Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup Recipe with Sausage
If you’re searching for a cozy, comforting dish that practically cooks itself, you’ve found it in this Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup Recipe with Sausage. Combining the rich flavors of Italian sausage with the creamy texture of tortellini and a medley of vegetables, this soup creates a delightful meal that’s as warming as it is nourishing. With minimal effort required and the magic of your slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you can enjoy a hearty, satisfying dinner that fills your home with an enticing aroma.
Why We Love This Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup Recipe with Sausage
This Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something spectacular. The richness of the Italian sausage complements the cheesy tortellini, while the blend of fresh vegetables adds brightness to every bite. What really stands out is the creamy broth that envelops the other components, making each spoonful a comforting experience. You’ll love how effortlessly this dish fits into your busy schedule, allowing you to prepare a nourishing meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a complete meal in a bowl, perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even impressing guests at a dinner party.
Ingredients about Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup Recipe with Sausage
To create your delicious bowl of Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild, sweet, or spicy)
- 1 lb cheese-stuffed tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced thin
- 2 cups fresh or frozen spinach
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup Recipe with Sausage Directions
Making this Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a breeze! Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the Italian sausage and allow it to cook for about 5-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly. Once browned and cooked through, drain any excess grease from the pan. Transfer the sausage to your slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and diced onion, stirring to sauté for approximately 3-4 minutes. You want the onion to become translucent and fragrant. Once it reaches that point, transfer this mixture into the crockpot with the sausage.
Next, include the sliced carrots, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning into the crockpot. Stir everything to ensure it’s well combined. Now, simply cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic! You can choose to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours—whichever fits your schedule best.
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the tortellini and spinach. Allow them to cook until the tortellini becomes tender and the spinach wilts. Finally, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to heat everything through before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup Recipe with Sausage
Serving your Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup is an enjoyable part of the cooking process. Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets a generous amount of tortellini, sausage, and vegetables. As a finishing touch, consider garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
This soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a light salad to balance the richness. The creamy texture makes it hearty enough to enjoy on its own, but a side dish can elevate the meal experience even further.
Expert Tips: Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup Recipe with Sausage
To ensure your Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage turns out perfectly, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Choose Your Sausage Wisely: The type of Italian sausage you select can greatly affect the flavor of your soup. Consider using mild for a more subtle taste, or opt for spicy if you enjoy a little kick.
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: When you add the tortellini to the slow cooker, keep an eye on them. They usually take around 30 minutes to cook through; overcooking can lead to mushy pasta.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, feel free to reduce the amount of chicken broth. You can also add more heavy cream if you’re aiming for a richer flavor.
- Make it Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and saved for a later meal. The flavors intensify as it sits, so it can taste even better the next day.
- Experiment with Greens: While spinach is the suggested green in this recipe, feel free to substitute with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor and texture.
How to Store Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup Recipe with Sausage
Storing your Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup is straightforward. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. For long-term storage, consider freezing portions of the soup in freezer-safe containers. When ready to enjoy again, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight before reheating it on the stove or in the microwave.
Keep in mind that the texture of the tortellini may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavors will remain delicious.
Variation of Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup Recipe with Sausage
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for several tasty variations to suit your preferences. Here are a few ways you can mix it up:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage alternative, and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Add Different Veggies: Get creative with your vegetables! Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can easily be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Lovers: For a cheesier soup, incorporate some extra cheeses like mozzarella or gouda during the last stages of cooking. This not only enhances flavor but also adds to the creaminess.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes when you add in the Italian seasoning, or use a spicy sausage to give your soup some zing.
- Seasoning Variations: Experiment with different herbs! Thyme, basil, or oregano can all be great additions to the overall flavor profile of your soup.
FAQ
What is a Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage?
Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a heartwarming dish that combines Italian sausage, cheese-stuffed tortellini, and various vegetables, simmered together in a creamy broth to create a rich and delicious meal.
How long does it take to make Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage?
You can cook this soup on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
Can I freeze Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage?
Yes, you can freeze this soup! Just make sure to cool it first and store it in airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat it on the stove or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy again.
What should I serve with Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage?
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh salad, making for a well-rounded meal.
Can I use other types of sausage in the recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any type of Italian sausage, and you can experiment with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Creamy Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild, sweet, or spicy) Select according to your spice preference.
- 1 lb cheese-stuffed tortellini (fresh or frozen) Choose fresh for better texture.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth Use low-sodium to control salt content.
- 1 cup heavy cream For a creamy texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced Adds aroma and sweetness.
- 2 medium carrots, sliced thin For sweetness and color.
- 2 cups fresh or frozen spinach Great for added nutrition.
- 14 oz can crushed tomatoes Adds acidity and depth.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning For additional flavor.
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust to your preference.
- 2 tbsp olive oil Used for cooking sausage and vegetables.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add Italian sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up until browned.
- Drain excess grease and transfer sausage to a slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and diced onion for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Transfer the garlic and onion mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add sliced carrots, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning to the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Finishing Touches
- 30 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini and spinach.
- Once the tortellini is tender and spinach wilted, stir in heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes before serving.
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