Hearty & Easy Crockpot Tortellini Soup: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Comfort Meal
Indulge in a warm, comforting bowl of Crockpot Tortellini Soup – a hearty and deeply flavorful soup you can effortlessly prepare in your slow cooker. It’s incredibly easy, packed with rich Italian flavors, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.
As the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of soup to warm you from the inside out. While you might have enjoyed my popular Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup, this recipe takes a delicious Italian twist, featuring savory Italian sausage for an even richer, more robust flavor profile. It’s a fantastic alternative that’s just as easy to make and equally satisfying.
The beauty of this crockpot tortellini soup lies in its simplicity. Most of the work happens in your slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over hours of gentle simmering. Just before serving, you’ll stir in fresh tortellini and tender spinach, which cook quickly in the hot broth. This “set it and forget it” approach makes it an absolute lifesaver for those busy weeknights when you crave a homemade meal without all the fuss.
Why You’ll Adore This Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup
- Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, making this recipe incredibly convenient for busy schedules.
- Deep, Rich Flavors: Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, and a blend of herbs simmer together to create an exceptionally flavorful broth.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Warm, hearty, and satisfying, this soup is the epitome of comfort, perfect for cold evenings or a cozy family dinner.
- Versatile & Adaptable: Easily customize ingredients to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.
- Family-Friendly: A meal that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring clean bowls all around.
- Minimal Last-Minute Cooking: Just a quick stir-in of tortellini and spinach at the end, and dinner is served!
Essential Ingredients for Your Crockpot Tortellini Soup
This recipe relies on a combination of fresh and pantry staples to create its incredible depth of flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient plays a crucial role:
- Italian Sausage: This is the star of the show, bringing savory, spiced goodness. You can choose mild, sweet, or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference. I often opt for spicy for an extra kick!
- Onion & Garlic: The aromatic foundation of any great Italian-inspired dish. Finely chopped onion and minced garlic add depth and a fragrant base to the soup.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Two large cans of crushed tomatoes create a rich, slightly tangy tomato base for our broth. Their texture is perfect for a hearty soup.
- Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth so you can control the saltiness. This liquid gold marries all the flavors together.
- Dried Basil & Dried Oregano: Classic Italian herbs that provide a warm, aromatic essence. Using dried herbs in the slow cooker allows their flavors to infuse beautifully over time.
- Italian Seasoning: A convenient blend of various Italian herbs, boosting the overall flavor profile without needing multiple individual spices.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle warmth and a hint of spice, complementing the Italian sausage. Adjust to your heat preference.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors. Always taste and adjust before serving!
- Fresh Spinach: Stirred in at the very end, fresh spinach wilts beautifully, adding a touch of vibrant color and a healthy boost to the soup.
- Cheese Tortellini: The namesake ingredient! These small, cheese-filled pasta pockets cook quickly and add a delightful chewiness and creamy texture. Fresh or frozen tortellini work well.
- Heavy Cream: A splash of heavy cream at the end transforms the soup into a lusciously creamy delight, mellowing the tomato base and adding richness.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room regarding the pasta! When I initially made this recipe, my local grocery store was out of tortellini for two weeks straight. So, I improvised and used little mini cheese ravioli instead. And honestly, they’re quite similar in taste and texture, so it genuinely doesn’t matter! Feel free to use cheese tortellini, mini ravioli, or any other small, filled pasta you can find and enjoy. The soup will be delicious either way!
How To Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious soup is incredibly straightforward, mostly thanks to the magic of your slow cooker. Here’s how to do it:
- Brown the Sausage and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage and finely chopped onions for 6-7 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage into crumbles as it cooks. Continue until the sausage is thoroughly cooked through and the onions have softened and become translucent. This step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors through caramelization, so don’t skip it! Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet to prevent your soup from becoming oily.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the browned sausage and onions. Cook for just 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until you can smell its fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.
- Assemble in the Crockpot: Transfer the browned sausage, onions, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and black pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover your crockpot and let the soup simmer. Cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-5 hours. The longer simmering time on low allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen, resulting in a richer, more complex soup.
- Add Final Ingredients: Approximately 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the fresh spinach, heavy cream, and the cheese tortellini (or mini ravioli). Ensure the pasta is submerged in the broth.
- Finish Cooking: Cover the crockpot again and continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through, and the spinach has wilted. The exact cooking time for the pasta may vary slightly depending on whether you use fresh or frozen tortellini, so check the package instructions if unsure.
- Taste and Adjust: Once the pasta is cooked, give the soup a taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preference.
- Serve & Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. For an extra touch of freshness and flavor, serve with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and/or a few fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Expert Recipe Tips & Tricks for the Best Tortellini Soup
To ensure your Crockpot Tortellini Soup turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips:
- Making Ahead and Freezing: This soup is excellent for meal prep, but with one important caveat: cook your pasta separately if you plan to freeze or store leftovers for more than a day. Pasta can become mushy when reheated in soup. To avoid this, prepare the soup base (everything except the tortellini, spinach, and cream) and then freeze it. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat the soup base, then stir in and cook fresh tortellini, spinach, and cream. For refrigerating leftovers, I often boil the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls just before serving, keeping the remaining soup and pasta separate.
