Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach: A Hearty and Delicious Comfort Food
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying and easy to make as Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach. The combination of savory sausage, creamy broth, tender cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach makes this soup a go-to for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s a one-pot meal that’s simple to prepare and can be left to cook in the slow cooker while you go about your day. Here’s a complete guide on how to make this delicious soup from start to finish.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach
This hearty soup has all the qualities of a perfect comfort meal: it’s rich, creamy, packed with flavor, and incredibly filling. The beauty of this dish lies in its easy preparation and minimal cooking time, especially since most of the work is done by the slow cooker. You’ll love how the flavors meld together, with the sausage adding a savory, slightly spicy kick, while the spinach gives it a refreshing and healthy twist. The cheese tortellini adds a delightful softness, making every spoonful feel indulgent. Whether you serve it on a chilly day or as a crowd-pleasing dinner, this soup will become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients Needed for Crockpot Tortellini Soup
Before you start preparing the soup, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. This recipe is designed to be flexible, so you can swap or adjust ingredients based on your preferences. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound sausage: Italian sausage (either mild or spicy) works best for this recipe, but you can also use turkey sausage or any preferred variety for a lighter option.
- 1 medium onion, diced: The onion adds sweetness and flavor to the base of the soup.
- 1 box (4 cups) chicken broth: Chicken broth is ideal for a rich, flavorful base, but you can also use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- 1 small can (6 oz) tomato paste: Tomato paste will thicken the soup and add depth of flavor.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a bit of acidity and texture to the soup. For an extra flavor boost, consider using Rotel diced tomatoes with green chiles.
- 1 teaspoon thyme: Thyme is a perfect herb to complement the sausage and vegetables.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season according to your personal preference.
- 1 bag (9 oz) cheese tortellini: Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini works well in this soup. It adds heartiness and a delicious cheese flavor.
- 1 bag (5 oz) fresh spinach: Fresh spinach is an essential ingredient, adding both flavor and nutrients to the soup.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: The cream adds richness and smoothness, giving the soup its creamy texture.
- Parmesan cheese, for serving: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory finish to the soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onions
To begin, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook it, breaking it apart as it browns, until it is no longer pink. Once fully cooked, add the diced onion and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure the sausage doesn’t burn. Once done, drain any excess fat from the sausage and onions.
This step enhances the flavor of the sausage by allowing it to caramelize, which adds depth and richness to the soup base.
Step 2: Transfer to the Crockpot
Now it’s time to set up your crockpot. Transfer the cooked sausage and onions into the crockpot, using a spatula to scrape any browned bits into the pot for extra flavor. Add the chicken broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, thyme, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together to combine, making sure the tomato paste is dissolved in the liquid. This forms the base of your soup, which will slowly simmer and allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Cook on Low or High
At this point, cover your crockpot and set it to cook. If you have time to spare, cook the soup on low for 8 hours. If you’re short on time, high for 4 hours will work just fine. The longer the soup cooks, the more flavorful it will become as the sausage and tomatoes infuse the broth.
During this cooking period, you can go about your day, knowing your dinner is being prepared for you without much effort.
Step 4: Add Tortellini and Spinach
Once the soup has had time to cook and the flavors are developing, it’s time to add the tortellini and spinach. About an hour before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and cheese tortellini, followed by the heavy whipping cream. The spinach will wilt down into the soup, adding a pop of green color and a boost of vitamins. The tortellini will soak up all the delicious flavors while becoming tender and soft. Stir everything together and let it cook for the remaining hour.
Make sure the tortellini is fully cooked before serving, and give the soup a final taste test. You may want to add a bit more salt and pepper at this stage, depending on your preference.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the soup is ready, it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and top with Parmesan cheese. The cheese adds a savory, umami flavor that perfectly complements the creamy, tomato-infused broth. You can serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Crockpot Tortellini Soup
- Customize the Sausage: While Italian sausage adds great flavor, you can experiment with different types of sausage like chicken sausage or even spicy chorizo for an extra kick.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots, celery, or zucchini for added nutrition and texture.
- Adjust the Cream: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. This will give you a creamy texture without the richness of heavy cream.
- Leftovers: This soup makes great leftovers. Store any extra soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The tortellini may soak up some of the broth, so you can add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore its consistency.
Why This Soup Is Perfect for Every Season
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach is a year-round winner. In the colder months, it’s the ultimate comfort food, providing warmth and satisfaction. The combination of sausage, broth, and creamy texture makes it perfect for chilly evenings. But it’s also light and healthy enough to enjoy in the spring or fall. The spinach adds a fresh, green component that makes it feel wholesome, and the cheese tortellini turns it into a substantial meal.
This soup is also incredibly versatile. It can be customized based on your dietary needs or preferences. If you want a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can even use gluten-free tortellini for a gluten-free variation of this recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach is one of those recipes that you’ll make over and over again. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, yet it tastes like a gourmet dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this soup is sure to impress. So, grab your crockpot and get ready for a delicious, heartwarming meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.