This Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that is incredibly easy to prepare. With a blend of Italian sausage, tender vegetables, cheese filled tortellini, and a touch of heavy cream, this makes a rich and flavorful meal that is perfect for chilly days.
About the Recipe
To make this soup, you will simply brown the sausage in a skillet and then toss the remaining ingredients in the crockpot. It’s quick to prepare and cooks slowly on the counter for 3 hours. This is perfect when time is limited or when you just want a relaxing dinner without much work in the kitchen.
This soup is a crowd pleaser and is the perfect balance between simplicity and delicious flavor. It is a great choice for a cozy and satisfying dinner with friends or family. This slow cooker soup will be a hit for the whole family, even picky eaters!
If you are looking for more soup recipes, check out our: Carrot and Lentil Soup, Roasted Red Pepper and Gouda Soup, Great Northern Bean Soup or Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
Simple - This is a simple slow cooker recipe that doesn't require extensive cooking skills. It is perfect for both beginners and experienced home cooks looking for a hassle free meal. Serve with some garlic bread and a bottle of your favorite wine!
Family friendly - This soup tends to appeal to a wide audience, including kids and adults alike. It’s a great meal for family meals or gatherings.
Delicious - The combination of Italian sausage, flavorful herbs, the creamy texture from heavy cream, and the cheesy goodness of the tortellini creates a satisfying and comforting taste experience.
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need for this hearty soup:
- Olive oil - Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Italian sausage - Use mild, sweet Italian sausage, hot Italian sausage based on your preference.
- Carrots
- Celery
- Garlic
- Herbs - You will use both dried rosemary and dried thyme.
- Salt & black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Chicken broth - Or chicken stock.
- Tortellini - You will use one pound of cheese tortellini. You can use fresh or frozen tortellini.
- Heavy cream
- Kale - You can also use baby spinach instead.
How to Make Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup
Let's make this crock pot creamy tortellini soup together!
Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until browned.
Step 2: Add the browned sausage, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth to the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, or until the vegetables are tender.
Step 3: Add the tortellini and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until tender
Step 4: Add the heavy cream and kale and stir well.
Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
Tortellini timing - Be mindful not to overcook the tortellini, as it can become mushy.
Complete the meal - This soup would be great with a loaf of crusty bread and a nice green salad.
Storage - When storing leftovers, it's a good idea to store the tortellini separately from the soup to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming soggy.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this tortellini soup recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Skillet - You'll want a high quality large skillet to brown the Italian sausage.
Crockpot - Use a crockpot to make this soup and other simple meals.
Soup bowls - These are some of my favorite soup bowls of all time. They are the perfect size and keep the soup nice and warm.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this delicious crockpot tortellini soup.
Sausage - Experiment with different types of Italian sausage for varying flavors. Sweet, spicy, or mild sausage options can significantly impact the overall taste of the soup. If you wanted, you could swap the Italian sausage with ground turkey sausage, chicken sausage, ground beef, or even meatless alternatives like plant based sausage crumbles for different flavor profiles.
Seasoning - Taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt and pepper to suit your preferences.
Additions - Expand the veggie medley by including diced tomatoes, diced zucchini, chopped fresh spinach, or even some bell peppers to add more color and nutrients. Consider adding grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top of the soup when serving for an extra layer of savory goodness.
Tortellini - Get creative with your tortellini choices. Try spinach and ricotta-filled tortellini, mushroom-filled tortellini, or any other favorite filling you can find at your local store.
Cooking method - You can make this delicious soup in a Dutch oven on the stove top or the Instant pot.
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this sausage soup:
Easy Tomato Crostini with Whipped Cream Cheese - This Tomato Crostini with Whipped Cream Cheese appetizer is perfect for entertaining! With creamy whipped cream cheese, sauteed garlic tomatoes, and a sweet balsamic drizzle, each bite is so delicious.
Cream Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms - You are going to love this Zucchini Fritti recipe! It combines the simplicity of zucchini with the crunch of breadcrumbs and savory parmesan cheese.
Baked Zucchini Slices - This easy and incredibly satisfying recipe for Baked Zucchini Slices has tender zucchini rounds that are generously seasoned with a trio of garlic powder, onion powder and parmesan cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a delicious vegetarian version of this soup. You can also add more veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Yes, fresh tortellini can be used, and it will cook even faster, usually in just a few minutes.
You can freeze this soup, but it is best to do so without the tortellini because it can become mushy upon thawing. If you choose to do this, you can add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this simple recipe:
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a saucepan over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 stalks celery sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 16 oz cheese tortellini
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups kale
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook for 8-10 minutes, until browned.
- Add cooked sausage, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 3 hours, or until vegetables are tender.
- Add tortellini and cook for 10-12 minutes, until tender.
- Add heavy cream and kale and stir well. Serve immediately.
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