Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a comforting meal that warms you up from the inside out. With its delightful combination of savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh greens, this dish is not only filling but also easy to prepare. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just toss everything into the crockpot and let the magic happen! You’ll love coming home to the inviting aroma of this delicious soup, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Why We Love This Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
There are countless reasons to appreciate this Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup. For starters, it’s a one-pot wonder that saves you time and hassle during meal prep. The crockpot does all the work for you, infusing the ingredients with flavor as they cook together. This soup is incredibly versatile; whether you prefer mild or spicy sausage, you can easily customize it to suit your taste. Moreover, with its rich and creamy texture from the heavy cream and the delightful cheesy tortellini, every bite feels like a warm hug. Plus, it allows you to sneak in some greens, making it a wholesome meal for the whole family.
Ingredients about Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
To create this delicious soup, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
How to Make Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup Directions
Making this soup is a breeze, requiring only a few simple steps to achieve a hearty and flavorful meal. Start by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. As the sausage sizzles and releases its delightful aroma, be sure to break it into smaller pieces with a spatula for even cooking. Once browned, drain any excess grease, and allow the sausage to cool slightly.
In the same skillet, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté these aromatic ingredients for about 3 to 5 minutes, until they turn tender and fragrant. This step enhances the overall flavor of your soup, bringing out the sweetness of the onions and the warmth of the garlic.
Next, transfer the browned sausage and sautéed mixture into your crockpot. To this, add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes, if you’re up for a little heat. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and give everything a good mix.
Now, set your crockpot to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, closing the lid to allow the ingredients to meld beautifully over time. As you get closer to serving, about 30 minutes before it’s time to eat, stir in the tortellini and heavy cream. This addition creates a rich, creamy texture that elevates the soup’s flavor profile.
Just 10 minutes before serving, carefully fold in the baby spinach or kale. These greens will wilt quickly and add a burst of color and nutrients to your meal. Make sure to give your soup a gentle stir, allowing everything to combine beautifully.
Once the cooking time is up, ladle the warm soup into bowls and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for a delightful finish. The nutty and salty flavor of the cheese complements the creamy soup, making it irresistible!
How to Serve Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Serving this soup is as enjoyable as making it. Once you’ve ladled the soup into bowls, consider topping each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This not only adds flavor but also a touch of elegance to your presentation. You may want to accompany the soup with some crusty bread or homemade garlic bread to soak up every last drop.
For a colorful touch, you can garnish the soup with fresh basil or parsley, enhancing the visual appeal and freshening the taste. Each bowl is warm, inviting, and perfectly portioned for sharing with family and friends.
Enjoy your soup as is, or create a cozy meal by pairing it with a simple side salad for added freshness. This dish also makes for a satisfying lunch the next day, with its flavors only getting better as it sits.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Creating a memorable Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup can be even easier with a few expert tips:
- Choose the Right Sausage: Depending on your preference, opt for mild or spicy Italian sausage. This key ingredient defines the overall flavor of your soup.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Tortellini: Feel free to use fresh or frozen tortellini. Fresh tortellini cooks faster and adds a lovely texture to the soup, while frozen tortellini is equally delicious and saves you prep time.
- Adjust Cooking Time: If you are adding fresh vegetables or altering the amount of tortellini, be mindful of the cooking time. Fresh vegetables may require a shorter cooking duration.
- Thicken Your Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, consider adding a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with water) during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a luxurious texture.
- Customizable Greens: Spinach or kale are great options, but feel free to add other leafy greens like Swiss chard or arugula based on your preference.
How to Store Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Storing your leftover Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup is simple. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature after serving. Once cooled, portion the leftovers into airtight containers, making sure to leave a little space at the top for expansion in the freezer.
This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When freezing, consider using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Just remember to label your containers with the date for easy reference.
To reheat, simply place the soup in a saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Variation of Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
While the original version of this soup is delicious on its own, there are many ways you can customize it to keep things interesting. Consider trying one or more of these variations:
- Vegetable Medley: Add chopped carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for more color and nutrition. These vegetables can be added at the beginning of the cooking process.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a more dynamic flavor. You can stir in cheese at the end of cooking for a melty, cheesy finish.
- Herb Infusions: Instead of Italian seasoning, try using fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or even a bay leaf for a different flavor profile.
- Extra Creaminess: For a richer taste, add an extra splash of heavy cream just before serving. This makes the soup even more luxurious and satisfying.
- Protein Swap: If you want to make it slightly healthier, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of sausage. The flavors will vary, but you can still achieve a hearty meal.
FAQ
What is the best way to make Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
The best way to make Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup is to brown the sausage first, sauté the onions and garlic, and then combine everything in the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours for optimal flavor.
Can I freeze Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
Yes, Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat when ready to enjoy.
What can I serve with Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
You can serve this soup with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh side salad. These options complement the soup and enhance your meal.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To make the soup spicier, add more crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage. You could also add sliced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to elevate the heat level.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just keep in mind that you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on what you add.
Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed) Choose according to preference.
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) For added heat.
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen) Use fresh for quicker cooking.
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping) Adds flavor when serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into smaller pieces while cooking.
- Drain any excess grease and let the sausage cool slightly.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic for about 3 to 5 minutes until tender and fragrant.
Cooking
- Transfer the browned sausage and sautéed mixture into the crockpot.
- Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Set the crockpot to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini and heavy cream.
- Just before serving, fold in the baby spinach or kale and gently stir.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!