Name: Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini; 1 cup heavy cream; 3 cups fresh spinach; Salt and pepper, to taste

There's nothing quite like coming home to the comforting aroma of Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage simmering away in your kitchen. This hearty and flavorful dish is the perfect balance of creamy broth, tender tortellini, and savory sausage. It's the ultimate crowd-pleaser, making even the busiest days feel a little cozier.

I first tried this recipe on a chilly winter evening, hoping to create something that would warm us up from the inside out. It was an instant hit, with every spoonful packed with flavor and comfort. Now, it's a staple in our home, especially during the colder months. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special.

Why You'll Love This Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage

Get ready to fall in love with this simple yet delicious soup recipe. Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage combines convenience and comfort into one amazing dish that your whole family will adore.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a little prep, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making it the perfect recipe for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. Toss everything in, and let it work its magic!

The flavor is unbeatable. From the smoky, savory bite of sausage to the creamy, herby broth that coats every piece of tortellini, this soup is packed with taste in every spoonful. It’s like a hug in a bowl!

It’s also wonderfully versatile. Whether you prefer mild Italian sausage or like a little heat with a spicy version, this recipe adapts beautifully to your taste buds. You can even swap out ingredients to use what you already have in your pantry.

Finally, this soup is a complete meal in one pot. With protein, carbs, and vegetables all together, there’s no need to fuss with extra sides – unless you want to serve it with crusty bread for dipping!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this soup lies in its simple yet perfectly paired ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in creating the rich, hearty flavors that make this recipe so irresistible.

Italian Sausage: This is the star of the show! Mild or spicy sausage adds a bold, meaty flavor that infuses the entire soup. Brown it before adding it to the crockpot for even more depth.

Tortellini: Fresh, cheese-filled tortellini is my go-to, but frozen or dried works just as well. The pasta soaks up all the delicious broth and becomes perfectly tender.

Vegetables: Diced tomatoes and fresh spinach bring a wonderful balance of brightness and nutrients to the dish. The tomatoes add a tangy base to the broth, while spinach wilts beautifully into the soup.

Cream and Broth: A mix of chicken broth and heavy cream creates the creamy, flavorful base of this soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half.

Seasonings: Italian seasoning, garlic, and onion powder bring out the best in every ingredient, creating a beautifully herby and aromatic flavor profile.

No special equipment is needed beyond a trusty crockpot and a skillet for browning the sausage. This makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the recipe as simple as possible!

How To Make This Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage

Making this soup is as easy as it gets. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dinner ready and waiting for you.

Start by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. This step locks in all the delicious flavors and prevents the sausage from becoming greasy in the slow cooker. Once browned, transfer the sausage to your crockpot.

Next, add your diced tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

Set the crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow simmer allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a rich, savory base for your soup.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in your tortellini and spinach. The tortellini will cook to tender perfection, and the spinach will wilt down beautifully, adding vibrant color and flavor to the soup.

Finally, pour in the heavy cream and give the soup a good stir. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes until everything is warmed through. Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

From start to finish, this soup requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor – perfect for busy days when you want something warm and satisfying.

Storage Options

One of the best things about this soup is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better with time, making it just as tasty the next day.
Freeze: If you want to freeze the soup, hold off on adding the tortellini and spinach until you’re ready to serve. Store the base in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When reheating, add the tortellini and spinach fresh for the best texture.
Reheat: Warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals. Add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much in the fridge.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own with these ideas:

Make it vegetarian: Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add more veggies: Carrots, celery, or zucchini would all be fantastic additions to this soup. Simply chop them finely and add them during the initial cooking stage.
Use different tortellini: Try meat-filled tortellini for a protein boost or opt for a gluten-free variety if needed.
Spice it up: If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.
Lighten it up: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or a non-dairy alternative for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.

No matter how you customize it, this Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage is sure to become a family favorite. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it truly your own – and don’t forget to savor every comforting bite!