This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is the perfect hearty meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this soup combines Italian sausage, tomatoes, and cheese tortellini into a delightful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for various occasions, from a comforting family dinner to serving guests at a gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy cooks.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage and fresh ingredients creates a deliciously robust taste.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta types!
- Comforting Meal: Perfect for chilly evenings, this soup warms you from the inside out.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy this flavorful dish, making it great for all ages.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make preparation easy. Having everything ready will help streamline your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Essential for simmering the soup slowly, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Skillet: Used for browning the sausage, which enhances its flavor before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Cutting board & Knife: Necessary for chopping vegetables efficiently and safely.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 16 ounces Italian sausage (see note)
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced or chopped)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
For the Liquids
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups chicken broth
For the Final Touches
- 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional)
- 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
How to Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Add the sausage meat and onions to a skillet.
- 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 Crockpot
- Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
- Transfer the sausage mixture to your Crockpot.
- Add in the carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth.
Step 3: Cook Your Soup
- If you want the soup to cook in 3-4 hours on high heat, chop the carrots finely.
- For 7-8 hours on low heat or 4-5 hours on high heat, larger carrot pieces are acceptable.
Step 4: Add Final Ingredients Before Serving
- About 30 minutes prior to serving, add in your cheese tortellini, cream, and spinach (set heat to high).
- Stir occasionally and season with salt & pepper before serving.
Enjoy your hearty bowl of Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage!
How to Serve Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavors and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this comforting soup.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of flavor and color.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping, perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
Top with Cheese
- Grated Parmesan: Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the soup just before serving for a rich, savory touch.
Customize with Extras
- Red Pepper Flakes: If you like it spicy, sprinkle red pepper flakes on your bowl for added heat.
Serve with Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad on the side can balance the richness of the soup.
Offer Crackers
- Savory Crackers: Provide assorted savory crackers for a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
How to Perfect Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
To take your crockpot tortellini soup with sausage to the next level, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both flavor and texture, making your soup even more enjoyable.
Use Quality Sausage: Choose high-quality Italian sausage for more robust flavor and better texture.
Adjust Cooking Time: For firmer vegetables, adjust cooking time based on your preference—shorter times yield crunchier veggies.
Cream Alternatives: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for better texture and taste.
Season Gradually: Taste and season with salt and pepper gradually throughout cooking for balanced flavors.
Let It Rest: Allow the soup to sit for about 10 minutes after cooking; this helps flavors meld together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Pairing side dishes with your crockpot tortellini soup can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors perfectly.
Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread adds a buttery, garlicky crunch that’s perfect for dipping.
Caprese Salad: This fresh salad made with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provides a refreshing contrast.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing delivers a creamy element that pairs well.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and nutrition to your meal; try carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats filled with cheese and herbs make an excellent appetizer alongside the soup.
Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits infused with garlic and cheese bring comfort food vibes to your meal.
Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges seasoned simply are great for dipping into the savory broth of the soup.
Antipasto Platter: A selection of meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables creates an inviting starter before diving into the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your experience with this Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage recipe.
- Skipping the sauté step: Failing to brown the sausage and onions can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always sauté for better taste.
- Ignoring vegetable sizes: If you cut the carrots too large, they may remain crunchy. Chop them finely if cooking on high heat for a shorter time.
- Not seasoning properly: Forgetting salt and pepper can make your soup bland. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
- Overcooking the tortellini: Adding tortellini too early can lead to mushy pasta. Add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking for perfect texture.
- Using low-quality broth: The broth is foundational for flavor. Use a good quality chicken broth for the best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The soup lasts up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion.
- It can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage recipe.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
Replace the sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can omit the cream or replace it with coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Can I add more vegetables to my Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage?
Definitely! Feel free to add zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This hearty dish combines flavorful Italian sausage, creamy cheese tortellini, and vibrant vegetables simmered to perfection in a rich tomato broth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 16 ounces Italian sausage
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped)
- 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 18 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage and onions for about 7-8 minutes until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds before transferring the mixture to your crockpot.
- Add carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in cheese tortellini, heavy cream (if using), and spinach. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
