Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe

There's nothing more comforting than coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage after a long day. This hearty dish combines tender cheese-stuffed tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and a creamy tomato broth for a meal that's as satisfying as it is simple to make.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly cold winter, and it's been a lifesaver on busy days ever since. Just toss the ingredients into the crockpot, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Let's dive into the details so you can bring this bowl of coziness to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage

Get ready to fall in love with this easy, soul-warming soup. It’s everything you want in a comforting dinner and more.

1. It’s Effortless: With the crockpot doing most of the work, all you need to do is some light prep before tossing the ingredients in and letting it simmer to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

2. Flavor-Packed: The combination of browned Italian sausage, fragrant garlic, and rich tomato base creates layers of flavor that are impossible to resist.

3. Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will find something to love in this soup. The creamy texture and cheesy tortellini make it a hit with kids and adults alike.

4. Great for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Ready to give it a try? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this dish shine.

Ingredients Notes

This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is all about simple, high-quality ingredients that deliver big flavor. Here's what you’ll need:

1. Italian Sausage: Opt for sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference. The sausage is browned before being added to the crockpot, which enhances the soup’s depth of flavor.

2. Cheese Tortellini: Fresh or frozen tortellini works beautifully here. The cheese filling adds richness, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like spinach or mushroom.

3. Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Paste: These form the base of the soup, providing a bold, tangy backdrop for the other flavors.

4. Heavy Cream: Adds a touch of luxury and balances the acidity of the tomatoes. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.

5. Spinach: Fresh baby spinach stirred in at the end adds a pop of color and a boost of nutrients without overwhelming the dish.

6. Garlic and Onion: These aromatic staples enhance the flavor of the broth. Be sure to sauté them with the sausage for maximum impact.

Equipment Needed: A large skillet for browning the sausage and a 6-quart slow cooker to bring everything together.

How to Make This Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage

Creating this delightful soup is as easy as it gets. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure perfect results every time.

Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by browning your Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. This step is crucial for building flavor. Once cooked through, transfer it to your crockpot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add these to the crockpot as well.

Step 3: Add the Base Ingredients
Pour in your crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir to combine. Add dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for extra flavor.

Step 4: Let It Simmer
Set your crockpot to low and let the soup cook for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow simmer allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Add Tortellini and Spinach
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini and fresh spinach. These will cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

Step 6: Finish with Cream
Once the tortellini is tender, stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm through for another 5-10 minutes before serving.

This soup is ready to serve straight from the crockpot. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an extra special touch.

Storage Options

This soup stores beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup without the tortellini, as they can become mushy when reheated. Simply add fresh tortellini when reheating. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if it has thickened.

Variations and Substitutions

This soup is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

1. Use Different Proteins: Swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version.

2. Switch Up the Greens: Kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach for a heartier option.

3. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini or substitute with gluten-free pasta.

4. Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for a kick.

5. Dairy-Free Alternative: Use coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute to make this dish dairy-free.

No matter how you customize it, this Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Try it out and let your family enjoy the cozy, delicious flavors!

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