Description
This Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting meal perfect for busy days. Featuring Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and cheese tortellini simmered slowly in a flavorful tomato-based broth, this soup combines rich, creamy textures with fresh herbs for a satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓-½ cup parmesan cheese (grated)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 4-5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 carrots (chopped)
- 3 celery stalks (chopped)
- 2 large handfuls spinach
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped) (optional)
Canned & Packaged Goods
- 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 1½ cup marinara sauce
- 4-5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 20 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
Seasonings
- 2-3 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (more to taste)
- ½ tsp pepper (more to taste)
- ¼-½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown Sausage: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a pan. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into chunks, and cook until browned. Drain any excess grease before continuing.
- Prepare Slow Cooker Base: Place the chopped carrots and celery in the bottom of the crockpot. Layer the cooked sausage and onions over the vegetables. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, low sodium chicken broth (starting with 4 cups), Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- 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 become tender.
- Add Tortellini and Finishing Ingredients: About 20-30 minutes before serving, if the crockpot is on low, switch it to high. Add the cheese tortellini, spinach, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese. Stir gently and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the tortellini are al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Once the tortellini is cooked perfectly, shift the crockpot to warm or remove from heat to avoid overcooking and mushy pasta. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the amount of chicken broth to achieve your preferred soup thickness.
- Using low sodium broth helps control the overall saltiness of the soup.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Make sure not to overcook the tortellini to keep its texture firm and pleasant.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
