This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is the perfect bowl of comfort for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner party or just looking for a quick weeknight meal, this slow cooker soup fits the bill. Packed with flavorful Italian sausage, creamy cheese tortellini, and vibrant spinach, it’s a dish that warms both the heart and the belly. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that requires minimal prep time, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while your flavors meld beautifully.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Italian sausage and fresh veggies creates a rich taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dish: This soup can be served as a main course or paired with crusty bread for dipping.
- Comforting Meal: Perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little extra warmth in your day.
- Feeding a Crowd: Easily serves six, making it great for family gatherings or meal prepping.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Crockpot
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Crockpot: This is the star of the show. It allows for hands-off cooking, letting the flavors develop over time.
- Skillet: A skillet is crucial for browning the sausage and onions before adding them to the crockpot, enhancing flavor.
- Cutting board & Knife: These are necessary for chopping vegetables 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)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups chicken broth
For the Tortellini Addition
- 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 chopped onions to a skillet.
- Sauté for about 7-8 minutes until browned, breaking up the sausage meat with your spoon.
- If needed, spoon out some excess fat before proceeding.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
- Stir in minced garlic into the skillet with sausage and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer this mixture to your crockpot.
- Add sliced carrots, finely chopped celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth into the crockpot.
Step 3: Adjust Cooking Time Based on Carrot Size
- If cooking on high for 3-4 hours, chop carrots finely to ensure they cook through.
- If cooking on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, larger carrot pieces are fine.
Step 4: Finish Up Before Serving
- About 30 minutes prior to serving time, add cheese tortellini, cream (if using), and spinach into the crockpot.
- Set heat to high and stir occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, perfect for any gathering or cozy night in!
How to Serve Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Serving this delicious Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage can elevate your meal experience. Here are some creative ways to serve it, ensuring your dinner is both satisfying and appealing.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Sourdough – The tangy flavor complements the soup perfectly.
- Garlic Bread – Adds a buttery, aromatic crunch that enhances every bite.
- Breadsticks – Soft and chewy, these are perfect for dipping.
Top with Fresh Ingredients
- Parmesan Cheese – A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor.
- Fresh Basil – Chopped basil brings a fresh aroma and brightens the dish.
- Croutons – For added texture, croutons provide a crispy contrast.
Serve in Individual Bowls
- Personalized Bowls – Serving in individual bowls makes the meal feel special.
- Toppings Bar – Set up a toppings station for guests to customize their soup.
How to Perfect Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Perfecting your Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage ensures every bowl is bursting with flavor. Here are some tips to enhance your soup.
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the taste significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed for balance.
- Add More Veggies – For extra nutrition, consider adding zucchini or bell peppers.
- Experiment with Spices – Try Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for added warmth.
- Choose Quality Sausage – High-quality sausage makes a big difference in flavor.
- Store Properly – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Mixed Green Salad – A refreshing salad balances out the richness of the soup. Dress it lightly with vinaigrette.
- Caprese Salad – This classic Italian salad of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil complements the flavors beautifully.
- Antipasto Platter – Offer a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and olives for an appetizer that resembles Italian dining.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits – These fluffy biscuits add warmth and comfort alongside the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies provide a healthy crunch that pairs well with the creamy soup.
- Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory stuffed mushrooms can be an elegant side, filled with cheese and herbs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect dish.
- Overcooking the vegetables: If you cut your carrots and celery too large, they may not cook through by the time the soup is ready. Chop them finely for quicker cooking.
- Forgetting to sauté the sausage: Skipping this step can lead to bland flavors. Always brown the sausage first for a richer taste.
- Using the wrong broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in your soup. This allows you to season it better later on.
- Adding tortellini too early: If added too soon, tortellini can become mushy. Wait until 30 minutes before serving to maintain their texture.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Always taste before serving. Adding salt and pepper at the end helps enhance the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Use within 3-4 days for best flavor and freshness.
Freezing Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- Allow soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat gently in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes! Feel free to use turkey or chicken sausage as a lighter option or even vegetarian sausage if desired.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free version while keeping it creamy.
How long does it take to cook on low?
Cooking on low takes about 7-8 hours, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Is Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage healthy?
This soup is quite balanced with protein from the sausage, carbs from the tortellini, and nutrients from spinach and vegetables.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to include zucchini, bell peppers, or kale for added nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can personalize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting seasonings. Try this recipe today; it’s sure to become a beloved family favorite!
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. This hearty soup features savory Italian sausage, creamy cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach, all simmered together in a rich tomato broth to create a dish that warms both the heart and the belly. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can set it to cook and let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your day. Whether served alone or paired with crusty bread, this flavorful soup is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 16 oz Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 packages (9 oz each) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- In a skillet, sauté sausage and onions over medium heat until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Transfer the sausage mixture to a crockpot. Add carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If cooking on high, chop carrots finely.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in tortellini, cream (if using), and spinach into the crockpot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
