This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is the perfect dish for cozy nights or busy days. It’s a hearty and flavorful meal that requires minimal effort, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings. With its rich combination of savory sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and vibrant spinach, this soup is sure to warm your heart and please your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This soup comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones.
- Rich Flavors: The blend of Italian sausage, tomatoes, and spices creates a deliciously comforting bowl of soup.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the protein as desired.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering, this soup fits any setting beautifully.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
Tools and Preparation
To make this easy Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure delicious results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for low-and-slow cooking, melding flavors beautifully without much hands-on time.
- Skillet: Ideal for browning the sausage and onions before adding them to the slow cooker; this enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
Ingredients
This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage combines simple ingredients for an amazing result:
Protein
- 16 ounces Italian sausage (see note)
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced or chopped)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
Canned Goods
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
Broth and Pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
Creamy Elements
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional)
Greens and Seasoning
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
How to Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Onions
Add the sausage meat and onions to a skillet. Sauté for about 7-8 minutes, breaking the sausage meat up with your spoon until browned. If needed, spoon out some of the excess fat.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Then add the sausage mixture to your Crockpot.
Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Broth
Add the carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth to the Crockpot. Keep in mind that if you want the soup to cook in 3-4 hours, chop the carrots finely. If you’re cooking it for 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high, larger pieces are fine.
Step 4: Final Touches
About 30 minutes prior to serving, add in your cheese tortellini, cream, and spinach (set the heat to high). Stir occasionally. Season with salt & pepper as needed before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, perfect for warming up any chilly day!
How to Serve Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Serving Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage can elevate your dining experience. This hearty dish pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.
Garnish Suggestions
- Fresh Basil: Chopped fresh basil adds a burst of flavor and color.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan enhances the creamy texture.
- Croutons: Crunchy croutons provide a delightful contrast to the soft tortellini.
Pairing Recommendations
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread for a satisfying dip into the soup.
- Salad: A light mixed greens salad complements the richness of the soup.
- Cheesy Biscuits: These fluffy biscuits are perfect for soaking up the broth.
How to Perfect Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
To ensure your Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold Sautéing: Sautéing the sausage and onions beforehand adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Chop Uniformly: Cut your vegetables uniformly for even cooking and texture.
- Adjust Cooking Time: For firmer vegetables, opt for shorter cooking times; longer for softer veggies.
- Cream Addition Timing: Add cream near the end of cooking to maintain its richness without curdling.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Complement your Crockpot tortellini soup with these delicious side dishes. They add variety and balance to your meal.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing and croutons offers a fresh contrast.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, cheeses, and marinated vegetables pairs wonderfully with soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring out natural sweetness and flavors.
- Stuffed Peppers: Hearty stuffed peppers make a filling addition alongside the soup.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, garlic, and basil is a delightful starter.
- Focaccia Bread: Soft focaccia with herbs complements the soup’s flavors beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, be mindful of these common mistakes to ensure a delicious outcome.
- Ignoring prep time: Properly chop vegetables and prepare ingredients ahead of time to ensure even cooking and flavor integration.
- Overcooking vegetables: If you plan to cook the soup for longer durations, cut vegetables into larger pieces to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Skipping on seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed for the best flavor.
- Adding tortellini too soon: Adding the cheese tortellini too early can lead to overcooked pasta. Wait until 30 minutes before serving for perfect texture.
- Not using enough liquid: Be sure to measure your broth carefully; insufficient liquid can result in a thick soup that lacks depth.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The soup will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- Freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until heated evenly.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes! You can substitute the Italian sausage with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
How do I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, simply omit the heavy cream or replace it with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to enhance the nutritional value and flavor profile.
What if I don’t have cheese tortellini?
You can use other types of pasta, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Just make sure it’s a type that cooks well in soups!
How long does it take to cook on high vs low?
Cooking on high will take about 4-5 hours, while cooking on low will take around 7-8 hours for optimal flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite veggies or substitute proteins as desired. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for cozy nights or meal prepping for busy weeks ahead!
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Chicken
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food for busy days or chilly nights. This hearty and delicious soup is packed with flavor, featuring tender cheese tortellini, savory chicken sausage, and vibrant spinach. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe requires minimal effort, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones while your slow cooker does the work. With its rich blend of ingredients, this soup is sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately six people 1x
Ingredients
- 16 ounces chicken sausage (Italian-style)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 18 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté sausage and onion in a skillet for about 7-8 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds before transferring the mixture to your Crockpot.
- Combine carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth in the Crockpot.
- For a quicker cook time (3-4 hours), chop carrots finely; for longer cooking (7-8 hours), keep them larger.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add tortellini, cream, and spinach on high heat. Stir occasionally and season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg