You’ll love our Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Crock Pot)! This comforting dish is perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknights to cozy gatherings. The combination of savory sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh spinach makes every bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare in your slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can set your Crock Pot and forget about it.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The blend of Italian sausage and spices delivers rich flavors that warm your heart.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect for weeknight dinners or serving guests at a dinner party.
- Healthy and Hearty: Packed with spinach and tomatoes, this soup is both nutritious and filling.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal with family and friends.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Crock Pot), you’ll need a few essential tools. These items will help streamline the cooking process and ensure perfect results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking; perfect for soups that develop flavor over time.
- Chopping board: Provides a safe surface for cutting ingredients, ensuring precision in your prep work.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and garlic quick and efficient.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching the slow cooker’s surface.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 7 cup chicken broth
- 28 oz can + 14 oz can of diced tomatoes (undrained)
For the Main Components
- 1 lb uncooked Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 10 oz small frozen cheese tortellini (or fresh)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
For Creaminess
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Crock Pot)
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping the onion and mincing the garlic. These aromatic ingredients are essential for building flavor in your soup.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage (Optional)
If you prefer a richer flavor:
1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned.
2. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
- In the slow cooker, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, browned sausage (if using), Italian seasoning, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
- Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 4: Cook on Low Heat
Set your slow cooker on low heat:
1. Cook for about 5 hours. This allows all flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Add Tortellini and Spinach
- About 30 minutes before serving:
- Stir in the frozen tortellini and fresh spinach.
- If desired, add heavy whipping cream for extra creaminess.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once cooked:
1. Ladle into bowls.
2. Top with freshly shredded parmesan cheese before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Crock Pot) with crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal!
How to Serve Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Crock Pot)
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is delicious and comforting, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Herbs
- Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
- Chives: Add finely chopped chives for a mild onion flavor that complements the soup beautifully.
Accompanied by Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth.
- Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for an extra indulgent treat.
Topped with Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan cheese over each bowl for added richness.
- Mozzarella: Melt mozzarella on top for a gooey, cheesy experience.
With a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a crisp contrast to the creamy soup.
- Spinach Salad: A fresh spinach salad with vinaigrette complements the flavors perfectly.
How to Perfect Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Crock Pot)
To achieve the best results with your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Sausage: Use high-quality Italian sausage for better flavor and texture in your soup.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Control the Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream based on your preference; omit it for a lighter version.
- Cook Low and Slow: Allow the soup to cook on low heat throughout the day for richer flavors.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust seasoning towards the end of cooking for optimal taste.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Crock Pot)
Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: Quick and easy, garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil make a refreshing side that balances the soup’s creaminess.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze adds a crunchy texture alongside the soup.
- Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cured meats, and cheeses offers variety and enhances Italian flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy side with delightful caramelization.
- Mixed Greens Salad: Lightly dressed mixed greens offer a fresh contrast to the hearty soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Crock Pot), it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.
Using the wrong type of sausage: Selecting a sausage that is too spicy or does not have enough flavor can affect your soup. Opt for mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference.
Not draining the tomatoes: If you drain the canned tomatoes, you lose essential flavors and liquid. Always use undrained canned tomatoes for a richer taste and texture.
Overcooking the tortellini: Adding tortellini too early can result in mushy pasta. Wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking to add them for a perfect texture.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Depending on your broth and sausage, you may need to adjust salt and pepper. Taste your soup before serving and adjust as necessary for optimal flavor.
Skipping the spinach: While it might be tempting to omit spinach, it adds nutrition and color. Always include fresh spinach for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Crock Pot)
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container, as liquids expand when frozen.
Reheating Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Crock Pot)
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Crock Pot).
Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh tortellini can be used in place of frozen. Just add them during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking time.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version of Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Crock Pot), omit the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Use coconut milk or almond milk instead for creaminess.
What can I serve with Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Crock Pot)?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a green salad. These sides complement the rich flavors beautifully.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers along with the onions for added nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Crock Pot) is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or changing up the types of sausage you use. This cozy recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household, perfect for any night of the week!
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup (Crock Pot)
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup made effortlessly in your slow cooker. This delicious dish features a hearty blend of savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and nutritious fresh spinach, all enveloped in a rich, creamy broth. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this soup requires only 10 minutes of prep time before you let the Crock Pot do the rest. Each bowl is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a delightful and wholesome meal. Enjoy with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 lb uncooked Italian sausage
- 7 cups chicken broth
- 28 oz + 14 oz diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 10 oz frozen cheese tortellini
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (optional)
Instructions
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- (Optional) Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat; drain excess fat.
- In a slow cooker, combine onion, garlic, browned sausage, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings. Stir well.
- Cook on low for about 5 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add frozen tortellini and spinach; stir in heavy cream if desired.
- Serve hot with freshly grated parmesan on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
