Crockpot Sausage and Spinach Tortellini Soup

Introduction

Crockpot Sausage and Spinach Tortellini Soup is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for cozy nights or busy weeknights when you want dinner ready with minimal effort. Packed with Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, fresh spinach, and a savory broth, this soup offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes in every spoonful.

Using a crockpot allows the flavors to meld together over time, creating a rich, warming soup that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. It’s an ideal recipe for families, meal prep, or even entertaining guests, as it can simmer slowly while you focus on other tasks.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly flavorful, easy to make, and endlessly comforting. The Italian sausage adds a savory depth, while the tortellini provides a creamy, cheesy bite that makes the soup feel indulgent without being heavy. The addition of fresh spinach gives it a vibrant color and a touch of nutrition, making it feel wholesome and satisfying.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• One-pot comfort: Everything cooks together in the crockpot with minimal hands-on effort.
• Hearty and filling: Sausage, tortellini, and vegetables make it a complete meal.
• Family-friendly: Mild, flavorful, and loved by both kids and adults.
• Customizable: Easily adapt with different types of sausage, vegetables, or pasta.
• Perfect for meal prep: Cooks in advance and reheats beautifully.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4–6 hours on low
• Total Time: 4–6 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Calories: ~320 per serving
• Course: Main / Soup
• Cuisine: Italian / Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 package (9–12 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning sausage)

Cooking Directions

1. Brown the Sausage (Optional): In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Brown sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat. (You can skip this step and add raw sausage directly to the crockpot.)
2. Add Ingredients to Crockpot: Place sausage, onion, garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper into the crockpot.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
4. Add Tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in tortellini. Cover and cook until tortellini is tender.
5. Add Spinach and Cheese: Stir in fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Let spinach wilt, then taste and adjust seasoning.
6. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and top with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Optional: Brown sausage in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
2. Chop onion and mince garlic.
3. In the crockpot, combine sausage, onion, garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
5. 30 minutes before serving, add tortellini.
6. Stir in fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese just before serving.
7. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil.
• Pair with a light salad for a balanced meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh tortellini for best results; frozen works fine too.
• Don’t add tortellini at the start; it will become mushy if cooked too long.
• Spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard.
• Adjust sausage spiciness to taste; mild works for kids, spicy adds a kick.
• For extra creaminess, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving.

Variations

1. Vegetable Boost: Add carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
2. Different Pasta: Use ravioli or mini shells instead of tortellini.
3. Creamy Version: Add ½ cup cream cheese or heavy cream for a richer soup.
4. Spicy Kick: Add extra crushed red pepper or chopped Italian hot sausage.
5. Low-Carb Option: Replace tortellini with cauliflower gnocchi or omit pasta.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze soup (without tortellini) for up to 2 months. Add fresh tortellini when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot / slow cooker
• Skillet (optional, for browning sausage)
• Knife and cutting board
• Spoon or ladle for serving

FAQ

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked sausage?
A: Yes, pre-cooked sausage can be added directly to the crockpot. Reduce cooking time slightly.

Q2: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it and add more vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, assemble ingredients (except tortellini and spinach) in the crockpot and refrigerate overnight. Add tortellini and spinach when cooking the next day.

Q4: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Fresh is best, but frozen spinach works; add it in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Q5: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, ensure your crockpot is large enough (6–7 qt). Cooking time may need a little adjustment.

Conclusion

Crockpot Sausage and Spinach Tortellini Soup is a hearty, comforting, and easy-to-make soup perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings. With savory sausage, cheesy tortellini, and nutrient-packed spinach, it’s a complete, satisfying meal in a bowl. Effortless to prepare, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable, this soup is a must-try recipe for anyone seeking comfort food made simple.