This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it a standout choice during chilly evenings. With minimal prep time and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy this delightful soup without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Simply sauté, toss into the Crockpot, and let it work its magic.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and fresh ingredients results in a deliciously hearty soup.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this soup adapts well to your meal needs.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The creamy texture and tender tortellini make it a comforting choice on cold days.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and protein, it’s a healthy option for your family.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delicious soup, you’ll need some essential tools that will simplify your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Skillet
- Chopping Board
- Knife
- Measuring Cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow Cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, making meal prep easy and convenient.
- Skillet: Perfect for browning sausage to enhance its flavor before adding to the Crockpot.
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 Components
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups chicken broth
For the Tortellini Mixture
- 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: Prepare the Sausage
Add the sausage meat and onions to a skillet. Sauté for about 7-8 minutes, breaking the sausage meat up with your spoon until it is 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, transfer the sausage mixture to your Crockpot.
Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients
Add the carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth to the Crockpot. If you want the soup to cook in 3-4 hours, chop the carrots finely; larger pieces work better if cooking for 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.
Step 4: Add Tortellini and Spinach
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
Serving your Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage can elevate the experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious soup that will impress your family and friends.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: Pair your soup with slices of warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
- Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crispy garlic bread to complement the flavors.
Topped with Cheese
- Grated Parmesan: Sprinkle fresh grated Parmesan cheese on top for an added depth of flavor.
- Mozzarella: Add small mozzarella balls for a delightful, cheesy bite in every spoonful.
Accompanied by Salads
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
- Spinach Salad: Lighten up the meal with a fresh spinach salad topped with nuts and berries.
With Extra Veggies
- Sautéed Greens: Serve sautéed greens like kale or Swiss chard as a side dish for added nutrition.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables can provide a sweet and savory balance.
How to Perfect Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Perfecting your Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage involves simple adjustments and tips. Here are some suggestions to enhance your cooking process.
- Meat Choice: Use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick of flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil or oregano during cooking for vibrant taste.
- Cream Variation: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Cook Time Flexibility: Adjust cooking time based on the size of your vegetable pieces; smaller means quicker cooking!
- Taste Test: Always taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish Smartly: Top with fresh herbs just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Choosing the right side dishes can complement your Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage beautifully. Here are some excellent options that pair well.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks infused with garlic that are perfect for dipping.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add brightness.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and pickled vegetables for variety.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds texture and balances the creaminess of the soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty addition to the meal.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide a satisfying crunch alongside the smooth soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, a few common mistakes can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your soup is perfect.
- Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the sausage and onions can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always sauté them before adding them to the Crockpot.
- Chopping vegetables too large: Large pieces of carrots and celery may not cook through properly in a shorter cooking time. Chop them finely if you’re cooking on high for 3-4 hours.
- Not seasoning enough: Under-seasoning can make your soup bland. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving for the best flavor.
- Adding tortellini too early: Adding cheese tortellini too soon can result in mushy pasta. Wait until about 30 minutes before serving to add it to the pot.
- Ignoring cream: Skipping the cream may lead to a less creamy soup. If you prefer a richer taste, include it for extra deliciousness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Keep for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, stirring between each interval.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot, usually around 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making this delicious Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, read on!
Can I use other types of sausage?
Yes! Feel free to use chicken sausage or even vegetarian sausage as a substitute for Italian sausage.
How can I make this soup healthier?
Consider using turkey sausage or low-fat cream. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
What type of tortellini works best?
Refrigerated cheese tortellini is recommended for this recipe due to its quick cooking time and better texture.
Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all ingredients the night before and refrigerate them. Just add everything to your Crockpot in the morning.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, so give it a try!
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is the ultimate comfort dish, perfect for chilly evenings or busy weeknights. This creamy, hearty soup combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh vegetables, all effortlessly prepared in a slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 8 hours (low)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves about 6 people 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 sticks celery
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 18 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- In a skillet, sauté Italian sausage and chopped onions over medium heat until browned (about 7-8 minutes). Stir in minced garlic for an additional 30 seconds.
- Transfer the sausage mixture to your Crockpot. Add chopped carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For best results, finely chop vegetables if cooking on high.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cheese tortellini, heavy cream (if using), and fresh spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
