Crockpot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

Hey there, fellow soup lover! Let me tell you about a dish that’s a winner in our family—a hearty Crockpot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup. It all started a few winter seasons ago when I was searching for something warm, comforting, and easy to whip up on those chilly nights. You know those evenings when the mere thought of standing by the stove for hours makes you shiver more than the cold outside? Yep, those ones. That’s when the trusty old Crockpot became my best friend, and this soup was born.

Picture this: the rich aroma of Italian sausage mingling with garlic and onions, filling the kitchen as you toss everything into the slow cooker. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! My husband, who usually prefers grilling over stewing, was immediately hooked, and the kids? Well, they couldn’t get enough of the cheesy tortellini floating in that savory broth. It quickly became our go-to dish for family nights, especially when we needed something simple yet satisfying.

There’s something magical about coming home after a long day to a house filled with the irresistible smell of home-cooked goodness. It’s these little moments that turn everyday meals into family traditions. So, if you’re looking for a dish that does all the hard work for you while leaving you with a soul-soothing meal, this Crockpot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is your answer. Whether it’s for a cozy dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or just a comforting night in, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen too. Ready to make some memories? Let’s dive into the recipe!

How to Make Crockpot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

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Ingredients:

• 16 ounces Italian sausage
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced or chopped
• 2 sticks celery, chopped finely
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional)
• 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Begin by browning the sausage meat and chopped onion in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, breaking up the sausage with a spoon until it’s nice and browned. You can remove any excess fat if desired.
2. Add minced garlic to the skillet and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, transfer this savory mixture to your Crockpot.
3. Into the Crockpot, toss in the chopped carrots, celery, both the canned crushed and diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Note: Finely chop your carrots if you’re aiming for a quicker cooking time of 3-4 hours.
4. Set your Crockpot on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, depending on how soon you’d like to enjoy your soup.
5. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, increase the Crockpot heat to high and add in the cheese tortellini, optional cream, and fresh spinach. Stir occasionally and let it finish cooking.
6. Before serving, season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking.

Creative Substitutions to Suit Your Taste

If Italian sausage isn’t your thing, you could easily swap it for turkey sausage or even chicken sausage for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead, adding extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms to bulk up the soup. Not a fan of spinach? Kale or Swiss chard make excellent substitutes and add a similar nutrient boost.

Storage Solutions for Your Crockpot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

Got leftovers? Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop to preserve the tortellini’s texture.

Perfect Pairings for Crockpot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup

This comforting soup pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a warm garlic loaf to soak up all that delicious broth. For a complete Italian-inspired meal, serve it alongside a fresh Caesar salad and a glass of Chianti or your favorite red wine.

Tricks to Get the Best Out of This Recipe

For an extra layer of flavor, try searing the sausage in a hot skillet before adding it to your Crockpot. This caramelization adds depth to the soup. Also, consider adding a Parmesan rind to the soup while it cooks, removing it before serving. This infuses the broth with a rich, cheesy savoriness.

Adapting This Recipe with Fresh, Seasonal Flavors

In the spring, incorporate fresh peas or asparagus for a touch of green. During summer, swap canned tomatoes for fresh ripe ones at the peak of their sweetness. In fall, add a chopped sweet potato or butternut squash for a cozy twist. For winter, a dash of nutmeg can add warmth to the dish.

FAQs:

Can I use dry tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, you can use dry tortellini, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as it takes longer to cook than refrigerated tortellini. Add them earlier, around an hour before the end of the cooking time, to ensure they are tender.

How can I make this soup spicier?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, consider using spicy Italian sausage instead of the mild variety. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the soup for an extra kick.

Is there a dairy-free version of this soup?

Absolutely! Simply omit the cream, and the soup will still be deliciously hearty. You might also try a splash of coconut milk for a slight creaminess without the dairy, though it will alter the flavor slightly to be more tropical.

What’s the best way to thicken the soup?

For a thicker consistency, consider blending a portion of the soup once cooked (before adding tortellini and spinach) and then stirring it back into the pot. Alternatively, a slurry of cornstarch and cold water can be added and heated until the soup thickens.

Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function for browning the sausage and onions, then add the remaining ingredients except for tortellini and spinach. Cook on high pressure for about 5 minutes, manually release pressure, and then add tortellini and spinach using the sauté function until the pasta is cooked.

What can I use instead of Italian sausage for a different flavor?

If you’re not a fan of Italian sausage, try using ground beef, turkey, or chicken for a milder taste. You can also explore using chorizo for a spicy Spanish twist, which pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.