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
Scale
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.
