Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a delightful dish that perfectly combines flavors and textures for an enjoyable meal. This hearty soup offers a deliciously savory profile, making it perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with family and friends. Thanks to the convenience of the crockpot, you can let the flavors meld together throughout the day while you focus on your other activities, making it a favorite for busy individuals and families alike.
Why We Love This Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
There’s something truly wonderful about putting together a meal that requires minimal effort while still being packed with flavor. This crockpot recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy a little more spice or prefer a creamier soup, this recipe provides that flexibility. Plus, who can resist the combination of savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and vibrant greens that come together to create a comforting bowl of goodness? With each spoonful, you’re met with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients, which is why this soup is bound to become a staple in your household.
Ingredients about Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little kick)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
How to Make Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup Directions
To craft this hearty Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup, you’ll want to take a few straightforward steps that lead to a deeply satisfying result. First, begin by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. This will not only enhance the flavor but will also give the sausage a nice texture. Once browned, drain any excess grease. After that, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until they are tender and aromatic, usually about 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial for layering in the flavors.
Once you’ve got your sausage, onions, and garlic ready, it’s time to bring everything together. In your crockpot, combine the browned sausage, sautéed onions, minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you prefer a kick), and a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together well to ensure the sausage is evenly distributed.
Set your crockpot to cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for approximately 3 hours—this allows the ingredients to meld, creating a rich and hearty base for your soup. As the cooking time nears completion, you’ll want to add the tortellini and heavy cream into the mix. Stir gently to incorporate them and allow the soup to cook for an additional 30 minutes. This step is vital for ensuring the tortellini is perfectly cooked and absorbs the delightful flavors of the broth.
If you want to include even more nutrition, toss in a couple of cups of baby spinach or kale about 10 minutes before you’re ready to serve. This not only enriches the soup with greens but also adds a lovely pop of color. Once everything is cooked through, you’re ready to bowl up your soup and finish it off with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for that extra delicious touch.
How to Serve Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Serving your Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a breeze. You can ladle generous portions into bowls and garnish them with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. If you’re feeling extra fancy, consider drizzling a little olive oil on top for added richness. Serve your soup alongside crusty bread or warm, buttery rolls to soak up all that wonderful broth.
You may also want to consider offering a fresh garden salad on the side for a balanced meal. The bright flavors of a salad can complement the heartiness of your soup beautifully. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just a family of four, this soup is delightful any time of the year and works wonderfully for meal prep or as leftovers.
Expert Tips: Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
To elevate your Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup even further, keep these expert tips in mind. First and foremost, do not rush the browning process of your sausage. Taking the time to brown it properly brings out intense flavors that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
If you’re looking to reduce calories or make a lighter version, consider using lean turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage. You can also swap the heavy cream for a lighter option, like half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free variation.
Don’t shy away from adding more vegetables. Bell peppers, carrots, or even mushrooms can easily be thrown into the mix before cooking. These additions not only amp up the nutrition but also contribute layers of flavor. Lastly, make sure to taste your soup before serving. Adjust seasonings as needed to ensure every bowl is bursting with flavor!
How to Store Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
If you find yourself with leftovers of this delicious soup, you’ll be glad to know that storing it is simple. Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help maintain its freshness while ensuring no strong odors from the fridge affect the taste.
Store your soup in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When freezing, divide the soup into portions to make it easier to defrost individual servings as needed. To reheat, simply warm it gently over the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up if needed.
Variation of Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
One of the best aspects of this soup is its versatility, allowing you to play around with it based on your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. If you want to make it vegetarian, consider omitting the sausage and adding some hearty mushrooms or lentils instead for protein.
For a spicier kick, use spicy Italian sausage or add extra crushed red pepper flakes. You can also mix different types of tortellini—if you find spinach or mushroom tortellini at the store, they can add unique flavors and colors.
Another fun variation is to switch out the greens. If you’re not a fan of spinach or kale, feel free to use bok choy or even Swiss chard. Lastly, for a twist on the classic, try adding some Italian-style beans, like cannellini or chickpeas, which will give it a heartier, more robust texture.
FAQ
What is Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a comforting dish made with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and a creamy broth, cooked slowly in a crockpot for maximum flavor.
How do you make Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
To make this soup, you first brown the sausage, sauté some vegetables, then combine everything in the crockpot, allowing it to simmer and develop rich flavors before adding the tortellini and cream near the end.
How long can you store Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
Cooked Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to cool it completely before storing.
Can I customize the ingredients in Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
Absolutely! You can adjust the meat, vegetables, or even the type of broth you use to create a version that suits your tastes or dietary needs.
Is Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prepping, as it reheats well and tastes even better the next day when the flavors have melded together.
Embrace the warmth and comfort of Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup in your kitchen, and experience the joy of creating a flavorful, nourishing meal with ease!
Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) for a little kick
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 9 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups baby spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, then drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the diced onions and minced garlic in the same skillet until tender and aromatic, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine the browned sausage, sautéed onions, minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper in the crockpot. Mix well.
Cooking
- Set the crockpot to cook on low for 6 hours or high for about 3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the tortellini and heavy cream to the crockpot and stir gently.
- Ten minutes before serving, toss in the baby spinach or kale.
Serving
- Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Optionally drizzle with olive oil and serve with crusty bread or a garden salad.
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