If you’re craving a hearty, comforting bowl of soup that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the robust flavors of Italian sausage with tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato-based broth, all slowly cooked to perfection in your crockpot. This recipe is not only incredibly easy but also packs layers of savory, creamy goodness that will satisfy the whole family. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight or you just want a fuss-free meal, this soup offers the perfect balance of cozy and delicious with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, accessible, and each one plays a crucial role in creating the depth and heartiness of this soup. From the aromatic vegetables to the creamy cheese tortellini, every item packs flavor and texture that will make your Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe unforgettable.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness that helps sauté the aromatics and sausage beautifully.
- Yellow onion (diced): Provides a sweet, savory base that warms up the soup’s flavor profile.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Gives the soup its signature meaty, spiced taste — remember to use your preferred heat level.
- Garlic cloves (4-5, minced): Imparts a fragrant punch that elevates every bite.
- Carrots (4, chopped): Adds sweetness and a satisfying crunch once softened.
- Celery stalks (3, chopped): Brings a fresh, slightly peppery undertone and texture contrast.
- Crushed tomatoes (15 oz. can): Forms the luscious tomato foundation of your soup.
- Diced tomatoes (15 oz. can): Adds body and a bit of texture to avoid monotony.
- Marinara sauce (1½ cups): Layers in extra Italian flavor and thickness.
- Chicken broth (4-5 cups, low sodium): Balances the acidity and richness, making it wonderfully soupy.
- Italian seasoning (2-3 tsp): A fragrant mix that brings all the Italian herbs in unison.
- Salt and pepper (½ tsp each, to taste): Essential seasonings to perfect the flavor.
- Crushed red pepper (¼-½ tsp): Adds a gentle heat to keep things lively, but optional based on your spice preference.
- Refrigerated cheese tortellini (20 oz): The star pasta that’s tender, cheesy, and irresistible in soup form.
- Fresh spinach (2 large handfuls): Offers color, nutrients, and delicate earthiness.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Gives the soup a velvety, luxurious finishing touch.
- Parmesan cheese (⅓-½ cup, grated): Sharp, nutty flavor that rounds out the creaminess.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped, optional): A fragrant herbaceous note that brightens each spoonful.
How to Make Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics and brown the sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until the onions become soft and translucent while the garlic fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Next, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into bite-sized chunks as it browns. This step brings out the sausage’s rich flavor and adds a savory depth that will infuse the whole soup. Once browned, drain excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
Step 2: Layer the vegetables and sausage in the crockpot
Place your chopped carrots and celery at the bottom of the crockpot for a lovely bed of veggies. Spoon the cooked sausage and onion mixture over the top, spreading it evenly. This layering ensures the flavors develop harmoniously during cooking while maintaining a wonderful texture in every bite.
Step 3: Add tomatoes, broth, and seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and marinara sauce, giving that tomato base a rich complexity. Add 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth to create the perfect soup consistency, reserving extra broth to adjust the thickness later if needed. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper over everything, then give it a gentle stir to combine all the flavors before the slow cook begins.
Step 4: Slow cook to develop flavor
Cover the crockpot securely and cook on low for about 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow simmer allows the ingredients to meld and the sausage to impart its delicious essence throughout the soup. The long cooking time transforms simple ingredients into a soul-soothing masterpiece.
Step 5: Add tortellini, spinach, cream, and cheese
About 20-30 minutes before you want to serve, switch your crockpot to high if it isn’t already. Stir in the fresh spinach, heavy cream, grated parmesan, and refrigerated cheese tortellini. The tortellini will cook quickly, becoming tender yet firm, while the spinach wilts to add vibrant color. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the tortellini is perfectly al dente— usually within 15-20 minutes — set your crockpot to warm or turn it off to avoid mushy pasta.
Step 6: Finish and garnish
Sprinkle fresh chopped basil on top for a final burst of fragrant herb flavor. Serve with extra parmesan cheese for anyone who loves an even cheesier experience. Your Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe is now ready to wow!
How to Serve Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For topping options, fresh chopped basil is a delightful choice that brightens the dish with herbal freshness. Additional parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty contrast to the creamy broth. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can kick things up a notch.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or garlic breadsticks to soak up every last bit of the savory broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the heartiness of the soup, making your meal perfectly balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe in rustic bowls lined with a sprinkle of parmesan around the rim for a gourmet touch. Add a small ramekin of extra parmesan or chili flakes at the table so everyone can customize their bowl. You can also ladle the soup into hollowed-out sourdough bread bowls — an inviting and fun presentation that doubles as an edible container.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool to room temperature, then transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors meld further the next day, making it even tastier as leftovers.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully if you want to meal prep. For best texture, freeze the soup without the tortellini, adding fresh tortellini when reheating. Store the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If frozen, thaw first to ensure even heating. Add tortellini and spinach fresh during reheating and cook until the pasta is tender and the spinach is wilted. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen any thickening that occurs.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option that still offers good flavor. Just make sure to cook it well before adding it to the crockpot to ensure safety and texture.
Do I have to use refrigerated tortellini, or can I use frozen?
Refrigerated tortellini works best because it cooks quickly and reliably in the crockpot. Frozen tortellini may take longer and could become mushy, so it’s better to add fresh or refrigerated during the final cooking stage.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap Italian sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or skip it altogether and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain a rich base.
How spicy is this soup, and can I adjust the heat?
This recipe has a mild to moderate level of heat thanks to the crushed red pepper, which you can easily reduce or omit depending on your preference. You can also add more crushed red pepper or hot sauce for extra kick.
Why add heavy cream at the end?
The heavy cream lends a silky richness and smooth texture that balances the acidity of the tomatoes and the savory sausage. Adding it toward the end preserves its creamy consistency without curdling during the long cook.
Final Thoughts
You owe it to yourself to try this Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe as soon as possible. It’s the kind of meal that brings comfort and satisfaction in every spoonful without any complicated steps or fuss. Perfect for busy days, casual dinners, or when you just want a bowl of cozy to look forward to. Once you make it, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup combines savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, tangy tomatoes, and creamy cheese tortellini in a flavorful broth. Slow-cooked to perfection with Italian seasonings and finished with fresh spinach, parmesan, and basil, it’s a comforting and easy-to-make soup perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
Tomatoes and Sauces
- 15 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1½ cup marinara sauce
Broth and Seasonings
- 4–5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2–3 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (more to taste)
- ½ tsp pepper (more to taste)
- ¼–½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Pasta and Cheese
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 large handfuls spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- â…“–½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Sausage: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a skillet. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until onions become translucent and garlic is fragrant. Add Italian sausage, breaking it into chunks, and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Layer Ingredients in Crockpot: Place chopped carrots and celery at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the cooked sausage and onion mixture on top. Then add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, chicken broth (start with 4 cups, reserving extra to thin soup later if needed), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook Soup: Cover crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to soften.
- Add Tortellini and Finishing Ingredients: Approximately 20-30 minutes before serving, set crockpot to high (if it was on low). Stir in cheese tortellini, spinach, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tortellini is al dente—about 15-20 minutes. Once tortellini is cooked, switch crockpot to warm or remove from heat to prevent overcooking and mushy pasta.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped basil and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control salt level in the soup.
- Fresh basil is optional, but it adds a fragrant brightness to the finished soup.
- If the soup is too thick after cooking, add a little more chicken broth to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
- For a spicier soup, increase crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Do not overcook the tortellini to prevent it from becoming mushy.
