Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach

This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal. With savory sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh spinach simmered in a rich, creamy broth, this soup is packed with flavor and easy to prepare.

Just set it up in your crockpot and let the flavors meld together for a delicious, hands-off dinner that’s sure to satisfy.

Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Spinach

Ingredients:

1 pound sausage (Italian or your preferred variety)

1 medium onion, diced

1 box (4 cups) chicken broth

1 small can (6 oz) tomato paste

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (Rotel with green chiles recommended for extra flavor)

1 tsp thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

1 bag (9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)

1 bag (5 oz) fresh spinach

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions:

Brown the Sausage and Onions:

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until fully cooked. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened. Drain any excess fat.

Set Up the Crockpot:

Transfer the browned sausage and onions to your crockpot. Add the chicken broth, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Cook:

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Add Tortellini and Spinach:

About an hour before serving, add the tortellini, spinach, and heavy whipping cream to the crockpot. Stir well, cover, and let it cook down for the remaining hour.

Serve:

Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your hearty, flavorful tortellini soup!

Notes:

Sausage Choice: Italian sausage adds a nice depth of flavor, but you can use any type of sausage you prefer. Spicy sausage will give the soup an extra kick, while mild sausage keeps it more subtle.

Tomato Variations: Using Rotel with green chiles adds a bit of heat and tang to the soup. If you prefer a milder flavor, regular diced tomatoes work well too.

Tortellini Options: Fresh tortellini cooks quickly and adds a tender bite to the soup. If using frozen tortellini, it may take a little longer to cook, so adjust the time accordingly.

Spinach Substitutes: Fresh spinach is ideal, but you can substitute with kale or Swiss chard if desired. Just be sure to chop the greens into smaller pieces for easier eating.

Creaminess: The heavy whipping cream adds a rich, velvety texture to the broth. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or even evaporated milk.

Parmesan Garnish: Parmesan cheese adds a savory, umami boost when sprinkled on top. For extra flavor, consider stirring some grated Parmesan directly into the soup before serving.

Serving Suggestions: This soup pairs well with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens.

Freezing: If you plan to freeze the soup, do so before adding the tortellini and spinach. These ingredients can become mushy when frozen and reheated. Simply add them fresh when you reheat the soup.

Customization: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more herbs or spices as desired.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Yes, you can substitute tortellini with other types of pasta like ravioli or small pasta shapes such as penne or shells.

However, the cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta used.

How can I make this soup lighter?

To make the soup lighter, you can use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage, and replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.

You can also reduce the amount of cheese or skip it altogether.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach.

Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup to avoid excess water diluting the broth.

How can I make the soup thicker?

To thicken the soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1-2 tablespoons water) about 30 minutes before serving.

Alternatively, you can mash some of the tortellini or add extra cream.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Absolutely! This soup is versatile, and you can add vegetables like carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Just add them to the crockpot at the beginning with the sausage and onions.

Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of in a crockpot?

Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop.

Follow the same steps, but simmer the soup on low heat for about 30-40 minutes before adding the tortellini, spinach, and cream.

What can I use instead of heavy cream if I’m lactose intolerant?

For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute.

Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the flavor of the soup.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the base of the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Add the tortellini, spinach, and cream when you’re ready to serve.

This will ensure the pasta and spinach are fresh and not overcooked.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth or water if the soup has thickened.

Can I freeze this soup?

You can freeze the soup base (without the tortellini and spinach) for up to 3 months.

When ready to serve, thaw and reheat the soup, then add fresh tortellini, spinach, and cream before serving.