CREAMY SAUSAGE TORTELLINI SOUP

I can almost smell the hearty aroma right now! I remember being a busy college student, always rushing between classes and late-night study sessions. My friend Sarah introduced me to the magic of slow cooking, and one of the first recipes I tried was an Easy Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage. It was a total lifesaver – comforting, filling, and ridiculously easy to throw together before I ran out the door. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage you’ll ever make!

Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Crockpot Tortellini Soup

Okay, let’s be real – we all crave those meals that taste like they took hours to prepare, but actually require minimal effort. This Crockpot Tortellini Soup delivers *exactly* that. Think about it: you toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. Hours later, you’re greeted with a warm, inviting soup that’s bursting with flavor. What’s not to love?

Beyond the convenience, this soup is incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a truly personalized meal. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any leftover sausage you might have lurking in the fridge. It’s also a budget-friendly meal, perfect for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying cozy leftovers throughout the week.

But the *real* reason you’ll fall head-over-heels for this recipe? The taste. The savory sausage, the tender tortellini, the creamy broth – it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more. I promise, this will become a staple in your dinner rotation!

The Star Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This is where the magic begins. Don’t worry, the list is simple and straightforward. We’re all about ease here.

• Sausage: I typically use Italian sausage (sweet or hot, depending on my mood!), but any sausage you love will work beautifully. Remove the casings for easier browning.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses form the base of our soup’s flavor. I prefer yellow onion for its mild sweetness.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes add a smoky depth that’s simply divine. But regular diced tomatoes are perfectly fine too!
• Chicken Broth: This is our liquid base. Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
• Tomato Paste: A little tomato paste adds richness and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs is essential for that classic Italian taste.
• Heavy Cream: This is what makes our soup luxuriously creamy. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option.
• Cheese Tortellini: Fresh or frozen tortellini works great! I usually opt for cheese-filled, but you can experiment with other fillings.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a healthy dose of vitamins.
• Parmesan Cheese: For grating on top, of course! Because what’s Italian soup without Parmesan?

Step-by-Step: Making Your Easy Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Okay, friend, let’s get cooking! Here are the simple, step-by-step instructions to create your culinary masterpiece:

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage (removed from the casings) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. The sausage should be nicely browned and slightly crispy, rendering out some of its flavorful fat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. They should be translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant but not browned. Watch carefully to prevent the garlic from burning!
3. Combine in the Crockpot: Transfer the browned sausage, sautéed onion, and garlic to your crockpot. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine everything. The mixture should be a vibrant red and smell absolutely amazing already!
4. Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
5. Add the Tortellini and Spinach: During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir in the tortellini and spinach. Cook until the tortellini is tender and the spinach is wilted. The tortellini should be plump and slightly soft.
6. Stir in the Cream: Stir in the heavy cream just before serving. This will give the soup its signature creaminess. Heat through gently, but do not boil.
7. Serve and Enjoy!: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat, if you like. Serve with crusty bread for dipping!

Success Tips: Your Secret Weapons for Soup Perfection

Want to guarantee soup success every time? Here are my top tips for making the *best* Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage:

• Don’t Skip the Browning Step: Browning the sausage is crucial for developing deep, rich flavor. It might seem like an extra step, but it’s absolutely worth it!
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
• Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Adding the tortellini too early can result in mushy, overcooked pasta. Wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking time for the best texture.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the soup! Choose a good quality sausage and flavorful chicken broth.
• Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a drizzle of olive oil, and a scattering of fresh herbs can elevate your soup to restaurant-worthy status.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment and customize it to your liking! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Add Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and mushrooms are all delicious additions. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic.
• Use Different Sausage: Try using chicken sausage, chorizo, or even vegan sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Add Beans: Cannellini beans or kidney beans would be a hearty and flavorful addition.
• Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream. You can also use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage.
• Add more herbs: Fresh basil or parsley adds a brightness at the end that is amazing.

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Meal

This soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
• Garlic Bread: For an extra garlicky and satisfying experience.
• Side Salad: A light and refreshing salad balances out the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Marinated Tomatoes: Some marinated tomatoes are a great addition, as well as fresh basil.

Other Amazing Soup Recipes to Explore

If you are craving more delicious soup recipes, you should absolutely try my MARRY ME CHICKEN SOUP. It is decadent and rich and absolutely perfect for when you are craving comfort food. Also, you can explore the creamy goodness of my CREAMY POTATO SOUP. And if you’re really looking to impress, my SAUSAGE TORTELLINI SOUP recipe is also a crowd-pleaser, though this crockpot version is a touch easier! Finally, if you want some sides, SAUSAGE CABBAGE goes well with soup.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This soup is perfect for meal prepping! Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Tips for Meal Prepping this Tortellini Soup

This is also a great recipe for meal prepping. You can easily double or triple the recipe and freeze individual portions for quick and easy lunches or dinners. Here’s how I like to meal prep this soup:

• Make a Big Batch: Double or triple the recipe and cook it all at once.
• Portion it Out: Divide the soup into individual containers. I like to use mason jars for easy storage and reheating.
• Freeze or Refrigerate: Store the containers in the freezer for up to 2-3 months or in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat and Enjoy: When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the soup in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Other Great Recipes to Try!

If you like this recipe, you will also love my Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip. Or, if you want a quick and tasty dinner, try my Crockpot BBQ Chicken.

Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Soup

There you have it – my foolproof recipe for Easy Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or any time you’re craving a warm bowl of goodness. I truly believe this will become a new family favorite! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking, my friend!

Lady Maria

Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

This creamy sausage tortellini soup is an easy and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Made in a slow cooker, it combines savory Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, spinach, and a creamy tomato broth for a flavorful and satisfying dish.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian-American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 5 ounces fresh spinach
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes optional
• Olive oil

Equipment

• large skillet
• spoon
• Crockpot (slow cooker)
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• Cutting board
• Ladle
• Bowls

Method

 

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage (removed from the casings) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Transfer the browned sausage, sautéed onion, and garlic to your crockpot. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine everything.
4. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir in the tortellini and spinach. Cook until the tortellini is tender and the spinach is wilted.
6. Stir in the heavy cream just before serving. Heat through gently, but do not boil.
7. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if desired). Serve with crusty bread.

Notes

For a richer flavor, brown the sausage well before adding it to the slow cooker. Adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed. To prevent overcooking, add the tortellini during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter option. Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots for extra nutrients.