Description
This hearty Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup combines Italian sausage, vibrant vegetables, and creamy cheese tortellini in a rich tomato broth, making for a comforting and delicious slow-cooked meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
Tomato and Broth
- 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1½ cup marinara sauce
- 4-5 cups low sodium chicken broth
Seasonings
- 2-3 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper (more to taste)
- ¼-½ tsp crushed red pepper
Pasta and Greens
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 large handfuls spinach
Finishing Touches
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓-½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Sausage: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet or pan. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until onions become translucent and garlic is fragrant. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into chunks as it cooks. Brown the sausage thoroughly and drain any excess grease.
- Prepare Crockpot Base: Place the chopped carrots and celery at the bottom of the crockpot. Layer the browned sausage and onions over the vegetables. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, chicken broth (start with 4 cups), and all seasonings (Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper). Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.
- Add Final Ingredients: About 20-30 minutes before serving, if cooking on low, switch the crockpot to high. Add the refrigerated cheese tortellini, spinach, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese to the pot. Stir gently to incorporate and heat until the tortellini is al dente, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish and Serve: Once the tortellini is cooked perfectly, shift the crockpot to warm or remove it from heat to prevent overcooking and mushy pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- The quantity of chicken broth can be adjusted to achieve preferred soup thickness—add more for a thinner broth.
- When adding tortellini, closely monitor cooking time to avoid mushy pasta.
- Fresh basil is optional but adds a bright herbal note to the finished soup.
- For spicier soup, increase crushed red pepper amount to taste.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be reheated gently on stovetop or microwave.
