Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe

Easy Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe for Cozy Nights

Hearty and comforting, this crockpot tortellini soup with sausage delivers pure culinary magic straight to your dinner table.

Savory Italian sausage blends seamlessly with tender cheese tortellini, creating a soul-warming meal that speaks directly to comfort food lovers.

Slow-cooked ingredients meld together, developing rich, deep flavors that dance across your palate.

Packed with vegetables and aromatic herbs, this soup transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

The convenience of a crockpot means minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness.

Each spoonful promises warmth, satisfaction, and a delightful escape from ordinary weeknight meals.

Prepare to fall in love with this incredibly easy and delectable soup that will quickly become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love Tortellini Sausage Soup

Why You’ll Love Tortellini Sausage Soup
  • Crockpot magic transforms this recipe into a hands-off meal where you can set and forget, making dinner preparation a breeze.
  • Browning sausage before adding to the crockpot creates deep, rich layers of taste that elevate the entire soup from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Flexible cooking times and optional ingredients like cream allow you to adapt the recipe to your schedule and personal preferences, making it perfect for busy households.
  • Packed with protein from sausage, vegetables like carrots and spinach, and hearty tortellini, this soup delivers a balanced meal that satisfies and nourishes in a single comforting dish.

What’s in Tortellini Sausage Soup

Protein Base:
  • Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: The liquid foundation that provides a savory base for the soup.
Vegetables:
  • Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic base to the soup's flavor profile.
  • Carrots, Celery: Provide texture and a classic vegetable blend for added nutrition.
  • Garlic: Offers a pungent and intense flavor to enhance the overall taste.
  • Baby Spinach: Brings a fresh, green element and additional nutrients to the soup.
Pasta and Dairy:
  • Tortellini: A cheese-filled pasta that adds heartiness and substance to the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a creamy and luxurious texture when added to the soup.
Canned Goods and Seasonings:
  • Canned Tomatoes: Contribute a tangy and slightly acidic flavor to the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that help balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

How to Make This Tortellini Soup

How to Make This Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Sausage and Onions

Brown sausage and onions in a skillet over medium heat.

Cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking up the sausage while it develops a golden color.

This step builds deep flavor and creates a delicious foundation for the soup.

Step 2: Awaken Garlic Aromas

Add minced garlic to the sausage mixture.

Sauté for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.

Transfer the entire mixture to the crockpot, spreading those incredible aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

Combine ingredients in the crockpot:
  • Chopped carrots
  • Chopped celery
  • Canned tomatoes
  • Chicken broth

For quicker cooking, dice carrots finely.

Set crockpot to low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, depending on your schedule.

Step 4: Finish With Creamy Goodness

30 minutes before serving, add:
  • Tortellini
  • Heavy cream
  • Baby spinach

Cook until tortellini becomes tender and spinach wilts.

Taste and season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls.

The rich, comforting mixture of sausage, vegetables, and creamy tortellini creates a perfect meal for any day of the week.

Tips for Creamy Tortellini Soup

Tips for Creamy Tortellini Soup
  • Properly brown sausage in a skillet to develop deep, caramelized notes that significantly enhance the soup's overall taste profile.
  • Add garlic for just 30 seconds during sautéing to release its aroma without creating bitter, burnt undertones.
  • Adjust crockpot settings between low (7-8 hours) and high (4-5 hours) based on your daily schedule and meal preparation needs.
  • Chop carrots finely for faster cooking or keep them chunky for a more rustic texture, depending on personal preference.
  • Add spinach and tortellini near the end of cooking to preserve their texture and prevent overcooking, ensuring a vibrant and fresh final dish.

Storing and Reheating Tortellini Sausage Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Avoid freezing tortellini as it may become mushy during thawing.
  • Pour desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap with a small vent. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until steaming hot. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Pour soup into a saucepan. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Prevent boiling to maintain tortellini texture. Heat until thoroughly warm and steaming.

Great Sides for Tortellini Soup

  • Flavor-Boosting Wine Pairing: Select a medium-bodied Italian red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich sausage and hearty soup. These wines have enough acidity to cut through the creamy texture while enhancing the savory meat flavors.
  • Bread Companion: Serve crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta slices alongside the soup. The crispy, buttery bread will soak up the delicious broth and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the soft tortellini and tender vegetables.
  • Herbaceous Side Salad: Create a light arugula salad with shaved parmesan, lemon vinaigrette, and toasted pine nuts. The peppery greens and bright dressing will refresh the palate between spoonfuls of the hearty soup, balancing its richness with a zesty touch.
  • Cheese Accent: Sprinkle freshly grated pecorino romano or parmesan on top of the soup just before serving. These hard Italian cheeses add a salty, nutty dimension that elevates the overall flavor profile and brings additional depth to each bite.

Tortellini Soup Flavor Variations

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace tortellini with gluten-free cheese tortellini or swap with zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or extra firm tofu, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Skip the cream or use coconut milk for a creamy texture without dairy, ensuring all other ingredients remain dairy-free.
  • Keto-Friendly Modification: Replace tortellini with cauliflower florets, use heavy cream, and add extra spinach to keep the soup low-carb and ketogenic-friendly.

FAQs

  • Why brown the sausage before adding to the crockpot?

Browning the sausage creates deeper flavor through caramelization. It adds rich, complex taste that simple boiling can’t achieve. The extra step makes the soup more delicious and restaurant-quality.

  • Can I use different types of sausage?

Absolutely! Italian sausage works great, but you can also use turkey sausage for a lighter option or spicy sausage if you want more heat. Choose a sausage that matches your flavor preference.

  • Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes! This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time. Just reheat gently and enjoy.

  • How can I make this soup more filling?

Add more protein like extra sausage or cooked chicken. You can also include additional vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to boost nutrition and make the soup more substantial.

Print
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Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe

Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot tortellini soup with sausage delivers comfort in a bowl, blending Italian-inspired flavors with simple slow cooker magic. Cheesy pasta, savory sausage, and tender vegetables promise a soul-warming meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 16 ounces (454 grams) Italian sausage
  • 2 (9 ounce) (255 grams) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
  • 1 (28 ounce) (794 grams) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14 ounce) (397 grams) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
  • 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 medium carrots (sliced or chopped)
  • 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) heavy/whipping cream (optional)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté sausage and onions for 7-8 minutes, breaking meat into crumbles and achieving golden caramelization for enhanced flavor profile.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then transfer entire mixture to crockpot without burning aromatics.
  3. Incorporate chopped carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth into crockpot. Select cooking time: low setting for 7-8 hours or high setting for 4-5 hours depending on available preparation time.
  4. Thirty minutes before serving, introduce tortellini, heavy cream, and baby spinach into the soup. Continue cooking until pasta reaches tender consistency and spinach wilts completely.
  5. Conduct final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to elevate overall taste experience. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly and ensure harmonious flavor integration.

Notes

  • Enhance sausage flavor by ensuring proper browning, creating a rich, caramelized base that elevates the entire soup’s depth and complexity.
  • Chop vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and texture, allowing carrots and celery to soften perfectly throughout the slow-cooking process.
  • Prevent dairy curdling by adding cream and tortellini towards the end of cooking, maintaining a smooth, creamy consistency without separating.
  • Customize the soup for dietary needs by substituting chicken sausage for lower-fat options, using gluten-free tortellini, or replacing cream with coconut milk for dairy-free variations.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours (on low) or 4 hours (on high)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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