Creamy, hearty, and brimming with flavorful sausage and tender cheese tortellini, this slow cooker soup is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need an effortless, soul-warming dinner, this recipe is as easy as it is satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work, making it a great set-it-and-forget-it meal.
- Rich and Creamy: The heavy cream and cheese tortellini create a luscious texture.
- Hearty and Filling: Loaded with sausage, pasta, and spinach for a complete meal.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with additional vegetables or alternative proteins.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
Directions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the crumbled sausage until cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Assemble the Soup: Add the cooked sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and dried basil to your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours.
- Add Tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini and heavy cream. Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender.
- Finish with Spinach: Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh spinach until wilted. Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 400 Kcal
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth.
- Add Veggies: Enhance with carrots, celery, or zucchini for more nutrients.
- Spicy Twist: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Pasta Alternatives: Substitute tortellini with ravioli or a small pasta like orecchiette.
- Cream-Free Option: Omit the heavy cream and add a splash of unsweetened almond milk for a lighter version.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
- Freezing: Avoid freezing as the tortellini may become mushy and the cream could separate.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Add it directly to the slow cooker without thawing, but allow extra cooking time.
2. What type of sausage works best?
Italian sausage (mild or spicy) is ideal, but you can use any ground sausage or even turkey sausage for a leaner option.
3. Can I substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach?
Absolutely! Thaw and drain frozen spinach before stirring it into the soup.
4. What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make this soup on the stovetop. Simmer the ingredients on low heat, adding the tortellini and spinach in the last 20 minutes of cooking.
5. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or cashew cream.
6. How can I thicken the soup?
For a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it in while the soup is still simmering.
7. Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the soup in the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking the next day. Add tortellini and spinach as directed.
8. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, use about 2 cups of chopped fresh tomatoes as a substitute for canned diced tomatoes.
9. What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a fresh green salad.
10. How do I adjust the saltiness of the soup?
Taste the soup after it has cooked. If it’s too salty, add a splash of water or unsalted broth.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. It’s rich, satisfying, and easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Give this hearty soup a try, and enjoy a bowl of warmth and flavor that will keep you coming back for more!
Explore More Comforting Soups and Pairings
If you loved the rich and hearty flavors of this Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage, why not expand your culinary horizons with other delightful dishes? Consider trying the Rich and Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque for a seafood twist on comfort food or the Italian Penicillin Soup, a perfect immune-boosting delight. For a lighter side, pair your soup with Avocado Chips for a crisp and refreshing addition. These recipes provide a variety of flavors and textures to complement and enhance your dining experience.