If you are craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, the Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This recipe brings together hearty Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh vegetables simmered slowly to create a rich, soothing soup that’s absolutely bursting with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or want a delicious meal to savor over a couple of days, this soup delivers both ease and satisfaction in one pot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients work together to create a soup that’s rich in texture, vibrant in color, and packed with layers of flavor. Every component from the savory Italian sausage to the fresh spinach plays a crucial role in making this dish truly special.
- Olive oil: A flavorful base that helps soften the vegetables and brown the sausage beautifully.
- Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- Italian sausage: The star protein with its spiced richness that infuses the entire soup.
- Garlic: Brings a fragrant punch to this savory dish.
- Carrots: Provide a slight sweetness and a hearty bite.
- Celery: Adds refreshing crunch and balances the flavors perfectly.
- Crushed and diced tomatoes: For a bright, tangy tomato base that’s not too heavy.
- Marinara sauce: Boosts the tomato flavor with an herby, savory foundation.
- Chicken broth: Keeps the soup light yet nourishing, amplifying all the ingredients’ flavors.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the dish with authentic Italian aroma.
- Salt, pepper, and crushed pepper: For perfectly balanced seasoning and a touch of heat.
- Cheese tortellini: Pillowy pasta pockets stuffed with cheese that add richness and fun texture.
- Spinach: Adds freshness and a lovely pop of green color.
- Heavy cream: Brings creaminess and mellows out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that truly rounds out the soup.
- Fresh basil (optional): Offers bright herbal notes when sprinkled on top before serving.
How to Make Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced yellow onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. Next, toss in the Italian sausage, breaking it into chunks as it browns evenly. Cooking the sausage on the stovetop first ensures that you develop a rich, deep flavor before slow cooking, and draining excess grease helps keep the soup from becoming oily.
Step 2: Layer the Vegetables and Liquids in Your Crockpot
Place the chopped carrots and celery at the bottom of the crockpot. These vegetables add a natural sweetness and wonderful texture after hours of slow cooking. Next, add the browned sausage and sautéed onions on top. Pour in the crushed and diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, and chicken broth—starting with 4 cups, you can always add more later if you want a thinner consistency. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed pepper, then stir everything gently to combine all the flavors before sealing the lid.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfect Flavor
Set your crockpot on low and let the magic happen for 6 to 7 hours, or choose high for about 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. Slow cooking melds all the ingredients beautifully, allowing the sausage to infuse the broth and the vegetables to soften into a comforting base. The long, gentle simmer develops a soup that’s hearty yet balanced and ready to welcome the final touches.
Step 4: Add Spinach, Cream, Parmesan, and Tortellini
About 20 to 30 minutes before serving, switch your crockpot to high if it was cooking low. Add in the fresh spinach, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and refrigerated cheese tortellini. Stir well and let the tortellini cook until al dente, which usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the pasta here because you want it tender, not mushy. Once ready, shift the heat to warm or turn off the crockpot entirely to prevent overcooking. This step brings richness and a satisfying creaminess to the dish.
How to Serve Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil adds a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy soup. For an extra touch of indulgence, grate a bit more Parmesan right on top before serving. These simple garnishes transform the dish into a beautiful and flavorful experience every time.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a one-pot meal, but for something extra, serve it alongside toasted garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious broth. A crisp green salad also pairs wonderfully, balancing the richness with fresh, crisp bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, ladle the soup into individual rustic bowls and serve with a Parmesan crisp on the side. Or sprinkle some chili flakes for guests who love a little heat. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving boosts the decadent factor, making this humble crockpot dish feel elevated and special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, and it will be just as delicious the next day once reheated, as the flavors have more time to meld. Just be mindful that the tortellini may absorb some of the broth, so you might want to add a dash of broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance or stash some for a rainy day, this soup freezes well without the tortellini. Freeze the base soup separately in freezer-safe containers, then add fresh tortellini and finish with cream and spinach when you thaw and reheat. This method keeps the pasta from getting mushy and preserves the soup’s wonderful texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, stir in a little chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Add fresh tortellini or extra spinach if desired, and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and basil to revive that freshly made taste.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey or chicken sausage can be a leaner alternative while still offering great flavor. Just ensure the sausage is fully cooked before adding it to the crockpot, and consider adding a bit more Italian seasoning if you want to keep that classic herbiness.
Is it best to use fresh or dried tortellini?
Refrigerated fresh tortellini works best in this recipe because it cooks quickly and stays tender without getting gummy. Dried tortellini takes longer and might not hold up as well during the cooking process, so fresh or refrigerated pasta is recommended.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Yes! Use the sauté function for the first steps and then pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes. After releasing the pressure, add the tortellini, cream, spinach, and cheese, and use the sauté function again until the pasta is cooked.
How spicy is the soup? Can I adjust the heat level?
The recipe includes crushed pepper for a subtle warmth, but you can easily adjust it to your taste. Omit the crushed pepper for mild heat or add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like it spicier.
Can I omit the heavy cream for a lighter version?
Definitely! You can leave out the cream for a lighter broth-based soup. The soup will still be flavorful and comforting, though a bit less rich and creamy. Consider adding a splash of milk or a dollop of Greek yogurt at serving if you want some creaminess.
Final Thoughts
When you want a meal that feels like it was made with love and yet demands minimal effort, the Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe fits perfectly. It’s the kind of dish that warms the heart and the soul, turning even the busiest days into special occasions. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this flavorful, creamy bowl of comfort over and over again. Give it a go, and enjoy the cozy deliciousness!
Print
Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This comforting Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, rich tomatoes, and cheesy tortellini, slow-cooked to create a hearty and flavorful meal. Perfect for cozy dinners, this easy-to-make soup features fresh spinach and a creamy finish with parmesan cheese and heavy cream, bringing warmth and satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1½ cups marinara sauce
- 4–5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2–3 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper (more to taste)
- ¼–½ tsp crushed red pepper
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 large handfuls spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- â…“–½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Sausage: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent and garlic is fragrant. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into chunks, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease before adding to crockpot.
- Prepare Crockpot Base: Place chopped carrots and celery at the bottom of the crockpot. Layer the cooked sausage and onions on top. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, and chicken broth (starting with 4 cups). Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper to combine.
- Slow Cook Soup: Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking melds flavors and tenderizes the vegetables and sausage.
- Add Tortellini and Finish Ingredients: About 20-30 minutes before serving, switch the crockpot to high if it’s on low. Stir in spinach, heavy cream, grated parmesan cheese, and refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cook stirring occasionally until the tortellini is al dente, about 15-20 minutes. Once ready, switch heat to warm or remove from heat to prevent overcooking the pasta.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired, and serve with extra parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to your spice preference for a milder or spicier soup.
- Using low sodium chicken broth allows you to better control the saltiness of the final dish.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- The soup thickens slightly with the addition of heavy cream and parmesan; stir well to ensure a creamy consistency.
- If refrigerated, reheat gently and add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the soup.
