Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound Italian sausage, ground
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
If you don’t have Italian sausage, feel free to substitute with ground turkey or beef, just spice it up with a bit more seasoning.
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the sausage, cooking until the onion is translucent, about another 3-4 minutes.
- Transfer the sausage mixture to your crockpot. Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The flavors will meld beautifully as it cooks.
- About 15-30 minutes before serving, add the tortellini and spinach to the crockpot. Stir and cook until the tortellini is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.
Remember to taste as you go. It’s all about finding that balance that suits your family’s palate. My kids love it with extra cheese, just like their granddad would have!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage, recipe, cooking, food
