Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup
The aroma of savory spices and creamy goodness wafts through the kitchen, enticing everyone to gather around the table. The rich, inviting scent of Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup creates an atmosphere of comfort and warmth, perfect for a chilly evening. Picture a bowl of this delicious soup, steaming and hearty, filled with plump tortellini, vibrant spinach, and robust sausage, just waiting to be enjoyed.
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a hectic weeknight, and I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. But as the soup simmered away in the slow cooker, the stress melted away, replaced by the cozy anticipation of sharing a meal with my family. This Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup is not only a feast for the senses but also an easy way to bring everyone together. So, grab your slow cooker and prepare for a comforting culinary adventure that will surely warm your heart!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just a few minutes of prep, this soup practically makes itself in the slow cooker, perfect for busy days.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and creamy broth creates a rich, flavorful taste that’s equally comforting and satisfying.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: This soup’s vibrant colors from the carrots and fresh spinach make it not only delicious but also a lovely dish to serve.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even as a make-ahead lunch option for work or school.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets using gluten-free tortellini and can be made dairy-free without cream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage: This adds rich flavor and heartiness to the soup. You can substitute with turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Fresh onion provides a sweet base for the soup. Shallots can be used if you prefer a milder flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic enhances the overall flavor. Feel free to use jarred minced garlic for convenience.
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and thinly sliced): Carrots add sweetness and color. You can swap in other vegetables like zucchini for a twist.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Chicken broth forms the soup base. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs adds depth and character—make your own with oregano, basil, and thyme, if preferred.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Orange seasoning through the dish. Adjust according to your taste preferences and broth saltiness.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper enhances the soup’s complexity. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give it a spicy kick!
- 1 packet (19-ounce) frozen cheese tortellini: These tender bites of pasta turn the soup into a filling meal. Feel free to use refrigerated tortellini for a fresher taste.
- 1½ cups heavy cream: Cream gives the soup its rich, velvety texture. For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or coconut cream.
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves: Spinach adds a bright color and vital nutrients. Kale can be a hearty substitute if you prefer it.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Parmesan enhances creaminess and flavor. Grana Padano works as a less expensive alternative.
- Parsley for garnish: Fresh parsley brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
How to Make Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup
Brown the Sausage: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the ground Italian sausage and cook it until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. This step develops a deeper flavor profile in your soup. Be sure to drain off any excess grease before transferring the sausage to your slow cooker.
Add the Vegetables: In the slow cooker, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and thinly sliced carrots. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure the veggies intermingle with the sausage. This is where the magic begins as the aromas of the vegetables waft up!
Pour the Broth: Next, pour in the chicken broth over the sausage and vegetables. It’s important to use a good quality broth to enhance the overall taste. Add in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and stir until evenly combined, creating a fragrant base for your **Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup**.
Let It Simmer: Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the carrots are tender and the flavors meld beautifully together. Don’t rush this part—the longer it simmers, the better the taste, as the ingredients get to know each other!
Add the Tortellini: About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the frozen cheese tortellini. This will cook to a perfect al dente in the rich broth, transforming your soup into a delightful, hearty dish.
Stir in the Cream: Once the tortellini is tender, gently stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Watch as the spinach wilts and the soup turns a luscious creamy consistency. This is the stage where dreams of cozy nights come to fruition!
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, take a moment to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. A sprinkle of extra salt or pepper might be just what it needs to elevate the flavors perfectly. Serve in bowls garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a great finish!
Storing & Reheating
Proper storage is key—let your Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup cool and then transfer it to an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Keep in mind the texture may change slightly due to the cream; stir in a little extra cream or broth to refresh it.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking the tortellini, as they can become mushy if left in the slow cooker too long. Add them in the last hour for the best texture!
- For an even deeper flavor, consider sautéing the onions and garlic in the same skillet used for the sausage.
- If you love extra greens, toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers or peas right before serving.
- Keep an eye on the salt level based on your broth; it’s easier to add than take away!
- This soup is perfect for meal prepping—double the batch and freeze half for a quick dinner option later!
The beauty of Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup lies not just in how comforting it is, but also in how easy it is to prepare. It brings your family together with minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy the cozy moments without spending hours in the kitchen. So, consider experimenting with your favorite ingredients, perhaps swapping out the tortellini for another type of pasta or adding your favorite vegetables. Embrace the joyful process of cooking, and watch as your loved ones savor each delightful spoonful.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, you can absolutely use fresh tortellini! Fresh tortellini will typically take a shorter cooking time, so add them to the slow cooker in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Making the soup ahead of time is a great idea! You can prepare it the night before and let it simmer in the slow cooker the next day. Just keep in mind that adding cream and spinach is best done right before serving for optimal freshness.
Is it possible to make this soup lighter?
Sure! To reduce calories, you can use turkey or chicken sausage, swap heavy cream for half-and-half, or use a light cream alternative. Additionally, load up on extra vegetables to enhance the nutritional value without adding too many calories.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No slow cooker? No problem! You can make this soup on the stovetop. Follow the same steps in a large pot, adjusting cooking times accordingly. Simmer everything for about 30-40 minutes until the flavors meld and the carrots are tender, adding the tortellini towards the end as you would in the slow cooker.
More Instant Pot Recipes
- Crockpot Taco Casserole
- Slow Cooker Sausage and Peppers
- Crockpot Peppermint Hot Chocolate
- Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup
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📖 Recipe Card
Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Enjoy a hearty bowl of Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup on chilly evenings. With savory Italian sausage, creamy broth, and tender tortellini, this easy dish ensures everyone gathers around the table for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 packet (19-ounce) frozen cheese tortellini
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a skillet and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced carrots to the slow cooker and stir.
- Pour chicken broth over the mixture and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until carrots are tender.
- Stir in frozen tortellini 30 minutes before serving.
- Add heavy cream, spinach, and Parmesan cheese to the soup before serving.
Notes
Add fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Use gluten-free tortellini for dietary needs.
This soup can be stored and reheated easily.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
