If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, hearty soup that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this delightful Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of savory Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a luscious, creamy broth that warms you from the inside out. Each spoonful bursts with comforting flavors and fresh ingredients that make this soup a family favorite anytime you crave something satisfying but without too much fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet each plays a vital role in building the rich taste, creamy texture, and vibrant color that define this soup. Let’s dive into what makes this Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe truly shine.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage: Provides a rich, savory base loaded with herbs and spices.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth when cooked slowly.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Gives an aromatic kick that complements the sausage perfectly.
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and thinly sliced): Brings subtle sweetness and a touch of color.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that brings all the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: The blend of herbs creates that unmistakable Italian flair.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick to awaken your taste buds.
- 1 packet 19-ounce frozen cheese tortellini: Soft, pillowy pockets that make every spoonful indulgent.
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream: For that creamy, velvety texture that makes this soup truly special.
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves: Adds vibrant green color and a touch of freshness.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty finish that ties all the elements together.
- Parsley for garnish: A burst of freshness and color on top.
How to Make Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add your ground Italian sausage. Cook it until beautifully browned while breaking it apart with a spoon. This step releases all the flavorful fats and ensures each bite has that perfect savory punch. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Transfer Sausage to Slow Cooker
Move the browned sausage into your crockpot as the hearty foundation of this dish. This is where the magic will happen during the slow cooking process.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Next, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, and thinly sliced carrots. These ingredients will slowly soften and release their flavors, creating a deliciously aromatic base that perfectly complements the sausage.
Step 4: Pour in Broth and Season
Pour 4 cups of chicken broth over the mixture then sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so the flavors start mingling before you set the slow cooker to work.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. The long cooking time allows the carrots to soften and the flavors to deepen, making every spoonful rich and satisfying.
Step 6: Add the Tortellini
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the frozen cheese tortellini. Cover again and let it cook until the pasta turns wonderfully tender—this timing is key to preventing mushiness while giving it a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Step 7: Finish with Cream, Spinach, and Parmesan
Stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach leaves, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Let the soup cook for another 5 to 10 minutes on LOW so the spinach wilts gently and the soup turns luxuriously creamy. This last step balances richness with freshness beautifully.
Step 8: Taste and Garnish
Before serving, taste your creation and adjust salt or pepper as needed to suit your palate. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for that perfect final touch.
How to Serve Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley and more Parmesan cheese are classic garnishes here, adding bursts of color and extra savory notes. A drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add an exciting twist for those who love a little heat.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup with crusty artisan bread or garlic knots to soak up every last drop of the creamy broth. A simple green salad pairs nicely to lighten the meal without competing with the hearty flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top and a small wedge of lemon on the side to brighten each spoonful when squeezed. You can also set out a Parmesan cheese grater for guests who want to customize their cheese topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This soup can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze before adding the tortellini and cream, as pasta and dairy tend to change texture after thawing. Freeze the broth, sausage, and veggies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw, add fresh tortellini and cream, then gently reheat.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Add fresh spinach and Parmesan when reheating for that fresh just-made taste.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner option and will still provide plenty of flavor, though the taste will be slightly milder. Adjust seasonings if needed to boost flavor.
Is it necessary to brown the sausage first?
Browning the sausage adds depth and texture to the dish by caramelizing the meat and rendering out excess fat. Skipping this step may result in a less flavorful soup.
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Fresh tortellini works wonderfully in this recipe and usually cooks even faster. Just add it during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter soup, but it won’t be quite as rich or creamy. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream adds creaminess but will change the flavor profile.
How spicy is this soup?
This Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is mildly spiced with just black pepper and Italian seasoning. If you love heat, adding red pepper flakes or hot sausage is an easy way to kick up the spice level.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is a true gem for anyone who loves a comforting meal that feels both indulgent and homemade. It’s easy to prepare, packed with vibrant flavors, and perfectly suited for busy days when you want a delicious dinner waiting for you. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to soup recipes for your crockpot!
Print
Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 4 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on HIGH) or 6–7 hours (on LOW)
- Total Time: 4 hours 4 minutes (on HIGH) or 7 hours 4 minutes (on LOW)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup combines savory Italian sausage with tender cheese tortellini and fresh spinach in a creamy, comforting broth. Perfect for a cozy meal, this easy slow cooker recipe requires minimal prep and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas as it slowly cooks to perfection.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
Pasta and Cheese
- 1 packet (19 ounces) frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to crumble it evenly. Once cooked, drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from being too oily.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Place the browned sausage into the slow cooker, creating the base for the soup.
- Add vegetables: Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and thinly sliced carrots to the slow cooker. Stir the mixture briefly to combine the ingredients well.
- Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir once again to distribute the seasonings throughout the liquid.
- Slow cook the soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. This allows the carrots to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the frozen cheese tortellini. Cover and continue cooking until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Add cream, spinach, and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, fresh baby spinach leaves, and shredded Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 5–10 minutes on LOW until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy and rich.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, then serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, although it will be less creamy.
- To make the soup spicier, use spicy Italian sausage instead of sweet sausage.
- Fresh tortellini can be used instead of frozen; adjust cooking time accordingly as fresh pasta cooks faster.
- Leftovers store well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the tortellini with gluten-free pasta.
