Craving a warm, comforting, and incredibly easy-to-make meal? This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is your answer! This delicious recipe combines cheesy tortellini, savory sausage, and a flavorful broth, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s a hearty, satisfying soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
What is Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage?
Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage – doesn’t it just roll off the tongue? But what’s with the name? Did a tortellini accidentally fall into a sausage pot one day, creating culinary magic? Or perhaps a wise Italian nonna whispered the secret recipe over generations? We may never know the true origin, but one thing’s for sure: this soup is a star! It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re getting a warm hug from the inside out.
They say ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ but trust me, this soup works on everyone! So, grab your crockpot and let’s make some magic, soup style! You’ll thank me later.
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious and easy soup:
- 1 pound Italian Sausage: Sweet or hot, your choice! Remove casings if using links
- 1 large Onion, chopped: Adds a savory base to the soup.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Essential for that aromatic flavor.
- 4 cups Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium to control the salt level.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained: Adds acidity and chunkiness.
- 1 (10 ounce) can Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates a creamy, rich broth. (Optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning: Brings all the flavors together.
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best!
- 9 ounces Refrigerated Tortellini: Cheese or meat-filled, your preference.
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious creaminess (optional, but highly recommended).
- Fresh Parsley, chopped: For garnish.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: For serving.
How to Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup:
This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is unbelievably easy. And believe me, it’s simply delicious and satisfying. This recipe is all about simplicity and big flavor. The best part? It takes just minutes to prep and then the slow cooker does all the work. The creamy sauce and flavorful sausage create a truly memorable soup. Prep time is around 15 minutes, then 4-6 hours in the crockpot.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Brown the Sausage (Optional): In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Alternatively, you can add the sausage directly to the crockpot, but browning adds extra flavor.
Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the browned sausage (if using), chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), cream of mushroom soup (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
Add Tortellini: During the last 30 minutes of cooking time, stir in the refrigerated tortellini.
Stir in Cream: Once the tortellini is tender, stir in the heavy cream (if using).
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Tortellini Soup:
This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is the epitome of comfort food, packed with savory sausage, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy, flavorful broth. Making this soup at home is significantly cheaper than ordering takeout or dining at a restaurant. This recipe allows you to use high-quality ingredients, customize the flavors to your liking, and enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank. The richness of the broth, enhanced by the cream (if using), and the cheesy tortellini combine to create an unforgettable flavor profile.
It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. If you love creamy soups, you might also enjoy a classic Creamy Tomato Soup. Try make this Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage at home, you’ll see that this recipe will quickly become a family favorite!
What to Serve Crockpot Tortellini Soup With:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
- Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic Bread: A classic side that complements the Italian flavors of the soup.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Tortellini Soup:
- Brown the Sausage: While optional, browning the sausage before adding it to the crockpot enhances the flavor significantly. The caramelized bits add depth and richness to the soup. If you have the time, don’t skip this step!
- Don’t Overcook the Tortellini: Add the tortellini during the last 30 minutes of cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy. Overcooked tortellini lose their texture and can make the soup less appealing.
- Adjust the Broth: If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth. If you like a thinner soup, add more broth or even a little water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crockpot.
- Substitute Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini during the last hour of cooking. They add extra nutrients and flavor to the soup.
- Make it Vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version. You can also add some sauteed mushrooms or other vegetables to boost the flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh basil or oregano along with the parsley can elevate the aroma and flavour of the soup significantly.
- Add a Splash of Lemon Juice: Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten the flavours of the soup.
- Cheese Variation: You can try other types of cheeses such as mozzarella, ricotta, or provolone to change the flavor profile.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. However, freezing may affect the texture of the tortellini, making them a bit softer upon thawing. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly comforting. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a hearty soup to warm you up on a cold day, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy a taste of pure comfort! Buon appetito!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
FAQs:
Q: Can I use dried tortellini?
A: Yes, but you may need to add them earlier in the cooking process (about 1 hour before serving) as they take longer to cook than refrigerated tortellini. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t become too soft.
Q: Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
A: Absolutely! Simply brown the sausage in a large pot, then add the remaining ingredients (except the tortellini and cream). Bring to a simmer and cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Then, add the tortellini and cook until tender, followed by the cream.
Q: Can I use different types of sausage?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, such as chicken sausage, chorizo, or even vegetarian sausage.
Q: Can i make this soup creamy by adding cream cheese?
A: Yes, Adding cream cheese can increase the creaminess of the dish, but adding too much can change the flavor of the recipe. It should be added in small quantities so that it does not ruin the originality of the recipe.
Q: Can I add vegetables other than onions to the soup?
A: You sure can, but, to get the best flavour, the use of specific vegetables in the appropriate quantity is important. Make sure you always use vegetables that have mild flavour.
Q: Can I omit the cream of mushroom soup?
A: Yes, you can. If you omit the cream of mushroom soup, you may want to add a little extra heavy cream or a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with cold water) to thicken the soup.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: The standard recipe is not gluten-free because of the tortellini and cream of mushroom soup. However, you can find gluten-free tortellini and gluten-free cream of mushroom soup alternatives to make it gluten-free.