There’s something so comforting about coming home to the rich aroma of Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage after a long day. This hearty and flavorful soup combines tender tortellini, savory sausage, and a creamy broth, making it the perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
The first time I made this, it instantly became a family favorite. With minimal prep and ingredients that are easy to find, this recipe proves you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly special. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage
Get ready to add this soup to your regular rotation – it’s about to become a household favorite!
First, this soup is incredibly easy to prepare. All the magic happens in your crockpot, meaning you can toss in your ingredients and let it work while you go about your day. Perfect for busy families or anyone who loves a hands-off cooking approach.
Another reason to love this recipe? It’s bursting with flavor. The combination of Italian sausage, fresh or frozen tortellini, and a creamy, herb-infused broth creates a taste experience that’s as rich as it is comforting.
It’s also wonderfully filling. This isn’t one of those brothy soups that leaves you hungry an hour later. With its combination of pasta, meat, and veggies, this dish feels like a complete meal in a bowl.
Finally, this soup is super versatile. Whether you’re customizing the ingredients or adjusting the spice level, it’s easy to make it your own. Keep reading for tips on how to adapt the recipe to your preferences.
Ingredients Notes
The secret to this soup’s rich flavor lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish shine.
Italian Sausage
Whether you choose mild or spicy sausage, this ingredient is the star of the show. It adds a deep, savory flavor to the broth that takes the whole dish to the next level. If you prefer a leaner option, turkey or chicken sausage works beautifully too.
Tortellini
Fresh tortellini is ideal for this recipe, but frozen works just as well. Cheese-filled tortellini are a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with spinach or meat-filled varieties for a different twist.
Diced Tomatoes
Canned diced tomatoes (with their juices) bring a touch of tanginess that balances the richness of the sausage and creamy broth. Opt for fire-roasted tomatoes if you want to add a subtle smoky flavor.
Spinach
Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a dose of nutrients. It wilts perfectly into the soup in the final minutes of cooking. You can also substitute kale or even chopped zucchini if spinach isn’t your favorite.
Cream
A splash of heavy cream gives the broth its luxurious texture. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.
Special equipment? You’ll need a crockpot for this recipe. A 6-quart size works best, giving you plenty of room to stir without spilling.
How To Make This Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage
Making this soup is as simple as it gets. Follow these steps to bring a comforting pot of goodness to your table.
Start by browning your Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. This step helps lock in flavor and ensures your sausage stays tender during slow cooking. Once cooked, transfer it to your crockpot.
Next, add your base ingredients to the crockpot: diced tomatoes, chicken broth, minced garlic, and dried Italian seasoning. Stir everything together to create a well-seasoned broth. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
In the final 30 minutes of cooking, add your tortellini and fresh spinach. The tortellini will cook quickly, absorbing the flavorful broth, while the spinach wilts to perfection.
Finish the soup by stirring in your heavy cream. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes until the broth is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
From start to finish, this recipe takes less than 8 hours, making it perfect for setting up in the morning and enjoying by dinnertime.
Storage Options
This soup is just as delicious the next day, so don’t worry if you have leftovers! Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze this soup, but it’s best to do so before adding the tortellini and cream. These ingredients don’t hold up well to freezing and reheating. Freeze the broth and sausage mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then add fresh tortellini and cream while reheating.
To reheat, warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbling. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is endlessly customizable. Here are some ideas to make it your own.
Swap the sausage for ground turkey, beef, or a plant-based sausage alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Experiment with different veggies. Add diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms to the mix for extra texture and flavor.
Prefer a tomato-heavy broth? Add an extra can of diced tomatoes and reduce the cream slightly.
For a spicy kick, use hot Italian sausage and toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Not a fan of spinach? Substitute kale, Swiss chard, or even peas for a different twist on the green element.
The beauty of this dish is that it’s forgiving and flexible. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. This Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage is all about making life a little easier and a lot more delicious!
PrintCrockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe
This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a hearty and comforting meal packed with cheesy tortellini, savory sausage, fresh vegetables, and a creamy broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or cold-weather dinners, this recipe is easy to prepare in a slow cooker for an effortlessly satisfying dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hour
- Total Time: 6 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the sausage until browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat and transfer to the crockpot.
- Add diced onion, garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Add the cheese tortellini and spinach to the crockpot 30 minutes before serving. Cook until tortellini is tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream just before serving for a creamy finish. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, use spicy Italian sausage or increase red pepper flakes.
- Substitute spinach with kale for a different flavor profile.
- Use frozen tortellini directly without thawing for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
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