Here’s a delicious and easy Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage recipe that’s perfect for a comforting, hands-off meal. It combines savory sausage, creamy broth, and tender tortellini!
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale, optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease and transfer the sausage to the crockpot.
- Add Vegetables and Broth:
- Add the diced onion, garlic, diced tomatoes (with their juice), chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and bay leaf to the crockpot.
- Cook:
- Stir everything together, cover, and cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2-3 hours.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach:
- About 30 minutes before serving, add the tortellini and spinach to the crockpot. Stir to combine and cook until the tortellini is tender (follow package instructions for cooking time).
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove the bay leaf, taste the soup, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Tips
- For a Creamier Soup: Use more heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese to make it richer.
- For Extra Veggies: Add in zucchini or bell peppers for more color and texture.
- Make It Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage or increase the red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.