Name: Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup
Prep time: 4 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 4 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 1 medium onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 2 medium carrots (peeled and thinly sliced); 4 cups chicken broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 packet (19-ounce) frozen cheese tortellini; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves; 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese; Parsley for garnish

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The aroma of a simmering pot of Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup fills the kitchen, wrapping you in a warm embrace reminiscent of cozy Italian dinners shared with family. Picture this: the hearty, savory scent of browned sausage mingling with the fresh fragrance of herbs and garlic, inviting you to take a seat and relish in its richness. Each creamy spoonful is like a hug from the inside out, with tender tortellini nestled among vibrant vegetables, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and homey.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup

This delightful soup has a special place in my heart, often taking center stage on chilly weeknights when everyone is gathered around the table. I remember the first time I made it; my kids’ faces lit up, eyes sparkling with excitement. Now, it’s our go-to comfort meal, especially when the world outside turns brisk and cold. With just a little prep and your trusty slow cooker, you can whip up this ultimate bowl of comfort. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking this delicious Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With just 4 minutes of prep and 4 hours in the slow cooker, it’s perfect for busy days.
Irresistible Flavor: Rich and creamy, this soup bursts with savory sausage, fresh spinach, and a hint of Italian seasoning.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful mix of orange carrots, vibrant greens, and tender tortellini makes this soup a feast for the eyes.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a make-ahead lunch, or a cozy gathering with friends.
Diet-Friendly Options: Feel free to swap in gluten-free tortellini or spin on a dairy-free version, keeping the essence of the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound ground Italian sausage: This adds a robust flavor that forms the base of the soup. You can use mild or spicy sausage, depending on your taste preference.
1 medium onion (diced): A classic flavor starter, the onion brings sweetness and depth to the dish. Yellow or white onions work well.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic elevates the soup’s flavor with its aromatic and savory punch. Feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.
2 medium carrots (peeled and thinly sliced): Carrots lend a beautiful color and hint of sweetness to balance the savory elements.
4 cups chicken broth: A good quality broth is essential for creating a flavorful base. You can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs effortlessly brings an authentic Italian flair to your soup.
½ teaspoon salt: Adjust the salt level based on your broth’s saltiness for the perfect seasoning.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds warmth and balances the flavors.
1 packet (19-ounce) frozen cheese tortellini: These cheesy-filled pasta pillows add delightful texture and heartiness.
1 ½ cups heavy cream: For that creamy finish, heavy cream transforms the soup into a luxurious treat; half-and-half can be a lighter alternative.
2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves: Fresh spinach adds nutrients and a pop of color that wilts beautifully into the hot soup.
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: Parmesan introduces a nutty, salty flavor; feel free to add more for garnish!
Parsley for garnish: Fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually, but it also adds a finishing touch of freshness.

How to Make Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup

Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground Italian sausage. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking. Once sufficiently browned, drain any excess grease. This step is essential to infuse the soup with rich, meaty flavor.

Transfer to Slow Cooker: Now, take that delectable sausage and transfer it to your slow cooker. It’s the foundation of your **Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup**, and the warmth of the sea of flavors will begin to develop as they mingle together.

Add Vegetables: To the slow cooker, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and sliced carrots. Give everything a good stir to combine. The vegetables will soften beautifully, enhancing the soup’s overall flavor and texture.

Pour in Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the sausage and veggies, allowing everything to soak in the savory goodness. Then, add in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, giving the mix another gentle stir. The broth will serve as the hearty base, brimming with flavors as it simmers.

Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. You know it’s done when the carrots are tender and the aromas are wafting through your kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Add Tortellini: Roughly 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the frozen cheese tortellini. Cover the pot again and continue cooking until the pasta is tender. This timing ensures that the tortellini retains its delightful al dente bite.

Finish with Cream and Spinach: Now it’s time to stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes on LOW, just until the spinach wilts and the soup reaches its creamy consistency. The vibrant green spinach adds freshness and a lovely contrast to the richness of the soup.

Taste and Adjust: Taste your creation, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you desire. The final touch makes it look and taste extra special!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers of your Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup at room temperature for about 2 hours before transferring them to the refrigerator in an airtight container, where they will stay fresh for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months—just ensure it’s cooled completely before placing it in a freezer bag or container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove or microwave until heated through, keeping in mind that the texture may change slightly, but a splash of cream can help bring back that luscious consistency.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the tortellini; add it later in the cooking process for the best texture.
Use a good quality chicken broth for enhanced flavor. Homemade is even better!
If you’re looking to lighten it up, try using half-and-half in place of heavy cream.
For a hint of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can elevate the flavors.
Consider making a double batch; it freezes well and saves time for later quick meals.
Don’t fret if you have other veggies on hand; zucchini or bell peppers can be great additions!

The beauty of Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup lies in its comforting warmth, effortless preparation, and indulgent flavors. It’s the type of dish that begs to be shared with family and friends and invites creative tweaks depending on what you have on hand. Whatever your culinary whims may be, don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients; that’s part of the joy of cooking! You’ll surely find that every spoonful brings a smile, and you’ll be counting down the days until you make it again. Enjoy each moment with this delightful meal!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tortellini, just add it during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking to ensure it doesn’t become overcooked. Fresh pasta cooks quickly and will provide a delightful texture.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can be used instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, consider using coconut milk or a plant-based cream substitute; just be aware that it may slightly alter the flavor.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add more vegetables; spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can be excellent substitutes or additions. Just be mindful of the cooking times for different veggies, as they may require adjustments to ensure everything is cooked to perfection.

How does this soup freeze?

This soup freezes well, though the tortellini’s texture may change slightly. It’s best to freeze it without the tortellini or add cooked tortellini after thawing for the most enjoyable texture. Always cool the soup completely before freezing it.