Slow Cooker Sausage Tortellini Soup

Looking for a hearty and delicious soup that practically makes itself? Look no further than slow cooker sausage tortellini soup! This savory soup is packed with flavor and is the perfect meal for a chilly day. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – simply toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.

To make this crockpot tortellini soup, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients: Italian sausage, tortellini, chicken broth, and some basic seasonings. 

You’ll let everything simmer together for a few hours, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious and filling soup that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

One of the best things about this soup is how versatile it is – feel free to experiment with different types of sausage, tortellini, or seasonings to make it your own. 

If you’d like some other delicious cold weather soups, be sure to try my Traditional Potato Soup, my flavorful Goulash, or my easy Cheeseburger soup!

What is Sausage Tuscan Tortellini Soup

If you are looking for a comforting and hearty soup, Sausage Tuscan Tortellini Soup is a great option. 

This creamy sausage soup is made with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato-based broth. 

It is a perfect meal for chilly nights or when you need something warm and satisfying.

The soup gets its name from the region of Tuscany in Italy, where tortellini is a popular ingredient in many dishes. The sausage adds a savory flavor to the soup, while the spinach provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. 

The best part about this soup is that it can be made in a slow cooker, which means you can set it and forget it.

Simply brown the sausage, add all the ingredients except the tortellini to the crock pot, and let it cook on low for several hours.

When you come back, you will have a delicious and comforting meal ready to enjoy.

Ingredients for Tuscan Tortellini Soup

To make a delicious slow cooker tortellini soup, you will need a few simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. Here are the ingredients you will need:

• Frozen Tortellini or Refrigerated cheese tortellini pasta: This is the star of the show and the main ingredient in the soup. It adds a delicious texture and flavor to the soup.
• Ground sausage: You can use any type of sausage you like, such as hot Italian sausage, sweet Italian sausage, or turkey sausage. It adds a savory and meaty flavor to the soup.
• Swiss chard or Kale: This leafy green vegetable adds a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals to the soup. It also adds a subtle bitterness that balances out the richness of the soup.
• Onion: This aromatic vegetable adds a sweet and savory flavor to the soup. It adds so much flavor and also adds a nice texture and crunch.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: This spice adds a bit of heat to the soup. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
• Garlic: This seasoning adds a delicious garlic flavor to the soup that can’t be left out of this yummy recipe.
• Fresh basil or Dried Basil: This herb adds a fresh and aromatic flavor to the soup. It also adds a pop of color.
• Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty flavor to the soup. It also adds a nice texture and creaminess.
• Heavy cream: This ingredient adds a rich and creamy texture to the soup. It also helps to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Olive oil: This oil is used to sauté the onions and sausage. It adds a subtle fruity flavor to the soup.

Optional Add-Ons

If you want to add some extra flavor and texture to your Tuscan Tortellini Soup, here are some optional add-ons:

• Fresh herbs: You can add any fresh herbs you like, such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary. They add a fresh and aromatic flavor to the soup.
• Turkey sausage: You can use turkey sausage instead of ground sausage if you prefer. It adds a slightly different flavor and texture to the soup.
• More vegetables: You can add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers. They add more flavor and nutrition to the soup.
• Different types of cheese: You can use different types of cheese instead of Parmesan, such as Romano, Asiago, or Pecorino. They add a different flavor and texture to the soup.

Cooking Methods for Tortellini Soup

When it comes to making Slow Cooker Sausage Tortellini Soup, you have a few different options for cooking methods. 

Each method has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that works best for you.

Using a Slow Cooker

Using a slow cooker is a popular method for making this soup. It’s a great option for those who want to set it and forget it. 

Here’s how to make Slow Cooker Sausage Tortellini Soup:

1. Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sausage, broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker.
3. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
4. Add the tortellini, cream, and kale during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.

Using a slow cooker is a great option for those who want to prep the soup in the morning and have it ready by dinnertime. Plus, it’s a great way to infuse all the flavors together.

Using an Instant Pot

If you’re short on time, using an Instant Pot is a great option. 

Here’s how to make Instant Pot Sausage Tortellini Soup:

1. Turn on the Instant Pot and select the sauté function.
2. Brown the sausage in the Instant Pot.
3. Add the broth, seasonings, and kale to the Instant Pot.
4. Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 15 minutes.
5. Use the quick release function to release the pressure.
6. Add the tortellini and cream and let the pasta soften for 10 minutes.

Using an Instant Pot is a great option for those who want to make the soup quickly. 

Stovetop Preparation

If you don’t have a slow cooker or Instant Pot, you can also make this soup on the stovetop. 

Here’s how to make Stovetop Sausage Tortellini Soup:

1. Brown the sausage in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the broth, seasonings, and water to the Dutch oven.
3. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Add the pasta, cream, and kale and let it wilt for a few minutes.

Storing and Reheating

After making a delicious slow cooker sausage tortellini soup, you might have some leftovers. 

Refrigeration

If you plan to eat your leftover soup within the next day or two, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

Be sure to let the soup cool down to room temperature before storing it. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the container and diluting the flavors of your soup.

When reheating your soup, you can do so on the stove or in the microwave. If using the stove, heat the soup on low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature.

If using the microwave, heat the soup in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it is heated through.

Freezing

If you have more soup than you can eat within the next day or two, you can freeze it for later. 

To freeze your soup, let it cool down to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to label the container with the date and contents.

When reheating frozen soup, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This will prevent the soup from becoming watery when reheated. 

Once thawed, you can reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave following the same instructions as reheating refrigerated soup.

Be aware that the tortellini does not keep very well, so you might be best off removing the remaining pasta and adding new when you decide to use the soup mixture again.

What to Serve with Sausage Tortellini Soup

Now that you have made this delicious soup, you might be wondering what to serve with it. Here are some ideas to make your meal complete!

• Garlic Breadsticks– Garlic breadsticks are the perfect side dish to accompany sausage tortellini soup. The crispy breadsticks are perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce, and the garlic adds an extra burst of flavor. You can buy pre-made garlic breadsticks or make your own at home!
• Baby Spinach Salad– A baby spinach salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the soup. The fresh greens and light dressing will provide a nice contrast to the hearty soup. You can add some crunchy croutons or crispy bacon to the salad for some extra texture.
• Crusty Bread– A warm, crusty bread is another great option to serve with the soup. The bread can be used to sop up the delicious soup, and the crust will add a nice crunch. You can slice the bread and toast it in the oven with some garlic for added flavor.

Variations for Tortellini Slow Cooker Soup

If you’re looking to switch up the flavors in your slow cooker sausage tortellini soup, there are plenty of recipe variations to try. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Italian Seasoning: Add a teaspoon or two of Italian seasoning to the soup for an extra burst of flavor. This blend typically includes herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Last Night’s Leftovers: If you have any leftover veggies or cooked meats from last night’s dinner, chop them up and toss them into the soup. This is a great way to use up ingredients that might otherwise go to waste.
• Picky Eaters: If you’re cooking for picky eaters, you can adjust the ingredients to suit their tastes. For example, if someone doesn’t like spicy food, you can use mild sausage instead of spicy Italian sausage.
• Spicy Italian Sausage: If you’re a fan of spicy food, try using spicy Italian sausage instead of mild. This will give the soup a kick of heat that pairs well with the creamy tortellini.
• Chicken Stock: Instead of using low-sodium chicken broth, try using chicken stock for a richer flavor. You can even make your own by simmering chicken bones with aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery.
• Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, like parsley or basil, chop them up and sprinkle them on top of the soup before serving. This will add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

Slow Cooker Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe