Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a comforting, hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, creamy broth, and tender cheese tortellini. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a savory, filling soup with minimal effort. With a touch of Italian seasoning, diced tomatoes, and a generous splash of heavy cream, this soup is the perfect balance of richness and freshness. Topped with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, it’s an easy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any time of the year.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Fresh basil and parmesan, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add ingredients to the Crockpot: Transfer the cooked sausage to the Crockpot. Add the diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning.
3. Cook the soup: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add the tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini to the Crockpot. Stir to combine, and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and heated through.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Cooking Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Additional Time for Tortellini: 20-30 minutes on high

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the Italian sausage and use plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a hearty vegetarian soup.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for some extra heat.
• Cheese Options: Try different types of cheese tortellini, such as spinach and ricotta, for variation in flavor.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese for garnish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. For the best results, freeze the soup without the tortellini and add fresh pasta when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra chicken broth or cream if needed to adjust the consistency.

FAQs

How long can I keep leftovers of Crockpot Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add it a little earlier, as frozen tortellini will need more time to cook.

Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken sausage can be used for a leaner version of this soup. You can also add extra seasonings like fennel, garlic, and red pepper flakes to mimic the flavor of Italian sausage.

Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition. Add them with the broth so they can cook along with the soup.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chopped fresh chili peppers to give the soup a spicier kick.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a few days. Just add the tortellini when you’re ready to serve.

How do I adjust the consistency of the soup?

If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or cream to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a while to reduce and thicken.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or another non-dairy cream alternative, and use dairy-free cheese for garnish.

Conclusion

Crockpot Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup is the perfect balance of rich, creamy, and savory flavors. It’s easy to make, hearty, and comforting, making it an ideal meal for any time of year. Whether you’re craving something filling for a chilly evening or just want a simple yet flavorful dish, this soup checks all the boxes. Topped with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your soup rotation!

Sausage and Tortellini Soup

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• Author: Julia
• Total Time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Crockpot Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a comforting, creamy dish featuring savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a rich, flavorful broth. This easy-to-make slow cooker recipe combines the best of Italian flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for any night of the week. Garnished with fresh basil and Parmesan, this hearty soup is sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

1 lb Italian sausage

1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Fresh basil and Parmesan, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, then drain excess fat.

2. Add the cooked sausage to the Crockpot.

3. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning to the Crockpot. Stir to combine.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the flavors have melded together.

5. About 30 minutes before serving, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and stir to combine. Cook on high for 20-30 minutes, until the tortellini is tender.

6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, skip the sausage and add plant-based sausage or extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.

Add red pepper flakes or jalapeño for a spicier kick.

Substitute with different types of cheese tortellini, like spinach and ricotta, for variety.

For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or a non-dairy cream alternative and dairy-free cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Crockpot Recipes
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian-American