Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe

The Coziest Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe Ever

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of hearty crockpot tortellini soup with sausage that warms you from the inside out.

Tender cheese-filled pasta swirls through a rich, savory broth packed with robust Italian sausage and tender vegetables.

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this simple, soul-satisfying recipe.

The slow cooker works magic, blending flavors into a mouthwatering meal that requires minimal effort.

Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of meaty, cheesy goodness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Nutritious and delicious, this soup transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

Key Ingredients for Tortellini Soup Crockpot

Protein:
  • Sausage: Provides a rich, savory flavor and hearty texture to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for the soup.
Vegetables and Seasonings:
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly acidic taste to the soup.
  • Onion, Garlic: Provide depth and aromatic base flavors.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings a classic herb blend to enhance the overall taste.
  • Spinach: Adds freshness, color, and nutritional value to the dish.
Dairy and Pasta:
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a creamy and smooth texture for the soup.
  • Cheese Tortellini: Serves as the primary pasta component, adding richness and substance.
Finishing Touches:
  • Salt, Pepper: Helps to balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Steps for Crockpot Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage Crumbles

Grab a skillet and heat it over medium flame.

Crumble the sausage into the pan, breaking it down into bite-sized pieces.

Let the meat cook until it turns golden brown and releases its savory aroma.

Drain away any extra grease to keep the soup light and delicious.

Step 2: Build Slow Cooker Magic

Transfer the cooked sausage crumbles into your crockpot.

Pour in these ingredients:
  • Chicken broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chopped onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Italian seasoning

Set the crockpot to low and let everything simmer and meld together for 4-5 hours, creating a rich and flavorful base.

Step 3: Enrich with Creamy Goodness

Stir in heavy cream and cheese tortellini to transform the soup.

Let it cook for another 30 minutes until the tortellini becomes perfectly tender and soft.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Greens

Toss in fresh spinach right before serving.

Watch it gently wilt into the soup, adding a pop of color and extra nutrition.

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls and enjoy the comforting blend of hearty sausage, creamy tortellini, and fresh spinach.

Tips for Hearty Tortellini Soup

  • Choose high-quality Italian sausage for deeper flavor and authentic taste, preferring mild or spicy varieties based on personal preference.
  • Add tortellini during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain perfect texture and prevent overcooking, ensuring tender pasta.
  • Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for different nutritional profiles and varied green vegetable experiences.
  • Use room temperature heavy cream and stir gently to prevent curdling, creating a smooth and silky soup base.
  • Prepare soup base in advance and refrigerate, adding tortellini and cream just before serving for convenient meal planning.

Tortellini Soup Variations for Crockpot Fans

  • Vegetarian Comfort: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version. Use vegetable broth and add extra herbs for depth of flavor.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap cheese tortellini with gluten-free tortellini or substitute with quinoa or rice pasta. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
  • Lighter Option: Use turkey sausage instead of traditional pork sausage. Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce calories and fat content.
  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the crockpot. Include a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat and complexity in the soup's flavor profile.

Plating Up Tortellini Soup with Sausage

  • Cozy Comfort Bowl: Pair this hearty soup with crusty garlic bread for soaking up every delicious drop of broth.
  • Gourmet Garnish Station: Top with fresh grated parmesan, red pepper flakes, and chopped fresh basil to enhance flavor complexity.
  • Family-Style Feast: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with light vinaigrette to balance the soup's rich and creamy texture.
  • Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the soup with a medium-bodied red like Chianti or a crisp white Pinot Grigio to elevate the meal.

Soup Storage Tips for the Week

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the spinach separate to prevent wilting and maintain its fresh texture.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, excluding tortellini and spinach for best quality.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm. Add fresh spinach after reheating.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even ground beef for a different flavor profile.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze this soup without the tortellini and spinach. Add those fresh when reheating to maintain their texture and taste.

  • How can I make this soup lighter?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories. You can also use low-fat tortellini and lean sausage for a healthier version.

  • Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, swap sausage with plant-based sausage or additional vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely vegetarian option.

Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage – Why It Works

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Crockpot cooking lets you toss ingredients together with minimal effort, making dinner a breeze while you focus on other tasks.
  • Boost Family Comfort: Hearty sausage and cheese tortellini create a warm, satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for cozy family dinners.
  • Pack Nutritious Flavors: Spinach adds a fresh, healthy element to the rich soup, balancing the robust sausage and creamy tortellini for a well-rounded meal.
  • One-Pot Wonder: This recipe requires minimal cleanup, combining protein, vegetables, and pasta in a single crockpot for convenient and delicious dining.
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Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe

Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting crockpot tortellini soup brings Italian warmth to dinner tables with hearty sausage and cheesy pasta. Families will savor this simple, nourishing one-pot meal that warms souls from first spoonful to last bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 package (16 ounces / 453 grams) cheese tortellini

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 can (14 ounces / 397 grams) diced tomatoes

Liquids and Seasonings:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sear ground sausage in a skillet at medium temperature, fragmenting into small, uniform pieces while eliminating excess fat.
  2. Transfer browned sausage into crockpot, combining with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning blend.
  3. Slow cook the mixture on low setting for 4-5 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop rich, aromatic profile.
  4. Pour heavy cream into the soup and gently introduce cheese tortellini, continuing to cook for approximately 30 minutes until pasta reaches desired tenderness.
  5. During final moments of cooking, delicately fold fresh spinach leaves into the soup, permitting them to softly wilt and integrate with warm liquid.
  6. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance overall flavor complexity.
  7. Ladle steaming soup into serving bowls, ensuring each portion captures generous amounts of sausage, tortellini, and wilted spinach.
  8. Serve immediately while hot, offering a comforting and hearty meal perfect for cool evenings or casual gatherings.

Notes

  • Customize sausage choice by using turkey or plant-based alternatives for healthier protein options.
  • Quickly brown sausage before slow cooking to enhance depth of flavor and reduce excess fat.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or dairy-free milk alternatives for lighter versions of the soup.
  • Maximize nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini or kale alongside spinach for more color and nutrients.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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