This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or need a quick meal after a busy day, this hearty soup brings warmth and comfort. With flavorful Italian sausage, creamy tortellini, and vibrant spinach, this recipe stands out for its rich taste and ease of preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes of prep time, you can easily whip this soup together and let your slow cooker do the rest.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and tomatoes creates a savory base that enhances the entire dish’s flavor profile.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand, making this recipe versatile for different tastes.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love cheese tortellini! This dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your home.
- Comforting and Filling: Packed with protein and vegetables, this soup makes a complete meal that warms you from the inside out.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over time without constant attention.
- Skillet: Perfect for sautéing sausage and onions to develop rich flavors before adding them to the slow cooker.
Ingredients
Protein
- 16 ounces Italian sausage (see note)
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced or chopped)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
Canned Goods
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups chicken broth
Pasta
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
Dairy
- 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 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: Incorporate Garlic
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Transfer the sausage mixture to your Crockpot.
Step 3: Combine Remaining Ingredients
- Add chopped carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth to the Crockpot.
- Note that if you want the soup to cook in 3-4 hours, chop the carrots finely; larger pieces are fine for longer cooking times.
Step 4: Finish Before Serving
- About 30 minutes prior to serving, add cheese tortellini, cream, and spinach to the Crockpot.
- Set heat to high and stir occasionally.
- Season with salt & pepper as needed before serving.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, perfect for any chilly evening!
How to Serve Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
This comforting Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you want to enhance the flavors or simply add a touch of elegance to your meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
With Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor.
- Parsley Garnish: Add chopped parsley for a refreshing look and taste.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Pair it with garlic bread for a deliciously savory combination.
Topped with Cheese
- Grated Parmesan: Finish off each bowl with grated Parmesan for added richness.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Top the soup with shredded mozzarella cheese that melts beautifully.
Alongside a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the soup well.
- Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad adds freshness and balance.
How to Perfect Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
To ensure your Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips. They will enhance both the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Use quality sausage: Choose Italian sausage with good seasoning to boost flavor.
- Don’t skip the sautéing: Sautéing the sausage and onions first brings out their best flavors.
- Adjust cooking time wisely: If you’re in a hurry, finely chop veggies to speed up cooking.
- Add cream at the right time: Stir in cream about 30 minutes before serving for a creamy finish.
- Season gradually: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper just before serving.
- Store leftovers properly: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some tasty options that complement this hearty meal nicely.
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the soup.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, croutons, and dressing make this a classic choice.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil adds freshness.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms are a delightful appetizer option.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze makes for a fresh side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring nutrition and color to your meal.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch that contrasts nicely with the soup’s creaminess.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad packed with veggies offers healthy balance alongside the rich soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, a few common errors can affect the dish’s flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the browning step: Not browning the sausage and onions can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always sauté them first to enhance the taste of your soup.
- Ignoring ingredient size: Cutting vegetables too large can result in uneven cooking. Chop carrots and celery finely if you’re cooking on high heat for a shorter time.
- Overcooking the tortellini: Adding tortellini too early can make it mushy. Add it about 30 minutes before serving for the perfect texture.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. Each broth has different sodium levels, so always check your seasoning.
- Using the wrong type of tomatoes: Using tomatoes without juices can make your soup too thick or dry. Always include diced tomatoes with their juices for the best consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
- It lasts up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- Freeze in individual portions for easy meals later.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will last up to 3 months.
Reheating Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage.
Can I use frozen tortellini in Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking as you would with fresh ones.
What type of sausage is best for this recipe?
Italian sausage is recommended for its flavor. You can choose between sweet or spicy based on your preference.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Consider using turkey sausage instead of pork and substitute half-and-half for heavy cream or omit it entirely for a lighter version.
Can I add other vegetables to my Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage?
Absolutely! Feel free to add zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace the sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is an easy yet delicious dish that brings comfort and warmth to any mealtime. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Give this wonderful recipe a try; you’re sure to enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is the quintessential comfort food that warms your heart and fills your belly. With its rich blend of savory Italian sausage, creamy cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach, this slow-cooked dish offers a symphony of flavors in every spoonful. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, you’ll love how easy it is to prepare—just sauté a few ingredients and let your slow cooker do the rest. In under 20 minutes of prep time, you can create a hearty meal that even picky eaters will adore. Enjoy this delicious soup paired with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- 2 (9-ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Chopped vegetables: onion, garlic, carrots, celery
Instructions
- In a skillet, sauté the Italian sausage and chopped onions over medium heat for about 7-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds before transferring the mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add chopped carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cheese tortellini, cream (if using), and fresh spinach.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
