers rich taste with minimal effort, and the addition of spinach and a splash of cream adds a fresh and creamy twist.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced or chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
Soup Base
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups chicken broth
Tortellini and Garnishes
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional)
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté sausage and onions: Add the sausage meat and chopped onions to a skillet. Cook over medium heat for 7-8 minutes, breaking up the sausage with a spoon until browned. Remove excess fat if necessary.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then transfer the sausage mixture to your Crockpot.
- Add vegetables and liquids: Add the chopped carrots, finely chopped celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth to the Crockpot. Stir to combine. If cooking for 3-4 hours, chop carrots finely; for longer cooking times (7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high), larger carrot pieces are fine.
- Add tortellini and spinach: About 30 minutes before serving, add the cheese tortellini, heavy cream (if using), and fresh baby spinach to the Crockpot. Set the heat to high and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- For a leaner soup, drain excess fat from sausage after browning.
- You can substitute turkey Italian sausage for a lighter option.
- If using frozen tortellini, add a few minutes extra to the final cooking time.
- Adjust seasoning at the end to your preference.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the cream or substitute with a non-dairy alternative.
