Tortellini and Sausage Crockpot Soup-Stew
Smoked sausage, passata, stock and peppers cook all day; tortellini and spinach go in for the final 20 minutes on HIGH.
Tortellini and Sausage Crockpot Soup-Stew
Course: Main CourseDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes5
hours20
minutesSmoked sausage, passata, stock and peppers cook all day; tortellini and spinach go in for the final 20 minutes on HIGH.
Ingredients
1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) passata
3 cups chicken stock
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 lb fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
3 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Directions
- Add the sausage, pepper, onion and garlic to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Pour in the passata and stock and add the seasoning, salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 hours.
- Switch to HIGH 20 minutes before serving.
- Stir in the tortellini; add half a cup of extra stock if the pot looks thick.
- Cover and cook 15 minutes.
- Add the spinach and stir until it wilts.
- Check one tortellini; it should be tender but not split.
- Stir in the Parmesan and serve at once.
Notes
- Fresh tortellini is done sooner than frozen. Check at 12 minutes.
Why Tortellini and Sausage Crockpot Soup-Stew works
The sausage and passata simmer all day and build a rich base. Stuffed pasta cooks fast, so it goes in at the end. The result is thick enough to eat with a fork, and still brothy at the edges.
Smoked sausage is already seasoned and salted, so it flavors the broth as it cooks. Passata keeps the base smooth rather than chunky. Bell pepper and onion dissolve into the sauce over five hours, which gives the soup its body without any flour.
Swaps
Italian sausage or kielbasa both work in place of smoked sausage. Kale holds up better than spinach if you want more bite. Do not swap in dried pasta shapes. They soak up broth and finish unevenly in the time given.
Storing it
Tortellini keeps absorbing liquid, so leftovers turn thick. Add a splash of stock when you reheat. The base without pasta freezes well; add fresh tortellini when you warm it.
The common mistake
Adding the tortellini too early. After 15 minutes it can split and turn gummy. Taste one early and stop as soon as it is tender. Serve with crusty bread.
Tortellini and Sausage Crockpot Soup-Stew at a glance
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Ingredients: 12, led by smoked sausage, red bell pepper, yellow onion, garlic
Tips for Tortellini and Sausage Crockpot Soup-Stew
Fresh tortellini is done sooner than frozen. Check at 12 minutes.
Tortellini and Sausage Crockpot Soup-Stew FAQ
How long does Tortellini and Sausage Crockpot Soup-Stew take?
Tortellini and Sausage Crockpot Soup-Stew takes 5 hours 20 minutes of cooking after 15 minutes of prep.
How many people does Tortellini and Sausage Crockpot Soup-Stew serve?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What do I need to make Tortellini and Sausage Crockpot Soup-Stew?
12 ingredients, led by smoked sausage, red bell pepper, yellow onion, garlic. Amounts are in the recipe card above.
Part of: 4 Crockpot Pasta Recipes: Add the Noodles Late
