There’s nothing like coming home to the comforting aroma of Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage simmering away. This creamy, hearty soup is packed with tender tortellini, flavorful Italian sausage, and fresh vegetables, making it the ultimate one-pot meal.
The first time I made this, it was for a busy weeknight dinner when I needed something easy but satisfying. One bowl in, and my family was hooked! Now, it’s a go-to recipe when I want something both effortless and delicious. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a keeper!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation! This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage checks all the boxes for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy days.
The flavors are simply irresistible. The savory sausage, cheesy tortellini, and creamy broth create a rich and satisfying dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can customize the vegetables, swap out the protein, or adjust the seasonings to suit your family’s taste.
Finally, this soup is perfect for meal prep. It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for leftovers or packed lunches during the week.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage lies in its combination of simple, flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Italian Sausage: Opt for mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference. It adds a robust, savory flavor that’s the backbone of this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too.
- Tortellini: Cheese-stuffed tortellini is my go-to, but you can use any variety you love—spinach, mushroom, or even sausage-filled tortellini all work.
- Crushed Tomatoes: These give the soup a rich, tomato-based foundation. If you prefer a chunkier texture, diced tomatoes are a great substitute.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the broth so creamy and indulgent. For a lighter version, half-and-half or even evaporated milk can be used.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients. Kale or Swiss chard are excellent alternatives if you prefer heartier greens.
- Chicken Broth: Use a good-quality broth for the best flavor. Vegetable broth is a fine substitute if you want to keep it vegetarian (just omit the sausage).
No special equipment is needed beyond your trusty slow cooker and a good knife for prepping the veggies.
How to Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Creating this delicious soup is as easy as it gets. Here’s how to bring it all together:
- Brown the Sausage: Start by cooking the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and transfer the sausage to your slow cooker.
- Add the Base Ingredients: To the crockpot, add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, minced garlic, chopped onion, and your favorite Italian seasonings. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich, savory broth.
- Add Tortellini and Cream: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the tortellini and heavy cream. The tortellini will cook perfectly in the hot broth, and the cream will transform the soup into something silky and luscious.
- Finish with Spinach: Just before serving, stir in the spinach. It will wilt beautifully in the heat of the soup.
In total, this recipe takes about 6-7 hours from start to finish, most of which is hands-off time. When it’s ready, you’ll have a warm, comforting meal waiting for you.
Storage Options
This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is perfect for leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: If you want to freeze it, leave out the tortellini, as it can get mushy after thawing. Simply freeze the soup base and add fresh tortellini when reheating. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to restore its creamy consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can add white beans or chickpeas for protein.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap the tortellini for zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for a kick of heat.
- Cheese Lovers: Stir in some shredded Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for extra cheesy goodness.
- Different Greens: Try kale, Swiss chard, or arugula instead of spinach for a different flavor profile.
Experimenting with variations ensures this soup never gets boring, no matter how often you make it!
This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a comforting dinner for a quiet evening at home, it’s sure to be a hit. So, grab your slow cooker and give it a try—you’ll be glad you did!
PrintCrockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe
This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food! Made with savory sausage, tender tortellini, and a rich, creamy broth, it’s an easy slow-cooker recipe perfect for any night of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 package (16 oz) cheese tortellini
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the sausage, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning to the crockpot. Cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cheese tortellini. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, until the tortellini is tender.
- Add fresh spinach just before serving, allowing it to wilt. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra spice, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Substitute fresh spinach with kale if desired.
- Adjust consistency by adding more broth if the soup is too thick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1250mg
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