Description
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a hearty and comforting slow cooker meal combining savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, flavorful tomatoes, and cheesy tortellini in a rich, creamy tomato-based broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this soup is easy to prepare, customizable, and delivers satisfying warmth in every bowl.
Ingredients
Meat and Cheese
- 1 pound Italian sausage (pork, turkey, or chicken sausage)
- 9 ounces cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown 1 pound of Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if necessary, then transfer the cooked sausage to the crockpot.
- Add aromatics and liquids: Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the crockpot. Pour in 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce, and 4 cups chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Season the soup: Stir in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Cook slowly: Cover the crockpot and cook the mixture on low heat for 4 to 6 hours until the flavors meld and vegetables are tender.
- Add tortellini and cream: Stir in 9 ounces of cheese tortellini and 3/4 cup heavy cream. Cover and cook until the tortellini are tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
- Wilt spinach: Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach and allow it to wilt in the hot soup for a few minutes.
- Final seasoning and serving: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the soup hot topped with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner option.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Frozen tortellini can be used but may require slightly longer cooking time.
- Add extra broth when reheating leftovers because tortellini tend to absorb liquid.
- Optional vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, or kale can be added for more nutrition and variety.
- Spicy Italian sausage or red pepper flakes can be used to add heat.
- To make a lighter soup, replace heavy cream with milk or omit it completely.
- Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American