Best Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe

The Best Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe Ever

Cozy nights call for a hearty crockpot tortellini soup with sausage that promises pure comfort.

Savory aromas will drift through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to the table.

Chunks of Italian sausage mingle with soft cheese-filled pasta, creating a delightful medley of flavors.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking a satisfying meal.

Vegetables add depth and nutrition to this simple yet remarkable dish.

Warm bowls of goodness await you, ready to chase away winter’s chill.

Grab a spoon and let this soul-warming soup become your new cold-weather companion.

Why Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Is So Good

  • Minimize Kitchen Hassle: Crockpot cooking eliminates constant stirring and monitoring, letting you enjoy a delicious meal with minimal active preparation.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Hearty combination of sausage, tortellini, and spinach creates a satisfying one-pot meal that appeals to both adults and kids.
  • Quick Ingredient Assembly: Dump-and-go recipe requires simple steps of browning sausage and adding ingredients to the crockpot, making it perfect for busy home cooks.
  • Nutrition-Packed Meal: Includes protein from sausage, vegetables from spinach, and carbohydrates from tortellini, delivering a well-balanced and nutritious dinner option.

Ingredients for Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup

Protein:
  • Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the soup.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a savory liquid base for the soup.
Vegetables and Seasonings:
  • Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce: Create a tangy and robust tomato foundation for the soup.
  • Spinach: Adds a fresh, nutritious green element to the dish.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Contribute layers of aromatic and spicy flavors.
Pasta and Dairy:
  • Tortellini: A cheese-filled pasta that adds heartiness and texture to the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Provides a rich, creamy finish to the soup.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the overall taste.

How to Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Step 1: Brown Sausage Perfectly

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook Italian sausage until it develops a rich, golden-brown color and is completely done. Carefully drain away any extra fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Build Flavor Foundation

Transfer the browned sausage into your crockpot and add:
  • Chicken broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Italian seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Red pepper flakes

Mix all ingredients thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook With Patience

Cover the crockpot and let it simmer on low setting for 6-7 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and develop deep, comforting flavors.

Step 4: Add Hearty Elements

Thirty minutes before serving, gently stir in:
  • Cheese tortellini
  • Fresh spinach

Ensure ingredients are well combined and distributed throughout the soup.

Step 5: Finish With Creamy Texture

When tortellini becomes tender, swirl in heavy cream for a luxurious, velvety finish.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy the rich, comforting blend of flavors with family and friends.

Helpful Tips to Nail Crockpot Tortellini Soup

  • Brown sausage thoroughly in a skillet to enhance flavor and ensure even cooking, preventing any raw meat texture.
  • Select fresh tortellini for better taste and texture, avoiding pre-packaged options that might become mushy during slow cooking.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes, making the soup mild or zesty according to personal preference.
  • Add spinach just before serving to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, preserving nutrients and fresh taste.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version, or use dairy-free alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Flavor Twists for Sausage Tortellini Soup

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños for extra heat lovers who want more spice in their soup.
  • Light Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for a lower-fat and dairy-free alternative that still provides creamy texture.

Pairings to Enjoy with Crockpot Tortellini Soup

  • Cozy Family Dinner Night: Gather everyone around the table and serve this hearty soup with warm crusty bread for dipping, creating a comforting meal that brings loved ones together.
  • Gourmet Soup Bar Style: Set up a toppings station with fresh grated parmesan, chopped basil, crispy croutons, and red pepper flakes, letting everyone customize their bowl with their favorite garnishes.
  • Game Day Comfort Meal: Ladle the soup into large mugs or bowls, pair with a side of garlic breadsticks, and enjoy while watching sports or during a movie marathon for the ultimate comfort food experience.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Portion the soup into meal prep containers, store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, and reheat for quick, delicious lunches throughout the week at work or home.

Best Ways to Store Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup

  • Store leftover tortellini soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Keep the soup separate from additional cream or fresh spinach to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
  • Freeze the soup without cream or spinach in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.

FAQs

  • Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes, this tortellini soup is perfect for meal prep. You can store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat easily, making it a convenient weeknight dinner option.

  • Can I make this soup without sausage?

Absolutely! You can substitute the sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or skip the meat entirely for a vegetarian version. The soup will still be flavorful with the herbs and vegetables.

  • What type of tortellini works best?

Store-bought cheese tortellini is ideal for this recipe. Fresh or frozen tortellini both work well, but avoid dried tortellini as it might not cook properly in the crockpot.

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Best Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe

Best Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot tortellini soup with sausage delivers comforting Italian-inspired flavors perfect for chilly evenings. Cheese-filled pasta, rich broth, and savory sausage combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

Liquids:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 (28 ounces) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (8 ounces) can tomato sauce

Seasonings and Other Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 (20 ounces) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 3 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown Italian sausage in a skillet until completely cooked through, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
  2. Transfer sausage to crockpot and combine with chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and aromatic seasonings including Italian herbs, garlic, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Cover crockpot and slow cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop.
  4. Approximately 30 minutes before serving, introduce cheese tortellini and fresh spinach into the soup, gently stirring to integrate ingredients.
  5. Continue cooking until tortellini reaches desired tenderness, then incorporate heavy cream to create a rich, velvety texture.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed.
  7. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately, enjoying the robust and comforting soup while hot.

Notes

  • Customize the heat level by adjusting red pepper flakes, perfect for spice lovers or those preferring milder flavors.
  • Swap Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that keeps the soup’s rich taste.
  • Fresh tortellini works better than frozen, delivering a more delicate texture and absorbing the soup’s robust flavors more effectively.
  • Freeze leftover soup without cream for up to 3 months, adding fresh cream when reheating to maintain optimal consistency and taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 312 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 790 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 58 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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