Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is a delightful and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With rich flavors from the Italian sausage, creamy cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach, this soup is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe will impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything into the Crockpot, and let it do the work while you go about your day.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of Italian sausage, tomatoes, and creamy tortellini creates a comforting and delicious soup.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main dish or served alongside a fresh salad or crusty bread.
• Nutritious Options: Packed with veggies like carrots and spinach, this soup is both hearty and healthy.
• Perfect for Leftovers: The flavors deepen overnight, making it even more enjoyable the next day!

Tools and Preparation

To create this amazing Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure that everything turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker (Crockpot)
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker (Crockpot): This tool allows for low-and-slow cooking, developing rich flavors without constant supervision.
• Skillet: Ideal for browning the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• Cutting board & Knife: Essential for efficient chopping of vegetables; a good setup increases safety and speed in meal prep.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

To make this delightful Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, gather the following ingredients:

Meat & Broth

• 16 ounces Italian sausage (see note)
• 4 cups chicken broth

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)

Pasta & Cream

• 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional)

Greens & Seasoning

• 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

How to Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Onions

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

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

1. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
2. Add the cooked sausage mixture to your Crockpot.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

1. Add carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth to the Crockpot.
2. For quicker cooking (3-4 hours), chop carrots finely; larger pieces are fine for longer cooking times.

Step 4: Finish Cooking Before Serving

1. About 30 minutes before serving, add in cheese tortellini, cream, and spinach to the Crockpot on high.
2. Stir occasionally and season with salt & pepper as needed before serving.

Enjoy your deliciously comforting Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage!

How to Serve Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your soup experience.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Basil: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness and a touch of color.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for dipping.
• Baguette: A sliced baguette is perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.

Top with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan on top for an extra savory kick.
• Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella adds creaminess and enhances the cheese tortellini.

Serve with a Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the richness of the soup.
• Mixed Greens: A light mixed greens salad offers a refreshing contrast.

How to Perfect Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

To make your crockpot tortellini soup with sausage even better, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure you achieve a flavorful and satisfying meal every time.

• Choose Quality Sausage: Select high-quality Italian sausage for better flavor in your soup.
• Prep Veggies in Advance: Chop vegetables ahead of time to save on prep time during busy days.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Keep an eye on cooking times based on your slow cooker settings to avoid overcooking.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add dried herbs like oregano or thyme for extra depth of flavor.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: To control salt levels, opt for low-sodium chicken broth, especially if you’re watching sodium intake.
• Store Leftovers Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for future meals.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Crockpot tortellini soup pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these are perfect for dipping into the soup’s broth.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing side.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a healthy touch and vibrant colors to your meal.
4. Cheesy Polenta: Creamy polenta provides a comforting base that pairs well with the soup’s flavors.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms bring a delightful bite-sized option alongside the soup.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and herbs makes for a light yet flavorful accompaniment.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this delicious Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Not browning the sausage – Failing to brown the sausage before adding it to the Crockpot can result in less flavor. Make sure to sauté it until it’s nicely browned.
• Using chunky vegetables – If you want a quicker cooking time, avoid large chunks of carrots and celery. Chop them finely for even cooking in your slow cooker.
• Skipping the seasoning – Neglecting to season your soup can lead to bland flavor. Always taste and adjust with salt and pepper before serving.
• Adding tortellini too early – Adding tortellini at the start will result in mushy pasta. Wait until about 30 minutes before serving for perfect texture.
• Ignoring fresh ingredients – Fresh spinach adds flavor and nutrients. Don’t skip it; add it just before serving for the best results.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 30 minutes until hot.
• Microwave – Heat in microwave-safe bowls, stirring occasionally, for about 2-4 minutes until heated through.
• Stovetop – Reheat on low heat in a saucepan, stirring regularly until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other proteins instead of sausage?

Yes! Feel free to substitute chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option, or even ground beef or lamb for different flavors.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version of Crockpot tortellini soup, simply omit the sausage and replace chicken broth with vegetable broth. Add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! You can customize by adding vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms according to your taste preferences.

What type of tortellini should I use?

You can use cheese tortellini or any other flavor that suits your taste. Just ensure it is refrigerated if using fresh tortellini.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. Its rich flavors make it perfect for any day of the week, and you can easily customize it by adding different vegetables or using various types of protein. Give it a try; you’ll love how effortlessly delicious this dish is!