When you think of comfort food, nothing quite beats a warm bowl of soup. Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup combines all the hearty flavors you love into one delicious dish that requires minimal effort. You can easily throw this recipe together and allow your crockpot to do the heavy lifting while you go about your day. It’s perfect for busy families, chilly nights, or whenever you crave something warm and satisfying.
Why We Love This Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
This Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup recipe is a treasure for several reasons. First, it’s extraordinarily easy to prepare. With just a few steps and some simple ingredients, you can create a hearty meal that pleases both kids and adults alike. The amalgamation of Italian sausage and soft tortellini creates a comforting texture that makes it feel like a warm hug in a bowl. Additionally, the inclusion of spinach or kale adds a nutritional boost without sacrificing flavor. It’s the kind of dish that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart, making it ideal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients about Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
To make this delightful soup, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated tortellini
- 2 cups spinach or kale
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
These straightforward ingredients come together to create a dish packed with flavor and easy to enjoy any day of the week.
How to Make Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup Directions
- Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the pound of Italian sausage. Brown the sausage, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. This step is essential for developing flavor, so take your time. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy soup.
- Next, prepare your crockpot. Add the browned sausage to the pot. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Don’t forget to pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes. The tomatoes provide a delicious acidity that balances the richness of the sausage beautifully.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking. This is your opportunity to enhance the flavors. Turn your crockpot to a low setting and let it cook for 6 to 8 hours or select the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making your soup taste like it has been simmering all day.
- About 15 minutes prior to serving, stir in the refrigerated tortellini and the spinach or kale. The tortellini will cook quickly, and the greens will wilt nicely into the broth during this time, adding both color and nutrition.
- Just before you’re ready to serve, stir in the heavy cream to add a touch of richness that elevates the entire dish. You’ll notice the soup transforms into a creamy delight, perfect for dipping crusty bread into or simply enjoying on its own.
- When it’s time to dig in, serve hot and offer grated Parmesan cheese on top for your guests to sprinkle as they wish. The cheese adds a salty finish that completes the dish wonderfully.
How to Serve Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
You’ve put in the effort; now it’s time to enjoy your creation! Serve your savory Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup in generous bowls, hot and steamy straight from the crockpot. This dish pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread or a light, crisp salad. You may also want to consider serving it with extra toppings, such as freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley to heighten the flavors. Don’t forget to have napkins on hand; this delicious soup is perfect for dipping and savoring every last drop!
Expert Tips: Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
- Choose Quality Sausage: The flavor of your soup largely depends on the quality of the sausage you select. Opt for fresh, high-quality Italian sausage for the best results.
- Customize Your Greens: While spinach and kale are great choices, feel free to experiment with other leafy greens. Swiss chard or even beet greens can add a delightful twist.
- Tortellini Choices: You can use fresh, frozen, or even shelf-stable tortellini depending on what you have on hand. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if necessary.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sausage while it cooks. This can give your soup an extra kick that is both warming and exciting.
- Herb Infusion: Fresh herbs add a beautiful freshness to the dish. Consider adding a bouquet garni or Italian seasoning mix at the beginning of the cooking process for compounded flavor.
How to Store Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Leftover soup can be a wonderful treat for lunch or dinner the next day. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing. To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving enough space at the top for the soup to expand as it freezes. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.
Variation of Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
One of the best aspects of this soup is its versatility. Here are some variations you might consider trying:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. Enhance the broth with additional vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Add Beans: For added protein and fiber, consider adding a can of beans, such as cannellini or chickpeas, during the cooking process. This addition makes the soup even more hearty and filling.
- Creamy Tomato Base: For a twist on flavor, consider blending the diced tomatoes into a smooth puree before adding them to the crockpot. This will create a distinctly creamy and robust tomato flavor.
- Cheesy Goodness: Incorporate shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese into the soup for a delightful cheesy depth. Just add it to the pot a few minutes before serving and stir until melted.
- Spicy Italian Twist: Use spicy Italian sausage and incorporate roasted red peppers to elevate the heat and sweetness of the dish, bringing it a new and exciting flavor profile.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish made with Italian sausage, tortellini, chicken broth, and vibrant greens. It cooks easily in a crockpot, resulting in a warming soup perfect for any occasion.
How long does Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup take to cook?
Depending on your setting, it typically takes 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high to cook this delicious soup in a crockpot.
Can I make Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time, and storing it in the refrigerator or freezer makes for easy reheating later on.
What type of tortellini should I use?
You can use refrigerated, frozen, or even dried tortellini according to your preference and availability. Each will yield a delightful result.
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Certainly! Feel free to customize this soup with your favorite vegetables. Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers can all enhance the flavors and nutrition of the dish.
Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage Use high-quality fresh sausage for best flavor.
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes Adds acidity to the soup.
- 9 ounces refrigerated tortellini Can use frozen or shelf-stable if preferred.
- 2 cups spinach or kale You can customize with other leafy greens.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a creamy texture.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust to enhance flavors.
- Parmesan cheese for serving Optional topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and brown, stirring occasionally until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the browned sausage to the crockpot. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Set the crockpot on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
Cooking
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini and spinach or kale.
- Just before serving, stir in the heavy cream and mix until well combined.
Serving
- Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
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