If you’re craving a meal that wraps you in comfort with every spoonful, you absolutely need to try this Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe. Imagine tender Italian sausage, silky cheese tortellini, vibrant spinach, and rich, creamy broth slowly mingling in your crockpot all day. This cozy soup is the perfect one-pot meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome, answering the call when you want a simple yet deeply satisfying dinner. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, leaving you free to relax while your kitchen fills with warm, inviting aromas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of the ingredient list fool you—each item brings its own magic to the bowl, creating a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this soup shine. These staples are easy to find, come together beautifully, and build the soul of this dish so well.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: Choose mild or spicy to set the flavor tone; browning it first unlocks savory depth.
- 1 onion, diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic base that complements the sausage perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Brings irresistible fragrance and a subtle kick to the broth.
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz): Provides acidity and a lovely burst of color that brightens the soup.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Forms the hearty liquid foundation, soaking everything with savory goodness.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives classic Mediterranean flavors a warm, herbal lift.
- 1 cup cream: Enriches the soup with a silky texture and gentle richness that feels decadent.
- 3 cups cheese tortellini: These tender, stuffed pasta pockets add comforting chew and cheesy pockets of joy.
- 2 cups spinach: Adds freshness, nutrition, and a lovely splash of green that brightens the whole dish.
How to Make Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage, Onion, and Garlic
Start by placing your Italian sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned and the onions are softened. This step is key for building depth of flavor; those brown bits bring a rich savoriness that cannot be skipped.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Once your sausage mixture is perfectly browned, transfer it to the crockpot. Add in the canned diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. These ingredients will simmer together for hours, allowing the flavors to meld into a cozy, flavorful broth.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup
Set your crockpot to Low for 6 to 7 hours or High for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process is where the soup truly comes alive, tenderizing the flavors and making the kitchen smell like an authentic Italian trattoria.
Step 4: Add Cream, Tortellini, and Spinach
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the cream, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach. Allow the tortellini to cook through and the spinach to wilt gently, creating a creamy, lush finish to your soup.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for a salty, nutty finish. A few fresh basil leaves or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the presentation while adding subtle bursts of flavor and color.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup with crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up every last drop. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup perfectly and adds a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Try ladling the soup into rustic bread bowls for a fun, edible presentation that impresses guests. Or, offer a toppings bar with crumbled bacon, chopped fresh herbs, or a drizzle of chili oil for a personal touch that lets everyone jazz up their bowl just how they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making for an even tastier meal the next day.
Freezing
While you can freeze this soup, it’s best to freeze it before adding the cream, tortellini, and spinach to preserve texture. Freeze the soup base separately and add the last ingredients fresh when reheating for the best experience.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first and add the cream, tortellini, and spinach during reheating for a fresh, creamy finish.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage works well and makes the soup a bit lighter while still packing plenty of flavor.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
No worries! You can make this soup in a large pot on the stove. Just simmer everything together gently for about an hour until flavors develop and the tortellini is cooked through at the end.
Can I substitute kale for spinach?
Yes, kale is a great substitute and adds a slightly heartier texture. Just make sure to remove the tough stems and chop it finely before adding.
Is this soup spicy?
It depends on your sausage choice. Using spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick, but mild sausage keeps it gentle and kid-friendly.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, omit the cream or use a coconut cream alternative. The soup will still be delicious but with a slightly different richness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe quickly becomes a family favorite because it’s simple, comforting, and packed with so many delicious layers of flavor. It’s the kind of meal you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Give it a try, and enjoy the warm hug in a bowl that you truly deserve.
Print
Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
A cozy, creamy slow cooker soup featuring Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, tomatoes, and spinach. Perfect for a comforting and hearty meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Protein & Aromatics
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup cream
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cheese tortellini
- 2 cups spinach
Instructions
- Brown Sausage and Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté together until the onion is translucent and the mixture is fragrant. This step develops the base flavor for the soup.
- Add to Crockpot: Transfer the browned sausage mixture into the crockpot. To this, add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking melds the flavors and tenderizes the sausage and onions further.
- Add Cream, Tortellini, and Spinach: About 20 to 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cream, cheese tortellini, and spinach. Cover and cook on High for 20–30 minutes more, until the tortellini is tender and the spinach is wilted but still vibrant green.
- Serve: Give the soup a good stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Substitute kale for spinach if preferred for a different leafy green texture.
- Use spicy Italian sausage if you want to add some heat to the soup.
- Ensure tortellini is cooked just until tender to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.
- For a richer soup, you can add a bit more cream or garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
