Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines savory sausage, tender tortellini, and a medley of vegetables in a rich broth. This comforting soup is perfect for busy weeknights and can be made effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s a delicious meal that warms you up from the inside out!
Ingredients List
For the Soup:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrot, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bag (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Timing
Preparing Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup takes about 15 minutes for prep and 4-6 hours for cooking, totaling approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes to 6 hours and 15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
- Transfer to Crockpot: Transfer the cooked sausage mixture to the crockpot.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, sliced carrots, sliced celery, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
- Cover and Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Add Tortellini and Spinach
- Add Tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini.
- Add Spinach: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Enjoy this hearty and comforting soup!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional profile of Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup (per serving, assuming 6 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Tips for Customization
- Sausage Variations: Use turkey sausage for a leaner option or switch to chicken sausage for a different flavor.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Herb Variations: Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for additional flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup pairs well with:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- A simple green salad for a refreshing contrast.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Tortellini: Add the tortellini towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Not Browning the Sausage: Browning the sausage adds depth of flavor, so don’t skip this step.
- Skipping the Spinach: Adding spinach at the end keeps it vibrant and nutritious; don’t add it too early.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. This soup also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
Conclusion
In about 4 to 6 hours, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup that is both hearty and satisfying. This simple recipe is perfect for any occasion and is sure to become a family favorite!
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble them in the crockpot in the morning.
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add it to the soup for the last 30-40 minutes of cooking.
What if I want a vegetarian version?
You can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely and add more vegetables.
Can I customize the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite ingredients or adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- • 1 medium onion, chopped
- • 3 cloves garlic, minced
- • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- • 4 cups chicken broth
- • 1 cup carrot, sliced
- • 1 cup celery, sliced
- • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- • 1 bag (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- • 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
- • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Cook Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
- Transfer to Crockpot: Transfer the cooked sausage mixture to the crockpot.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, sliced carrots, sliced celery, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
- Cover and Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
Step 4: Add Tortellini and Spinach
- Add Tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini.
- Add Spinach: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish: Serve the soup hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Enjoy this hearty and comforting soup!
