If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Imagine savory Italian sausage mingling with tender cheese-filled tortellini, all swimming in a rich, creamy tomato broth dotted with vibrant veggies and fresh spinach. Cooking low and slow in your crockpot not only frees up your day but also deepens all those fantastic flavors. It’s effortless magic that’s perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want a bowl of pure, soul-satisfying comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients, each adding a layer of flavor, texture, or color that makes this soup so special. From the hearty sausage to the fresh spinach and creamy cheese tortellini, all these components combine to create a balanced and delectable dish.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the aromatics and bringing a subtle richness.
- Yellow onion (diced): Adds a sweet, savory base that melts into the broth.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Brings a bold, spiced meaty flavor that’s essential to the soup’s heartiness.
- Garlic cloves (4-5, minced): Infuses aromatic depth and warmth.
- Carrots (chopped): Provides sweetness and a gentle crunch.
- Celery stalks (chopped): Offers a subtle earthiness and texture contrast.
- Crushed tomatoes (15 oz. can): Forms the rich tomato base with a velvety texture.
- Diced tomatoes (15 oz. can): Adds body and fresh tomato bursts.
- Marinara sauce (1½ cups): Deepens the tomato flavor with herbs and spices.
- Low sodium chicken broth (4-5 cups): The flavorful liquid that brings everything together without overpowering.
- Italian seasoning (2-3 tsp): A fragrant blend of herbs that evoke classic Italian flair.
- Salt and pepper (½ tsp each, more to taste): Balances and enhances the flavors throughout.
- Crushed red pepper (¼-½ tsp): Adds just the right touch of heat.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (20 oz): Soft, cheesy pasta pockets that transform this soup into a meal.
- Spinach (2 large handfuls): Fresh greens that add vibrant color and nutrition.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Creamy indulgence that rounds out the soup perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese (⅓-½ cup, grated): Brings a nutty, salty finish.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped, optional): Bright herbal notes for garnish and fresh flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Sausage
Begin by heating olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions are translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. This step softens and sweetens the base, setting the perfect stage for the sausage. Next, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spoon and cooking it until it’s nicely browned. This browning adds a depth of flavor that really shows up in the final soup. Remember to drain excess grease to keep the broth from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Layer the Vegetables in the Crockpot
Place the chopped carrots and celery at the bottom of your crockpot. These vegetables form a flavorful foundation and add texture to each spoonful. Then, spoon the browned sausage and onions on top. The layering creates a nice melding of flavors as everything cooks low and slow.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Pour in the crushed and diced tomatoes along with the marinara sauce. Add between 4 to 5 cups of low sodium chicken broth, starting with 4 cups—you can always add more later if you want a thinner soup consistency. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine those wonderful flavors before covering the crockpot.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crockpot to low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a rich and comforting broth. The sausage infuses the soup with robust flavor while the vegetables become tender and sweet.
Step 5: Add Pasta, Greens, and Cream
About 20 to 30 minutes before serving, turn the crockpot to high if it was previously on low. Stir in the fresh spinach, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tortellini is just al dente. This timing is key because tortellini can get mushy if overcooked—once tender, shift the crockpot to warm or turn it off to maintain that perfect pasta texture.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil for a bright, herbal note. Serve with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for anyone who loves a cheesier touch.
How to Serve Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped basil or a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan instantly elevates this soup. You can also add a few red pepper flakes if you crave a little kick. These simple garnishes add freshness and let each bowl look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This soup shines best with crusty, warm bread like a baguette or garlic bread to soak up every last delicious drop. A crisp green salad or roasted veggies also make excellent accompaniments, balancing the richness of the soup with a light, fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in hollowed-out bread bowls—this makes for a visually stunning presentation and adds an extra bite of flavor. You can also layer this soup in clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant layers of sausage, spinach, and tortellini. It’s perfect for dinner parties or family meals where presentation matters!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because of the pasta, it’s best enjoyed within this time frame to avoid sogginess. Give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the flavors evenly.
Freezing
While you can freeze this soup, keep in mind that the tortellini might become softer after thawing. To minimize texture loss, consider freezing the soup without the tortellini and spinach, then add them freshly when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. Add fresh spinach and tortellini toward the end if you froze the soup without them to keep the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option and will still infuse your soup with great flavor—just make sure to brown it well for that savory richness.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Swap out the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or simply add more hearty veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth will keep the flavors balanced and satisfying.
Do I have to add the heavy cream?
The heavy cream adds a wonderful richness and smooth texture, but if you prefer a lighter soup, you can omit it or substitute with a little half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Can I prepare this soup in advance for a party?
Yes! This Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals. Prepare everything up to the slow cooking step, refrigerate overnight, then cook the next day and add the tortellini and greens near the end. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
No worries! You can make this on the stovetop by simmering the soup on low after browning the sausage and veggies. Add tortellini and spinach in the last 20 minutes to keep it fresh and tender.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is a total game-changer when it comes to easy, flavorful weeknight dinners. Its blend of bold Italian sausage, tender pasta, and creamy tomato broth makes every spoonful unforgettable. Trust me, once you try this soup, it will be on regular rotation in your household—comfort food that never gets old! So go on, fire up that crockpot and get ready for some seriously delicious cozy vibes.
Print
Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and comforting Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup featuring savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, a rich tomato base, and creamy cheese tortellini, slow-cooked for deep flavors and finished with fresh spinach, parmesan, and basil.
Ingredients
Sausage and Vegetables
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
Tomato Base and Seasonings
- 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 (plus more to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper (plus more to taste)
- ¼–½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Final Additions
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 large handfuls fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- â…“–½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown Sausage: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into chunks, and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Prepare Crockpot Base: Place chopped carrots and celery at the bottom of the crockpot. Layer the cooked sausage and onion mixture over the vegetables. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, chicken broth (start with 4 cups), Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
- Add Tortellini, Spinach, and Cream: About 20-30 minutes before serving, if the crockpot is on low, switch it to high. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir occasionally and cook until the tortellini is al dente, approximately 15-20 minutes. Be careful not to overcook to avoid mushy pasta.
- Finish and Serve: Once the tortellini is cooked, shift the crockpot to warm or remove from heat. Stir in fresh chopped basil if using. Serve hot with extra parmesan cheese on the side.
Notes
- Start with 4 cups of chicken broth and add more later if the soup is too thick.
- Adding the tortellini towards the end prevents it from becoming overly soft or mushy.
- Feel free to customize the amount of crushed red pepper for desired spiciness.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a lovely fresh flavor at the end.
- Using low sodium broth allows better control over the salt levels.
