Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is a comforting and easy to prepare slow cooker soup! Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this dish combines flavorful ingredients into a hearty meal. The creamy broth, tender tortellini, and vibrant spinach make it a standout choice for any occasion. You’ll love how simple it is to throw everything into the Crockpot and let it do the work for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: Just toss the ingredients in your Crockpot and let it simmer. Perfect for busy days or when you want a hands-off meal.
Rich Flavor: The combination of spices, tomatoes, and creamy broth creates a deliciously satisfying taste that warms you from the inside out.
Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins. You can swap in different types of cheese tortellini or add legumes for extra nutrition.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy leftovers throughout the week, saving time on future meals.
Comforting & Filling: This soup is not only delicious but also hearty enough to serve as a complete meal on its own.

Tools and Preparation

Using the right tools makes preparing this soup even easier. Here’s what you need to get started:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
Skillet
Cutting Board
Chef’s Knife
Measuring Cups

Importance of Each Tool

Slow Cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking; just set it and forget it!
Skillet: Great for browning the sausage, which adds depth of flavor to your soup.
Chef’s Knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables for even cooking.

Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you’ll need for this delightful soup:

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)
4 cups chicken broth

Pasta and Greens

2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach

Dairy

3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional)

Seasoning

Salt & pepper (to taste)

How to Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onions

Add the sausage meat and onions to a skillet. Sauté for about 7-8 minutes, breaking the sausage apart 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 until fragrant. Transfer the sausage mixture to your Crockpot.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Crockpot

Add the carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth to the Crockpot. For quicker cooking in 3-4 hours, chop the carrots finely. If cooking on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, larger pieces will suffice.

Step 4: Final Additions

About 30 minutes prior to serving, add in your cheese tortellini, cream, and spinach. Set the heat to high during this final phase. Stir occasionally and season with salt & pepper as needed before serving.

Now you have a comforting bowl of Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is a hearty dish that’s perfect for any meal. Serving it well can enhance the dining experience and bring out its rich flavors.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Basil: Add a sprinkle of fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor.
Parsley: Chopped parsley adds color and freshness to the soup.

Pair with Crusty Bread

Baguette: Serve slices of warm baguette for dipping.
Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread complements the soup perfectly.

Add a Salad

Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crunchy contrast.
Mixed Greens: Simple mixed greens dressed lightly with vinaigrette balance the richness of the soup.

Serve in Bowls with Cheese

Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over each bowl for an extra layer of flavor.
Mozzarella Pearls: Add small mozzarella balls for a fun texture.

How to Perfect Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

To ensure your crockpot tortellini soup with sausage turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality sausage and fresh vegetables to enhance flavors.
Adjust Cooking Time: If you prefer firmer vegetables, reduce cooking time slightly; if you like them softer, cook longer.
Experiment with Broth: Try different types of chicken broth or homemade broth for added depth.
Add Seasoning Gradually: Start with a little salt and pepper, adjusting as needed before serving to avoid over-seasoning.
Store Leftovers Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so on low heat to maintain the texture of the tortellini.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Completing your meal with side dishes can elevate your crockpot tortellini soup experience. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread – Crunchy and buttery, perfect for dipping into the soup.
Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze refresh the palate.
Italian Bruschetta – Topped slices of bread with diced tomatoes and herbs make a tasty appetizer.
Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds healthy goodness.
Stuffed Peppers – Bell peppers filled with rice or quinoa provide a colorful and filling option.
Cheesy Breadsticks – Enjoy soft breadsticks topped with cheese that are great for dipping in soup.
Spinach Salad – Lightly dressed spinach salad offers freshness alongside the rich soup flavors.
Antipasto Platter – A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and cheeses can be a delightful complement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage experience even better. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

Using the Wrong Sausage: Choosing a sausage that is too fatty or lacks flavor can ruin your soup. Opt for lean Italian sausage or turkey sausage for the best results.
Not Browning the Meat: Skipping the browning step can result in bland flavors. Always sauté the sausage and onions to enhance the soup’s taste.
Overcooking Vegetables: If you chop your carrots and celery too large, they may not cook evenly. Cut them finely for quicker cooking, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to a flat-tasting soup. Taste and adjust salt and pepper near the end of cooking for a flavorful finish.
Adding Tortellini Too Early: If you add cheese tortellini too soon, they may become mushy. Stir them in about 30 minutes before serving for perfect texture.
Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Not using fresh spinach can make your soup less vibrant. Always add fresh baby spinach right before serving for added color and nutrition.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and heat until warmed through.
Microwave: Pour individual servings into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
Stovetop: Pour leftovers into a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage.

Can I use other types of meat instead of sausage?

Yes! You can substitute chicken, beef, or turkey sausage depending on your preference.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, you can replace sausage with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I add more vegetables to the Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for additional flavor and nutrition.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! You can omit the heavy cream or use coconut milk as a creamy alternative for a dairy-free option.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a delightful blend of rich flavors and textures that makes it perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to customize with different vegetables or proteins based on what you have at home. Try it out today and enjoy a warm bowl of comfort!