Slow Cooker Tortellini & Sausage Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Tortellini & Sausage Soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy days. Packed with flavorful Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and cheesy tortellini, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1 9-ounce package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Transfer the browned sausage and the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth and add the undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Step 5: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
6. Step 6: About 20-30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the refrigerated tortellini. Cook until the tortellini are tender and plump, according to package directions. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
7. Step 7: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage.
• Try adding spinach or kale during the last 15 minutes of cooking for extra greens.
• If you prefer a spicier soup, choose hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Make sure to add the tortellini near the end to prevent it from overcooking and becoming mushy.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid overcooking the tortellini. For longer storage, freeze the soup without the tortellini for up to 3 months; add fresh tortellini when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Add it about 5-10 minutes before the end of cooking, as frozen tortellini may cook faster than refrigerated.

Is it possible to make this soup on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables in a large pot, then add broth, tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer for about 30 minutes, then add tortellini and cook until tender.

Slow Cooker Tortellini & Sausage Soup Recipe

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4.4 from 144 reviews

A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Tortellini & Sausage Soup packed with Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and cheesy tortellini simmered to perfection in a savory tomato and chicken broth base. Perfect for an easy, crowd-pleasing weeknight meal that requires minimal prep and delivers rich, home-cooked flavors.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (slow cooker low) or 3.5 hours (slow cooker high) plus 20 minutes for tortellini
• Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes (low) or 3 hours 55 minutes (high)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Broth & Seasonings

• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Pasta & Garnish

• 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from being greasy.
2. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet with the sausage drippings. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, which enhances the flavor base.
3. Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned sausage and sautéed vegetables into your slow cooker to prepare for slow simmering.
4. Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, evenly distributing the seasonings for a balanced taste.
5. Slow Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich, hearty broth.
6. Add Tortellini: About 20-30 minutes before serving, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cook until tortellini are tender and plump, being careful not to overcook to prevent mushiness.
7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired, adding freshness and a cheesy finish.

Notes

• Adjust salt according to dietary needs or broth saltiness.
• For a spicier kick, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Fresh tortellini work best; if using frozen, adjust cooking time accordingly.
• To make this soup gluten free, look for gluten-free tortellini.
• Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days, but add tortellini fresh before serving to avoid sogginess.

Keywords: tortellini soup, slow cooker soup, Italian sausage soup, easy slow cooker recipes, comfort food soup