Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Welcome to the cozy world of comfort food with our Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup. This delightful dish combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage with tender tortellini, fresh spinach, and a creamy broth that warms the soul. Perfect for those busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this soup is as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to eat. Simply throw your ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it until dinner time. In just a few hours, you’ll have a hearty meal ready to serve, making it an ideal choice for families and gatherings alike. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love our Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep time, you can have a delicious meal simmering away while you tackle other tasks around the house. This makes it perfect for busy individuals or families juggling various commitments.

Secondly, the flavors in this soup are absolutely divine! The combination of Italian sausage and tortellini creates a comforting, satisfying dish that is both filling and flavorful. The cream cheese adds a rich creaminess that elevates the soup to a whole new level. Plus, the addition of fresh spinach not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also boosts the nutritional value, making this soup a fantastic option for health-conscious eaters.

Additionally, this recipe is highly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level by choosing mild or spicy Italian sausage based on your preference. If you’re vegetarian, substituting the sausage for plant-based alternatives or omitting it altogether works beautifully. You can also incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for added flavor and nutrition.

Finally, the Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup will impress everyone at the table. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad, making it a complete meal. With all these amazing qualities, it’s no wonder this recipe is a favorite among many!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Trying out the Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is not just about enjoying a delicious meal; it’s about embracing the joy of cooking and the comfort of homemade food. One of the best aspects of this recipe is that it requires very few ingredients, all of which are easy to find at your local grocery store. This makes it accessible for cooks of all levels from beginners to seasoned chefs.

Moreover, using a slow cooker simplifies the cooking process. You can throw everything in, set the timer, and go about your day without needing to hover over the stove. This hands-off approach allows you to enjoy the aromas wafting through your home while knowing that a delightful meal is being prepared in the background.

The creamy broth in this soup is not only delicious but also comforting to the soul. Imagine coming home after a long day to the smell of savory sausage and fresh herbs filling the air. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth and comfort, perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Additionally, this soup is great for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator and reheats beautifully, making it a perfect candidate for leftovers. You can make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week, saving you time and effort on busy days.

Finally, cooking this soup provides an opportunity to gather around the dinner table with loved ones. Sharing a meal that you’ve prepared with care fosters connection and creates lasting memories. So, give this recipe a try and experience the joy that comes from making and sharing delicious food!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage (choose mild or spicy based on preference)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese
• 1 (9 ounces) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Necessary Utensils

• Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Soup ladle

With these simple ingredients and utensils, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious pot of Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup.

Detailed Recipe Steps

1. Brown the Sausage: Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until it is browned, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it before transferring the sausage to the slow cooker.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, combine the browned sausage, diced onion, and minced garlic. This mixture will form the flavorful base of your soup.
3. Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes, including their juices. Stir everything together to ensure that the sausage, onion, and garlic are evenly distributed.
4. Add Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into cubes and add it to the slow cooker. Don’t worry; it will melt down during the cooking process and contribute to the creamy texture of the soup.
5. Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients.
6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Add Tortellini and Spinach: About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the cheese tortellini and chopped spinach to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and cover again to allow the tortellini to cook through.
8. Serve: Once the tortellini is tender (after about 30 minutes), ladle the soup into bowls. If desired, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of deliciousness.
9. Enjoy: Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup with family and friends!

Here are some practical tips to enhance your cooking experience:

• For added depth of flavor, consider sautéing the onion and garlic in the skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

FAQs

In conclusion, the Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a delicious and comforting meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture, flavorful ingredients, and nutritional benefits, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below or share this recipe with friends who would love to try it! Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out Crispy Chicken Meatballs with Honey Mustard Dip and explore our other culinary delights.

Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup

This comforting slow cooker soup combines savory Italian sausage, creamy cheese, and tender tortellini for a delicious meal that's perfect for any night.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 minutes mins

Total Time 7 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Skillet

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Italian sausage mild or spicy, based on preference
• 1 medium Onion diced
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 4 cups Chicken broth
• 1 14.5 ounces Diced tomatoes undrained
• 8 ounces Cream cheese
• 9 ounces Refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups Fresh spinach chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• to taste Salt
• to taste Pepper
• for serving Grated Parmesan cheese optional

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Break it into small pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
• Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker. Add the diced onion and minced garlic.
• Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine.
• Cut the cream cheese into cubes and add it to the slow cooker. It will melt down during cooking.
• Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste. Stir to mix all ingredients well.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the flavors meld and the soup is heated through.
• About 30 minutes before serving, add the cheese tortellini and chopped spinach to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and cover again.
• Once the tortellini is cooked (about 30 minutes), ladle the soup into bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
• Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creamy sausage and tortellini soup!

Notes

For a lighter version, you can substitute turkey sausage and use reduced-fat cream cheese.

Keyword comfort food, creamy soup, slow cooker