The Cozy Kettle Effortless Crockpot Sausage Cheesy Tortellini Soup

Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup

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Preparation time:15 Mins

Cooking time:04 Hrs

Servings:8 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian Sausage (casing removed)
• 1 large Yellow Onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can Diced Tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 oz) can Tomato Sauce
• 1 Tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 (19 oz) package refrigerated Cheese Tortellini
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese (plus extra for serving)
• 1/4 cup fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until fully browned. Drain off excess grease.
• If desired, add the chopped onion to the residual sausage drippings and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Add garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Transfer the cooked sausage and sautéed aromatics (if used) into the slow cooker basin. Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine.
• Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
• About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the refrigerated tortellini. Continue cooking until the pasta is tender (usually 20-30 minutes on HIGH).
• Turn the slow cooker to the 'Keep Warm' setting. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the soup thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Ladle into bowls, garnish generously with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve hot with crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:1384 kcal

Protein:12.2 g

Fat:18.6 g

Carbs:47.6 g

Fiber:14.5 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:557 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Soup

Cuisine:Italian-American

The Weeknight Wonder: Why This Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup Steals the Show

Forget fiddly simmering; this soup is pure, comforting magic delivered straight from your slow cooker. Inspired by classic Italian trattoria flavours, this recipe marries smoky Italian sausage, tender three-cheese tortellini, and a rich, creamy tomato-broth base, brightened with fresh herbs. It’s quick to assemble and guaranteed to warm you up from your boots to your bonnet. We are talking about the ultimate Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup , a dish so hearty and satisfying, it feels like it took hours to prepare, even though your hands-on time was barely fifteen minutes. This Crockpot Winter Recipes selection is destined to become a family favourite.

A Warm Welcome: Setting the Scene for Comfort Food Excellence

There is something inherently comforting about a rich, flavour-packed soup bubbling away quietly. This recipe transforms simple pantry staples into an extraordinary meal. With a difficulty level rated as Easy, this preparation is perfect for novice cooks while offering the deep satisfaction that seasoned chefs appreciate. The estimated preparation time is a breezy 15 minutes, leaving you free to handle other evening tasks while the aroma fills your home. We are aiming for 6 to 8 generous servings, ensuring there’s often enough for a satisfying lunch the next day.

Unlocking Deep Flavour Without the Fuss

The key to achieving an authentic, layered flavour profile in any soup is often the initial step—the browning. While you certainly could dump everything raw into the basin, taking just a few extra minutes to brown one pound of Italian sausage (casings removed) fundamentally changes the final outcome. This process releases rendered fat and creates those wonderfully deep, savoury browned bits that form the backbone of a truly excellent Crockpot Italian Sausage and Tortellini Soup .

Your New Go-To for Lazy Evenings

This Easy Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup excels precisely because it demands so little attention during the cooking cycle. Once the base ingredients—the broth, tomatoes, and spices—are introduced to the slow cooker, the magic happens autonomously. This method allows the bold notes of the sausage and the acidity of the tomatoes to meld perfectly over several hours, creating a complex base that bypasses traditional stovetop simmering times entirely.

Why the Slow Cooker is Your Culinary Secret Weapon

The slow cooker acts as the perfect environment for infusing the broth with the smoky character of the sausage. For best results, aim for a 6 to 7-hour cook time on the LOW setting, though 3 to 4 hours on HIGH will also suffice. This extended, gentle heating prevents scorching and ensures that every component—from the aromatics to the rich tomato sauce—contributes fully to the final profile of your Sausage Tortellini Soup Crock Pot .

Gathering Your Components: What Makes This Soup Sing

A great recipe relies on quality components working in harmony. For this particular Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup Recipe , we are focusing on building a rich, slightly tangy tomato base, complemented by three-cheese tortellini and the inherent smokiness of Italian sausage. Beyond the main elements, a few specific additions are crucial for achieving that signature depth of flavour we are aiming for.

Selecting the Perfect Sausage: Tips for Maximum Impact

You will need one pound of Italian sausage. Whether you choose sweet or hot is purely a matter of preference, but using either will infuse the entire broth with Italian herbs and fat. Remember that pre-browning step? It’s vital here for draining away excess grease, ensuring your final Crockpot Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is rich but not overly oily.

The Tortellini Question: Fresh vs. Frozen Guidance

For this specific slow cooker method, I strongly advise utilizing refrigerated cheese tortellini, typically found near the fresh pasta in your grocery store. The package usually weighs around 19 ounces (540g). Why refrigerated? Frozen tortellini have a higher water content and take significantly longer to cook properly in the slow cooker environment. Adding refrigerated pasta in the final 30 minutes ensures it cooks perfectly without dissolving into the broth.

