# Crockpot Tortellini Soup: A Hearty Italian Treat
Crockpot Tortellini Soup is a soothing and simple dish that brings the essence of Italy into your home. This slow cooker recipe showcases flavorful Italian sausage, soft vegetables, and cheesy tortellini, making it ideal for a filling dinner, hosting gatherings, or preparing meals for the week ahead.
## Flavor Profile
The soup features a warm Italian-style tomato broth infused with the savory essence of Italian sausage. It includes a mix of tender vegetables and beans, all topped off with cheesy tortellini and a dash of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
## Skill Level
This recipe is categorized as easy and predominantly hands-off, needing only a brief browning step at the start.
### Prep Note
To boost the flavor of the broth and reduce greasiness, it’s advisable to brown and drain the sausage prior to adding it to the slow cooker.
## Serving Suggestions
For a complete dish, finish the soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and serve it with crusty artisan bread or homemade garlic bread for dipping.
## Ingredients and Simple Substitutions
– **Italian Sausage**: You may choose either mild or spicy sausage. If using link sausage, simply peel off the casings before browning.
– **Vegetables**: Carrots, celery, and green beans should be chopped to a similar size for uniform cooking. If utilizing frozen green beans, incorporate them with the tortellini towards the end of the cooking process.
– **Tomatoes**: Diced, petite diced, or fire-roasted tomatoes can provide a richer flavor. If the broth tastes sharp, let it cook completely and finish with Parmesan.
– **Red Kidney Beans**: Be sure to drain and rinse thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring a fresher flavor.
– **Refrigerated Cheese Tortellini**: Add this ingredient only towards the end of cooking for optimal tenderness. Fresh or thawed frozen tortellini can also work. If preparing in advance, introduce the tortellini only when reheating the soup.
– **Optional Add-Ins**: Spinach or kale can be mixed in with the tortellini for added color and nutrition.
## How This Soup Comes Together
1. **Brown the Sausage**: In a medium skillet, brown the Italian sausage and onion until no pink is visible. Drain the fat and transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. **Combine Ingredients**: Add chicken stock, celery, carrots, green beans, drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and a bouillon cube to the slow cooker.
3. **Slow Cook**: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours until the vegetables are tender.
4. **Add Tortellini**: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini and cook until tender.
### Tips
– Add the tortellini in the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking. Check for readiness before serving.
– If the soup becomes too thick, loosen it with a dash of stock.
– Season at the end, since the soup includes many salty components.
## Keep It Cozy: Storage and Freezing
– **Refrigeration**: Let the soup cool and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Leftovers reheat well either on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth as needed.
– **Freezing**: Store the soup base (without tortellini) for up to three months and add fresh tortellini when reheating.
– **Meal Prepping**: Keep the tortellini separate and mix just before serving for the best texture.
## Conclusion
Crockpot Tortellini Soup is a charming dish that blends convenience with rich flavors, making it a choice for cozy evenings or get-togethers with friends and family. Relish this hearty meal that warms the spirit and fulfills the appetite!