- Brown the Sausage Ahead of Time: I understand that the extra step of browning the sausage and onions might seem inconvenient when you’re aiming for a quick setup. To save time, you can brown the sausage and onions the night before! Cook them as directed, then let them cool, and refrigerate them overnight. The next morning, simply add the pre-cooked mixture to the crockpot along with the tomatoes and other ingredients. This small prep step makes your morning routine a breeze.
- Choosing Your Italian Sausage: I personally love using spicy Italian sausage because I find its bold flavor adds a wonderful dimension to the soup that mild or sweet varieties might lack. However, your preference matters most! Feel free to use mild Italian sausage for a gentler flavor, or sweet Italian sausage for a touch of sweetness. Ground chicken or turkey sausage can also be used for a leaner option.
- Pasta Flexibility: As mentioned, don’t feel limited to only tortellini! The soup will be equally delicious with any type of small, filled pasta you enjoy or have available. Mini cheese ravioli, mezzelune, or even larger tortelloni can work. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as they may vary slightly. The goal is tender pasta that holds its shape.
- Enhance with Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work wonderfully for slow cooking, a garnish of fresh basil or parsley just before serving can elevate the soup with a bright, herbaceous note.
- Add More Veggies: Want to boost the nutritional content? Feel free to add diced carrots or celery along with the onions, or stir in some chopped bell peppers about an hour before serving.
- Cheese, Please! Don’t underestimate the power of extra cheese. Stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone along with the heavy cream for an even richer, cheesier soup experience.
Can I Make This Tortellini Soup If I Don’t Have A Crockpot?
Absolutely! While the crockpot offers incredible convenience by allowing the soup to gently simmer and develop flavors over a longer period, you can definitely make this hearty tortellini soup on the stovetop. The main principle remains the same: combining ingredients and letting them simmer.
Here’s how to adapt the recipe for the stovetop:
- Brown Sausage and Onions: Follow step 1 from the crockpot instructions. Brown the Italian sausage and onions in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, as in step 2.
- Add Liquid & Simmer: To the same stockpot, add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Flavor Development: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for 20-30 minutes. This simmering time is crucial for the flavors to truly come together and deepen, mirroring the slow cooker effect.
- Add Final Ingredients: After the initial simmer, stir in the fresh spinach, heavy cream, and cheese tortellini.
- Cook Until Pasta is Tender: Continue to simmer for about 5-8 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through and tender, and the spinach has wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Ladle hot and serve with your favorite garnishes.
The stovetop method is faster for active cooking time, making it a great option when you’re short on time but still want a delicious homemade soup.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty Crockpot Tortellini Soup is a meal in itself, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple additions:
- Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty finish that complements the Italian flavors perfectly.
- Side Salad: A light, crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
- Fresh Herbs: A final flourish of fresh basil or chopped parsley brightens the presentation and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, absolutely! Both fresh and frozen tortellini work well in this recipe. Just be aware that frozen tortellini might require a couple of extra minutes of cooking time compared to fresh. Follow the package directions for best results.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this to be vegetarian. Substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based Italian sausage alternative, or omit the sausage entirely and add a can of drained and rinsed cannellini beans or chickpeas for protein and texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How long does Crockpot Tortellini Soup last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Remember the tip about cooking pasta separately if you anticipate storing it for longer to prevent it from getting mushy.
Can I add other vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! This soup is very forgiving. Diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added along with the sausage and onions (or later, depending on desired tenderness). Zucchini is also a great addition, stir it in about an hour before serving.
Is the soup spicy?
The spice level depends on the type of Italian sausage you choose. If you use mild Italian sausage and omit the red pepper flakes, the soup will be very mild. For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage and/or increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
What if my soup is too thick or too thin?
If your soup is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer to reduce, or you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir this slurry into the simmering soup and cook until thickened.
More Comforting Soup Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of warm, hearty soups, here are some other fantastic recipes to add to your rotation:
- Instant Pot Pozole
- Beer Cheese Soup
- Clam Chowder
- Cabbage Roll Soup
- Minestrone Soup
- Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup
- Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Indian Lentil Soup
Crockpot Tortellini Soup
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
4 hours
4 hours 10 minutes
8
Rate Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian Sausage
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 20 oz cheese tortellini
Instructions
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In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage and onions for 6-7 minutes, breaking up the sausage until it is cooked through and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease. Add in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until you can just start to smell its fragrant aroma.
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Transfer the browned meat and onion mixture to your crockpot. Add the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Cover and let simmer for 2-3 hours on high or 4-5 hours on low.
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About 30 minutes before you are ready to serve, stir in the fresh spinach, heavy cream, and cheese tortellini. Ensure the tortellini are submerged in the soup.
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Continue to cook until the pasta is tender and cooked through, and the spinach has wilted (approximately 15-20 minutes). Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
4 hours
4 hours 10 minutes
Dinner Recipes
American
8
508
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Enjoy your homemade Crockpot Tortellini Soup! It’s a truly delightful and easy meal that brings warmth and flavor to any table.