This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is the perfect dish for any occasion! It combines Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese tortellini for a hearty meal that will warm your soul. Easy to prepare in a slow cooker, this soup is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends and family. With its rich flavors and delightful textures, you’ll find it hard to resist a second helping!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: Just toss all the ingredients into your Crockpot and let it do the work!
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Italian sausage, tomatoes, and cream creates a rich and satisfying taste.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main course or a side dish; it fits well with various meals.
- Healthy Options: Packed with spinach and other veggies, it’s a nutritious choice for any diet.
- Comforting Warmth: Ideal for chilly days, this soup warms both body and spirit.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here are some key items you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Measuring Cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: This tool allows you to set it and forget it while the flavors meld beautifully over time.
- Skillet: Browning the sausage in a skillet adds depth to the flavor of your soup.
- Cutting Board & Knife: These are crucial for chopping veggies quickly and safely.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 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)
For the Liquid
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups chicken broth
For the Creamy Finish
- 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: Sauté the Sausage and Onions
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
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Then add the sausage mixture to your Crockpot.
Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Broth
Add the carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth to the Crockpot. Remember that if you want the soup to cook in 3–4 hours, chop the carrots finely. For longer cooking times of 7–8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high, larger pieces work fine.
Step 4: Finish with Tortellini
About 30 minutes prior to serving, add in your cheese tortellini, cream, and spinach. Set the heat to high and stir occasionally. Season with salt & pepper as needed before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you want to enhance its flavors or complement the meal, here are some delicious serving suggestions.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Parsley: Chopped fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to your soup. Sprinkle it on just before serving for an aromatic touch.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the rich broth of your soup. Slice and serve alongside for a delightful experience.
- Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread can elevate the meal, offering a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the tortellini.
Serve with Cheese
- Grated Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of each bowl brings out the savory flavors in the soup.
- Mozzarella Balls: Adding mini mozzarella balls can provide an additional creamy texture while staying true to the Italian theme.
Opt for a Side Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers a crisp contrast to the warm soup, making it a refreshing addition to your meal.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil make for a light and flavorful side that pairs beautifully with the soup.
How to Perfect Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
To ensure your crockpot tortellini soup with sausage turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Sausage: Choosing high-quality Italian sausage will enhance the flavor profile of your soup significantly.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your schedule, you can cook this dish on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours; adjust according to your preference.
- Add Ingredients Gradually: To retain optimal texture, add cheese tortellini and spinach towards the end of cooking.
- Season Wisely: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper according to your liking; seasonings may intensify as they cook.
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to customize your soup further.
- Store Properly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Complementing your crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is easy with these tasty side dishes. Each option enhances your meal experience while keeping things simple.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks brushed with garlic butter pair wonderfully with this hearty soup.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad drizzled with vinaigrette adds freshness without overshadowing the main dish.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs make a delightful appetizer before diving into the soup.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, and basil provides a vibrant flavor contrast that works well alongside the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring warmth and richness that harmonizes beautifully with every spoonful of soup.
- Cheesy Garlic Knots: These doughy bites are excellent for soaking up broth while enjoying their cheesy goodness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes that can affect your dish.
- Skipping the Sautéing Step: Not browning the sausage and onions first can lead to a lack of flavor. Always sauté them for the best taste.
- Ignoring Ingredient Size: Chopping vegetables too large can result in uneven cooking times. Cut carrots and celery finely if you’re on a tight cooking schedule.
- Forgetting Seasoning: Adding salt and pepper at the end may not distribute evenly throughout the soup. Season during cooking for balanced flavors.
- Overcooking Tortellini: If you add tortellini too early, they may become mushy. Add them about 30 minutes before serving for perfect texture.
- Not Using Fresh Spinach: Substituting with frozen spinach changes the soup’s texture. Fresh spinach adds a delightful touch when added right before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- Let the soup cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags; it lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until warm.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes! You can substitute Italian sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
How do I make Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, replace sausage with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
How long does Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage take to cook?
It takes about 3-8 hours depending on whether you set your crockpot on low or high heat settings.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Don’t hesitate to try it out!
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a warm and comforting dish that seamlessly combines hearty Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and creamy cheese tortellini. Perfect for any occasion—from busy weeknights to cozy gatherings—this one-pot meal is not only easy to prepare but also brimming with flavor. Simply toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax. With rich flavors and delightful textures, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with crusty bread, each spoonful promises to deliver satisfaction and warmth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- 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)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (9-ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the sausage and onions over medium heat for about 7–8 minutes until fully cooked.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds before transferring the mixture to the Crockpot.
- Add carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the Crockpot.
- Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini, cream, and spinach. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