Beyond the Basics: Herbs and Spices That Elevate the Broth

While the sausage brings flavour, seasoning is what lifts the soup. Essential dry components include 1 teaspoon of Dried Italian Seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of Dried Oregano. Crucially, a secret weapon for balancing the acidity of the tomatoes is a full tablespoon of Balsamic Vinegar, stirred in with the liquids. This small addition provides a depth that mimics hours of reduction. Finally, for a gentle warmth, a pinch of 1/4 teaspoon of Red Pepper Flakes is optional but highly recommended.

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The Simple Assembly: Crafting Your Crockpot Sausage and Tortellini Soup

The assembly process is delightfully straightforward, adhering to the ethos of minimal effort yielding maximum reward. After you have browned your sausage and softened your aromatics (the yellow onion and three cloves of minced garlic) in the skillet, the heavy lifting is essentially done. Transferring these flavour powerhouses into the basin of your 6-quart or larger slow cooker is the next step. Following this, pour in the liquids: four cups of low-sodium chicken broth, one standard 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes (undrained), and one 8 oz can of tomato sauce. Don't forget the salt, pepper, and that vital splash of balsamic vinegar. Give it a good stir, cover it, and walk away until the cooking cycle is nearly complete.

From Slow Cooker to Supper: Finalizing the Dish

The final 30 to 45 minutes of the cooking process are dedicated to finishing the texture and achieving the signature creamy profile of this classic soup.

Step One: Prepping and Layering Ingredients Correctly

As mentioned, the tortellini is added towards the end. If you are using the recommended refrigerated type, stir the package directly into the hot soup base about 30 minutes before you plan to eat. Continue cooking on HIGH until the pasta is tender—this usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, but always check your package for precise timing.

Setting the Timer: Optimal Slow Cooking Durations

To allow the fundamental flavours to meld thoroughly, aim for the long haul: 6 to 7 hours on the LOW setting. If time is pressing, the HIGH setting works adequately in 3 to 4 hours. This extended period allows the onion to completely soften and integrate into the broth, preventing any residual bite.

The Creamy Finish: Incorporating Dairy Without Curdling

This is where we achieve the velvety texture of a true Crockpot Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup . Once the tortellini is cooked through, turn the heat down to "Keep Warm" or turn the cooker off entirely if it’s still piping hot. Gently stir in a half cup of heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter touch) and a half cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir slowly until the cheese has melted completely and the soup has noticeably thickened. Taste it now and adjust salt or pepper as needed before serving.

Quick Fixes: What to Do If You're Short on Time

If you find yourself behind schedule, you can employ a cornstarch slurry to rapidly thicken the broth. Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the simmering soup during the final 10 minutes of cooking and stir continuously until the broth thickens to your desired consistency.

Maximizing Enjoyment: Serving Suggestions and Variations

This soup is robust enough to stand on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate the entire meal experience.

Garnish Game Strong: Toppings That Add Texture

Presentation matters! Ladle your hot bowls high and finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous counterpoint. Offer extra grated Parmesan cheese at the table; this allows everyone to adjust the salty, nutty finish to their liking. The texture contrast provided by a crunchy topping is incredibly appealing.

Vegetable Boosts: Sneaking in Extra Goodness

To transform this into an even more nourishing meal, consider adding vegetables. Four cups of fresh baby spinach can be stirred in during the final 15 minutes; the residual heat will wilt it perfectly without turning it mushy. Alternatively, if you sauté your onions, you could easily add diced carrots and celery alongside them before transferring them to the slow cooker.

Freezing Fundamentals: Best Practices for Long-Term Storage

Leftovers of this soup freeze remarkably well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe, airtight containers. It is best to freeze the soup before adding the heavy cream and Parmesan; dairy can sometimes separate or become grainy upon thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat gently on the stovetop, and then stir in the cream and cheese fresh for the best texture.

Nutritional Snapshot: Understanding What You're Eating

While this is decidedly comfort food, it offers significant protein from the sausage and cheese filling. Per serving (based on 8 servings), you can expect roughly 420-480 calories, with a substantial protein count hovering between 22-26 grams. Keep in mind that the fat content will vary based on the leanness of the sausage you select.

Storage Secrets: Keeping Your Leftovers Sublime

Leftover Crockpot Sausage Tortellini Soup is often even better the next day once the spices have had a chance to fully marry. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating smaller portions, the stovetop is ideal, allowing you to control the heat and stir often to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan. If the soup seems too thick after storage, simply thin it out with a splash of extra chicken broth or water.