Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe

Homemade Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe: Cozy Magic

Hearty crockpot tortellini soup with sausage promises comfort in every spoonful.

Slow-cooking magic brings together robust flavors and tender ingredients.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions like this delightful meal.

Italian-inspired combinations never disappoint when you want something warm and filling.

Cheese-stuffed tortellini swim alongside savory sausage chunks in a rich, aromatic broth.

Mediterranean influences shine through each carefully crafted bite.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment for busy home cooks seeking delicious nutrition.

Let’s turn your kitchen into a cozy culinary destination with this irresistible recipe.

Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Essentials

  • Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This Swiss chicken casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into a delicious meal with minimal prep, making dinner stress-free and satisfying.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy chicken topped with crunchy stuffing creates a perfect balance of textures that appeals to both kids and adults, guaranteeing clean plates at the table.
  • Minimal Kitchen Mess: Using just one baking dish means less cleanup, letting you spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients, this casserole works great for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients For Crockpot Tortellini Soup

For the Protein:
  • Italian Sausage: A flavorful and hearty meat that adds rich depth to the soup's taste profile.
For the Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic ingredients that provide a robust and savory base flavor.
  • Spinach: A nutritious green that adds color, texture, and subtle earthiness to the soup.
For the Liquid and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth: A light and savory liquid that creates the soup's foundational flavor.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity, moisture, and a slight tanginess to the soup.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a creamy and luxurious texture that rounds out the soup's flavor profile.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings authentic Mediterranean taste to the dish.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and spicy kick to the soup.
For the Pasta:
  • Tortellini: Cheese-filled pasta that adds heartiness and substance to the soup.
For the Finishing Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing and balancing the overall taste of the soup.

Stepwise Crockpot Tortellini Soup Preparation

Step 1: Sizzle and Drain Sausage

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and thoroughly brown the Italian sausage. Carefully drain away any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Toss the browned sausage into the crockpot. Add these ingredients:
  • Chicken broth
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Chopped onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Flavor

Let the soup simmer on low heat for 4-6 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours. This allows the spices and ingredients to meld and develop a rich, deep flavor.

Step 4: Add Final Ingredients

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir in:
  • Cheese tortellini
  • Fresh spinach leaves

Step 5: Finish with Creamy Richness

Pour in heavy cream and let the soup cook for an additional 10-15 minutes. This adds a luxurious, velvety texture to the soup.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into warm bowls and serve immediately for a comforting meal.

Cooking Advice For Crockpot Tortellini Soup

  • Drain sausage thoroughly to prevent excess oil from making the soup greasy and heavy.
  • Choose fresh tortellini for better texture and flavor, ensuring they don't become mushy during slow cooking.
  • Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and allow personal seasoning preferences.
  • Add spinach just before serving to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the soup, keeping the creamy consistency intact.

Flavor Variations For Crockpot Tortellini Soup

  • Vegetarian Spinach Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based protein crumbles or extra firm tofu, keeping all other ingredients consistent for a meat-free version.
  • Zesty Mexican Fusion: Swap Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add black beans, corn, and use pepper jack cheese as a topping for a southwestern flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Magic: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, add chopped kalamata olives, use greek seasoning, and sprinkle feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean-inspired soup.
  • Creamy Chicken Transformation: Replace Italian sausage with shredded rotisserie chicken, use rotisserie chicken broth for deeper flavor, and keep the tortellini and spinach for a lighter protein alternative.

Complementary Dishes For Crockpot Tortellini Soup

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Pair this hearty tortellini soup with crusty garlic bread for dipping, soaking up all those rich, savory flavors. The combination creates a comforting meal that warms everyone from the inside out.
  • Gourmet Lunch Companion: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette. The fresh, light salad perfectly balances the soup's robust and creamy texture, making it an elegant midday meal.
  • Elegant Entertaining Platter: Garnish with fresh grated parmesan cheese and chopped basil just before serving. Arrange in beautiful ceramic bowls with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for guests who love an extra kick of heat, creating a restaurant-quality presentation at home.

Storing Crockpot Tortellini Soup Correctly

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label containers with the date of preparation.
  • Thaw refrigerated or frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a pot on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen tortellini in this recipe?

Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly. Just add it directly to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking without thawing.

  • Is this soup freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze the soup without the cream and tortellini. When reheating, add fresh cream and tortellini for the best texture.

  • Can I substitute the Italian sausage?

Definitely. Ground turkey or chicken can replace Italian sausage while maintaining similar flavor profiles. Just ensure the meat is fully browned before adding to the crockpot.

  • How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe

Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 17 reviews

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

Description

Hearty crockpot tortellini soup with sausage delivers comfort in a bowl for chilly evenings. Rich Italian-inspired ingredients meld together, promising a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage
  • 16 oz (453 g) cheese tortellini, fresh or frozen
  • 4 cups (960 ml) chicken broth
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 can (14.5 oz or 411 g) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Sear ground Italian sausage in a skillet, eliminating surplus fat to enhance flavor concentration.
  2. Transfer browned sausage into slow cooker, combining with aromatic chicken broth, zesty diced tomatoes, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, robust Italian seasoning, and fiery red pepper flakes.
  3. Allow ingredients to meld together, simmering on low temperature for 4-6 hours or high temperature for 2-3 hours, developing rich, deep flavors.
  4. Introduce cheese-filled tortellini and fresh spinach leaves approximately 30 minutes before cooking completion, ensuring pasta maintains ideal texture and greens retain vibrant color.
  5. Gently incorporate velvety heavy cream during final 10-15 minutes of cooking, creating a luxurious, silky soup consistency.
  6. Perform final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper levels to personal preference, ensuring harmonious taste profile.
  7. Ladle steaming soup into serving bowls, presenting a comforting, hearty meal ready to be enjoyed immediately.

Notes

  • Customize meat options by swapping Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein choice.
  • Prevent tortellini from becoming mushy by adding them closer to the end of cooking time, ensuring they maintain a perfect al dente texture.
  • Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a brighter color and more vibrant flavor profile in the soup.
  • Balance spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes to suit individual heat preferences, making the dish adaptable for sensitive palates.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star