Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for busy days when you want a warm meal waiting for you. Loaded with Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and cheesy tortellini, this soup is both easy to make and satisfying for the whole family.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces Italian sausage
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced or chopped
• 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream (optional)
• 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the sausage meat and chopped onions to a skillet. Sauté over medium heat for 7 to 8 minutes, breaking the sausage up with a spoon until browned. If there is excess fat, spoon some out.
2. Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the sausage mixture to your Crockpot.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced carrots, finely chopped celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth to the Crockpot. For a shorter cook time of 3 to 4 hours, chop the carrots finely. If cooking 7 to 8 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high, larger pieces are fine.
4. Step 4: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini, heavy cream (if using), and fresh baby spinach. Set the Crockpot to high and stir occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste just before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a leaner option, use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat.
• Substitute fresh tortellini if refrigerated is unavailable, but reduce cooking time accordingly.
• Spinach can be swapped with kale or Swiss chard for different greens.
• Omit the cream if you want a lighter, tomato-based soup.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much upon reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze this tortellini soup?

It’s best to freeze the soup without the tortellini because the pasta may become mushy when thawed and reheated. You can freeze the broth and sausage mixture for up to 3 months, then add fresh tortellini when reheating.

What can I use instead of Italian sausage?

You can substitute Italian sausage with ground pork, turkey sausage, or chicken sausage. Adjust seasoning with Italian herbs if your chosen sausage is mild in flavor.