This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is the ideal dish for a cozy evening at home or a gathering with friends. With its rich flavors and comforting ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal on the weekend. The combination of Italian sausage, creamy tortellini, and fresh spinach makes this soup not only delicious but also satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation: Just toss everything in your Crockpot and let it do the work for you.
- Rich flavor: The blend of Italian sausage and tomatoes provides a robust taste that warms you up.
- Versatile ingredients: You can customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices.
- Perfect for leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep.
- Family-friendly: Kids love the cheesy tortellini, making it a hit with the whole family.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes preparation smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The star of this recipe! It allows for low-and-slow cooking, enhancing flavors while you go about your day.
- Skillet: Perfect for browning the sausage, which adds depth to your soup.
- Chopping board & Knife: Essential for prepping all those fresh vegetables efficiently.
Ingredients
This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is made from simple yet flavorful ingredients:
Protein & Vegetables
- 16 ounces Italian sausage (see note)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced or chopped)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
Tomatoes & Broth
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups chicken broth
Pasta & Greens
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional)
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
Seasoning
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
How to Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Add the sausage meat and onions to a skillet. Sauté for about 7-8 minutes, breaking up the sausage meat with your spoon until browned. If needed, spoon out some of the excess fat.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Combine
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Add the sausage mixture to your Crockpot.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot
Add the carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth to the Crockpot. Remember that if you want to cook this soup in 3-4 hours, chop the carrots finely. For cooking it on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, larger pieces will work fine.
Step 4: Final Touches Before Serving
About 30 minutes prior to serving, add in your cheese tortellini, cream, and spinach (set heat to high). Stir occasionally. Season with salt & pepper as needed before serving.
Enjoy your delightful bowl of Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage!
How to Serve Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is deliciously filling and perfect for various serving occasions. You can enhance your meal experience with these serving suggestions.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve with a baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is ideal for dipping into the rich soup.
- Garlic bread – Add some flavor by pairing your soup with toasted garlic bread.
Topped with Cheese
- Parmesan cheese – Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Mozzarella cheese – Melting mozzarella adds creaminess and enhances the Italian feel of the dish.
With Fresh Herbs
- Basil leaves – Fresh basil gives a fragrant touch that brightens up the soup.
- Parsley – Chopped parsley adds color and freshness to your bowl.
As a Meal Prep Option
- Store leftovers – This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
- Freezer-friendly – Portion out servings to freeze for easy meals later on.
How to Perfect Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
To ensure your Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables enhance the taste and nutrition of your soup.
- Adjust cooking time – If you’re short on time, cut vegetables smaller for quicker cooking.
- Experiment with spices – Feel free to add Italian herbs or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Thickness preference – For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add more tortellini.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot tortellini soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options.
- Caesar Salad – A classic salad that complements the richness of the soup perfectly.
- Garlic Knots – These buttery, garlic-infused rolls are perfect for scooping up the soup.
- Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil make for a refreshing side.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies provide balance and added nutrients.
- Antipasto Platter – A mix of cured meats, olives, and cheeses pairs wonderfully with the hearty soup.
- Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to the savory flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage can be simple, but here are some common mistakes to watch for.
- Ignoring ingredient preparation: Not chopping vegetables finely enough can lead to uneven cooking. Always chop according to your cooking time.
- Overcooking the tortellini: Adding tortellini too early may cause it to become mushy. Add it 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
- Neglecting seasoning: Skipping salt and pepper can result in bland soup. Taste and adjust seasoning right before serving for maximum flavor.
- Using low-quality sausage: Cheap sausage can affect flavor. Opt for good-quality Italian sausage for a richer taste.
- Skipping the sauté step: Adding raw sausage directly to the Crockpot can lead to greasy soup. Sautéing first enhances flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let the soup cool before sealing the container.
Freezing Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
Reheating Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place in a covered baking dish, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
How spicy is this soup?
The spice level depends on the Italian sausage used. Choose mild sausage for less heat or spicy sausage if you enjoy a kick!
What’s the best way to serve this soup?
Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting the seasonings. Give it a try and enjoy a warm bowl of deliciousness!
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Experience the heartwarming delight of Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage, a perfect dish for cozy nights or gatherings with friends. This easy-to-make soup combines flavorful Italian sausage, creamy tortellini, and fresh spinach, creating a comforting bowl that’s rich in taste and satisfaction. Simply toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax. Ideal for meal prep and leftovers, this soup is family-friendly and sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 - 8 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
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
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage with onions in a skillet for about 7-8 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds before transferring to the Crockpot.
- Add carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth to the Crockpot.
- Cook on high for about 4-5 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in tortellini, cream (if using), and spinach.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
