Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a delightful dish that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekends, this slow cooker recipe combines hearty ingredients like Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and rich tomatoes. It’s not just easy to prepare but also customizable for various occasions, making it a go-to favorite for families and gatherings alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With minimal effort required, you can set the ingredients in your crockpot and let the magic happen without constant supervision.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of savory sausage and fresh vegetables creates a delicious depth that warms the soul.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to substitute vegetables or adjust spices to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for meal planning or quick lunches during the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup is sure to satisfy a variety of palates.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, enabling flavors to meld beautifully over time.
• Skillet: Essential for browning the sausage, which adds layers of flavor to your soup.
• Chopping board & knife: Necessary for preparing your vegetables quickly and safely.

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Ingredients

For the Base of the Soup

• 16 ounces Italian sausage (see note)
• 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 medium carrots (sliced or chopped)
• 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)

For the Broth

• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 4 cups chicken broth

For the Final Touches

• 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional)
• 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

How to Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

1. Add the sausage meat and onions to a skillet.
2. Sauté for about 7-8 minutes, breaking up the sausage meat with your spoon until browned. If needed, spoon out some excess fat.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Your Crockpot

1. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
2. Transfer the sausage mixture into your crockpot.
3. Add in the carrots, celery, canned tomatoes, and chicken broth.

Step 3: Cook Your Soup

1. If you want to cook it in 3-4 hours, chop the carrots finely; otherwise, you can leave them larger for longer cooking times.

Step 4: Add Final Ingredients Before Serving

1. About 30 minutes prior to serving, add in your cheese tortellini, cream if using, and spinach.
2. Set your crockpot to high and stir occasionally.
3. Season with salt & pepper as needed before serving.

With these simple steps, enjoy your comforting bowl of Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Serving Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage can elevate your dining experience. This comforting soup pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its rich flavors.

Bread Options

• Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor of garlic bread complements the soup wonderfully.

Salad Pairings

• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with a creamy dressing adds a nice crunch to your meal.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Topping Ideas

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan on top adds a salty richness that enhances the dish.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

How to Perfect Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

To ensure your Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables provide better flavor and texture than canned or frozen options.
• Adjust Cooking Time: If you prefer firmer vegetables, reduce the cooking time; if you like them softer, increase it slightly.
• Stir Occasionally: Stirring helps distribute flavors evenly and prevents sticking at the bottom of the Crockpot.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure optimal flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Complement your meal with delicious side dishes that pair nicely with Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage.

1. Garlic Toast: Simple yet flavorful; just spread butter and garlic on bread and toast until golden.
2. Italian Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheese, and vegetables provides a savory start to your meal.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized adds depth to your dinner.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Filled with rice, beans, or quinoa makes for a hearty side that’s filling and nutritious.
5. Mixed Green Salad: Lightly dressed greens offer a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
6. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits infused with cheese make for an excellent pairing that’s sure to please.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that could affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the sauté step: Failing to brown the sausage and onions can result in a bland soup. Always sauté these ingredients first to enhance their flavors.
• Ignoring vegetable sizes: Cutting carrots and celery too large may lead to uneven cooking. Chop them finely if you want a quicker cook time.
• Adding tortellini too early: If you add cheese tortellini too soon, they’ll become mushy. Wait until about 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
• Not seasoning properly: Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your soup flat. Always check flavors before serving and add salt and pepper as needed.
• Using cold broth: Adding cold chicken broth can slow down cooking time. Ensure your broth is at room temperature or warmer for better results.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor.

Freezing Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Best used within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this delicious soup.

Can I use other meats instead of sausage?

Yes! You can substitute Italian sausage with ground chicken, turkey, or beef for different flavor profiles.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version of this Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage, simply omit the meat and add additional vegetables or beans for protein.

What type of tortellini works best?

Cheese tortellini is preferred, but you can also use spinach or mushroom-filled varieties for added flavor.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include extras like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas based on your preferences.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot tortellini soup with sausage is not only comforting but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!