This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The slow cooker method allows for a hassle-free cooking experience while infusing the soup with deep, savory notes. With its creamy base, tender tortellini, and vibrant spinach, this soup stands out as a hearty meal that feels indulgent yet is easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Convenient Cooking: This recipe utilizes a Crockpot, allowing you to set it and forget it while it cooks to perfection.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Italian sausage, tomatoes, and cheese tortellini creates a rich and satisfying taste.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for cozy nights in or serving a crowd at gatherings; it’s sure to please everyone.
• Nutritious Boost: Packed with vegetables like carrots and spinach, this soup offers good nutrition in every bowl.
• Quick Prep Time: With just 20 minutes of prep, you can have this delicious meal ready in no time.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this Crockpot Tortellini Soup requires minimal tools, making it an accessible dish for everyone. Ensuring you have the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Essential for low-and-slow cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.
• Skillet: Ideal for sautéing ingredients like sausage and onions before adding them to the Crockpot for enhanced flavor.
• Cutting board & Knife: Necessary for chopping veggies efficiently; a good setup reduces prep time significantly.

this recipe

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create this comforting Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage:

Main Ingredients

• 16 ounces Italian sausage (see note)
• 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 medium carrots (sliced or chopped)
• 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional)
• 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

How to Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Onion

1. Add the sausage meat and onions to a skillet.
2. Sauté for about 7-8 minutes until browned, breaking up the sausage with your spoon.
3. If needed, spoon out some of the excess fat.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

1. Stir in the garlic into the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds.
2. Transfer the sausage mixture into your Crockpot.
3. Add the carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth into the Crockpot.

Step 3: Adjust Cooking Time

1. For quicker cooking (3-4 hours), chop carrots finely; for longer cooking (7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high), larger chunks work well.

Step 4: Finish with Tortellini and Spinach

1. About 30 minutes before serving, add in your cheese tortellini, cream, and spinach.
2. Set heat to high and stir occasionally.
3. Season with salt & pepper as needed before serving.

Now you have a warm bowl of delicious Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Serving Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few simple ideas. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for added flavor and a pop of color.
• Thyme: A few sprigs of thyme can provide an aromatic touch.

Accompanied by Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve slices of crusty bread for dipping into the soup, adding texture and heartiness to the meal.
• Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread pairs perfectly, complementing the flavors of the soup.

Topped with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over each bowl for a rich, salty flavor that enhances the dish.
• Mozzarella: Add shredded mozzarella before serving to create a melty topping that’s irresistible.

With a Salad

• Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad balances the richness of the soup, providing freshness and crunch.
• Mixed Greens: A simple mixed greens salad drizzled with vinaigrette can brighten up your meal.

How to Perfect Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

To achieve the best results when making Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, consider these helpful tips for perfecting your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality broth to enhance the flavors.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Fine-tune cooking times based on your schedule; larger vegetable cuts may require longer cooking.
• Incorporate Seasonings Early: Add salt and pepper during cooking for deeper flavor development, adjusting to taste just before serving.
• Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for variety and nutrition.
• Consider Dairy Alternatives: If you prefer non-dairy options, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter result.
• Store Leftovers Wisely: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for future meals.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Pairing side dishes with your Crockpot tortellini soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Breadsticks: These soft breadsticks are perfect for dipping into your flavorful soup.
2. Caprese Salad: A refreshing salad made from fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition; try carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini seasoned simply.
4. Pesto Flatbread: Top flatbread with pesto sauce and cheese for an easy yet tasty side option.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with herbs and cheese make an elegant accompaniment.
6. Cheesy Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas provide a warm, crispy contrast to the soup’s creamy texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing the sausage and onions enhances the flavor. Don’t skip this step; it adds depth to the soup.
• Not chopping vegetables evenly: Unevenly chopped carrots and celery can lead to inconsistent cooking. Aim for similar sizes to ensure even tenderness.
• Adding tortellini too early: If you add the cheese tortellini too soon, they can become mushy. Wait until 30 minutes before serving for perfect texture.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed for a well-balanced flavor.
• Using low-quality broth: The broth is a key component of flavor in this soup. Use a good-quality chicken broth for the best result.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

• Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 5-10 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage.

Can I use another type of meat?

Yes! You can substitute chicken or turkey sausage for Italian sausage if you prefer a lighter option.

What if I don’t have tortellini?

You can replace tortellini with any small pasta shape like ditalini or shells. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth along with your favorite plant-based protein.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini, but be mindful of cooking times.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or swapping out meats according to your preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy a delightful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!

Print

Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Chicken Sausage

---

• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 5 minute
• Yield: Serves 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the warm and comforting flavors of this Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Chicken Sausage, a perfect dish for cozy family dinners or gatherings. This rich, creamy soup is packed with tender tortellini, vibrant spinach, and a medley of vegetables simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. The hands-off cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you focus on enjoying time with loved ones. With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can easily whip up this hearty meal that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 ounces chicken sausage
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced or chopped
• 2 sticks celery, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• Salt & pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Sauté the chicken sausage and onion in a skillet over medium heat until browned, about 7-8 minutes.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Transfer to the Crockpot.
3. Add carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the Crockpot.
4. For quicker cooking (3-4 hours), chop carrots finely; for longer cooking (7-8 hours on low), keep larger chunks.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cheese tortellini, cream if desired, and fresh spinach. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute chicken sausage with turkey or beef sausage based on your preference. For a vegetarian twist, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth along with your choice of plant-based protein.