Lazy Turkey Sausage Tortellini Soup

Slow cooker tortellini soup - just the sound of it is comforting.  Add in the delicious flavors of crumbled sausage and you basically have a hug in a bowl.  And the best part is - this recipe is beyond simple to follow.  

📝Shopping list

To make this hearty soup in your crock pot, you will need these simple ingredients available in any grocery store:

• 9 - 10 oz fully cooked sausage crumbles - I use turkey sausage
• chicken broth- or stock
• Italian blend frozen vegetables - can use fresh as well.
• onions 
• diced tomato - with liquid
• white wine - not sweet
• minced garlic
• dried oregano
• dried thyme
• dried rosemary
• frozen cheese tortellini
• salt and pepper - to taste
• grated Parmesan cheese - optional garnish

🔪Instructions

This great recipe just involves a few minutes of prep time:

Preparing your slow cooker

Even when making soup, prepping your crockpot by coating it in a non-stick agent can help with cleanup.  Any nonstick cooking spray or oil will work. Olive oil and avocado oil are my go-to coatings. 

 NOTE: some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface.  Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended rather than spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick surface.  Check the manual for your slow cooker if you have any concerns. 

Alternatively, you can choose to use a slow cooker liner.  

Cooking

• 🍲 Add all ingredients to slow cooker, other than tortellini, and give it a good stir to combine
• 🍲 Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on your timing
• 🍲15-30 minutes before serving, add tortellini into slow cooker
• 🍲Once cooked through your easy tortellini soup is ready to go! For best results, serve promptly. 

🍽Serving suggestions

This slow cooker soup is delicious with some fresh grated parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.  Freshly ground black pepper is also a perfect addition.  

I love that this easy crock pot sausage soup is a full meal on its own. It is great served with a side salad, some crusty bread, and a baked potato. If you want to follow it with an entree, chicken parmesan and tomato balsamic chicken are great options.  

To dial up the heat in this delicious soup, top with crushed red pepper flakes.

🔁Substitution ideas

• Meat - substitute cooked turkey sausage crumbles with spicy Italian sausage, sweet Italian sausage, pork sausage, or chicken sausage. 
• Pasta - substitute cheesy tortellini with spinach tortellini or mushroom tortellini.  You can also swap frozen tortellini with fresh tortellini.
• Seasoning - trade oregano, thyme, and rosemary for Italian seasoning.
• Broth - trade chicken broth for beef or vegetable broth
• Vegetables - add fresh spinach or kale to your crockpot tortellini soup during the last 10 minutes or so for added flavor and nutrient boost.  
• This recipe suggests using frozen vegetables for easy preparation.  However, fresh vegetables would work just as well. 

Storing

Store leftovers of this slow cooker recipe in an airtight container or bag. Refrigerated leftovers will stay good for 3-4 days.  

Keep in mind, the pasta will absorb additional liquid as it sits.  Add more broth if you would like to thin leftovers a bit.

Freeze this delicious tortellini soup recipe for up to 4 months.  For best result, allow to defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. 

😉Hints & hacks

1. This easy crockpot sausage tortellini soup is especially nice because ingredients can be stored either in your pantry or freezer. No immediate perishables are required. This makes it a great plan-ahead meal that be quickly tossed in your slow cooker at any time. 
2. The perfect way to store leftovers of this slow cooker recipe is in individual serving-sized containers.  This makes for easy grab-and-go meals on busy nights.
3. I always recommend the use of a slow cooker liner. Of course, this is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.
4. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine.
5. Don't forget to plug your slow cooker in and turn it on! 😏