There's nothing like a warm bowl of Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage to comfort you on a chilly day. This creamy, hearty soup is packed with cheesy tortellini, savory sausage, and tender veggies, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. It's the kind of recipe that makes your kitchen smell incredible while you go about your day.
I first discovered this recipe when looking for a hands-off meal that didn’t compromise on flavor. It’s now a family favorite, making frequent appearances on our dinner table. Let me show you how to create this cozy dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage
Get ready to meet your new go-to dinner for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage is a crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes for taste, convenience, and versatility.
This recipe is incredibly easy to make. Simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. No babysitting required, so you can focus on other tasks while dinner practically makes itself.
The flavors are out of this world. The rich, creamy broth is perfectly seasoned, and the combination of cheesy tortellini with savory sausage creates a hearty, satisfying dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
It’s also budget-friendly. Using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients like Italian sausage, canned tomatoes, and frozen tortellini means you can create a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.
Finally, it’s versatile enough to suit all tastes. Whether you prefer mild or spicy sausage, spinach or kale, or even swapping tortellini for another pasta, this recipe adapts beautifully to what you have on hand.
Ingredients Notes
This Crockpot Tortellini Soup relies on a handful of staple ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need.
Italian sausage is the star of this recipe, bringing savory, spiced flavor to the soup. You can use either mild or spicy sausage, depending on your preference. If you want a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too.
Cheese tortellini is the heart of this soup, adding a cheesy, comforting element. Frozen tortellini is a great choice as it holds up beautifully in the slow cooker, but fresh tortellini works too if you add it later in the cooking process.
Crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce form the base of the broth, giving it a rich, tangy flavor. Choose high-quality canned tomatoes for the best results.
Baby spinach adds a pop of color and freshness to the soup. It wilts perfectly into the hot broth. If spinach isn’t your favorite, kale or even chopped zucchini are excellent substitutes.
Heavy cream and chicken broth create a luscious, creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even milk, though the soup will be slightly less rich.
You’ll also need basics like garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning to build layers of flavor. A slow cooker is the only equipment required, making cleanup a breeze.
How To Make This Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage
Creating this soup is as simple as layering ingredients into your slow cooker and letting it work its magic. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve perfection.
Start by browning Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. This step adds depth to the flavor and prevents the sausage from clumping together in the soup. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and transfer the sausage to your slow cooker.
Next, add your diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth to the crockpot. Stir to combine, and sprinkle in Italian seasoning for that signature blend of herbs and spices.
Set your slow cooker to low and let the soup cook for 4-5 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and aromatic broth.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini and baby spinach. The tortellini will cook to perfection in the hot broth, while the spinach wilts down and incorporates seamlessly into the soup.
Finally, pour in the heavy cream and give the soup a good stir. Let it simmer for another 10-15 minutes to thicken slightly and develop its creamy texture. Your Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage is now ready to enjoy.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (and you probably will, because this recipe makes a generous batch), storing them is easy. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just note that the tortellini may absorb some of the broth over time, so you might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.
For longer storage, freeze the soup without the tortellini. Once you’re ready to serve, thaw the soup, reheat it on the stove, and add fresh tortellini for the best texture.
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some fun variations to try.
Swap out the tortellini for another stuffed pasta, like ravioli or even mini pierogies. Each option brings a unique twist to the dish.
If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, skip the pasta entirely and add more veggies, like diced zucchini, cauliflower, or bell peppers. The soup will still be hearty and satisfying.
Experiment with different greens. While spinach is the classic choice, kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula work beautifully.
Change up the protein. Use ground beef, turkey, or even cooked shredded chicken instead of sausage. You can also make this vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more beans or mushrooms.
Feel free to spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for an extra kick.
With this Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage, the possibilities are endless. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a warm, comforting bowl of this delicious soup. It’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, just like it has in mine!
PrintCrockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food! Made with cheese-filled tortellini, savory sausage, and creamy broth, it’s an easy slow cooker recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 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 cooked sausage, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, basil, and oregano to the Crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream, spinach (if using), and tortellini.
- Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Fresh or frozen tortellini can be used, but adjust cooking time as needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1100mg
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