Are you on the lookout for a dish that wraps you in a warm blanket of creamy goodness? Look no further than Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini and Sausage Soup! This comforting dish brings together the delightful flavors of savory sausage and tender tortellini, swimming in a luscious, creamy broth. Picture yourself on a chilly evening, pouring a steaming bowl of this soup and savoring its warmth. Fun fact: this dish is so easy to prepare that you can have it cooking in your slow cooker while you go about your day — talk about a win-win!
What makes this soup special isn’t just its rich flavors; it’s also incredibly easy to whip up and perfect for families. Just imagine a comforting weeknight dinner that everyone will love and devour in minutes! If you enjoyed our popular Chicken Noodle Soup, you’re in for a treat with this dish that elevates the classic comfort food experience. So grab your slow cooker, and let’s dive into this creamy delight!
What is Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini and Sausage Soup?
So, you might be wondering, why the long name for such a simple dish? Well, it’s full of details just like your favorite novel! Returning to the old saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” it’s no wonder why this dish garners such affection. You’ve got a delightful medley of Italian sausage mingling with those pillowy tortellini, all immersed in a silky broth. What’s not to love? This dish is certainly a mouthful, but it packs a punch with flavors that’ll have you second-guessing whether to share it with anyone! If deliciousness is your goal, you’ll want to give this creamy soup a try!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini and Sausage Soup
When it comes to winning recipes, this one is the superstar. First and foremost, its creamy texture combined with the savory notes of sausage works beautifully together, making every spoonful an absolute treat. Not only does it taste fantastic, but cooking this dish at home is also a great budget-friendly option. For less than the cost of dining out, you can enjoy a gourmet meal right in your kitchen!
And let’s not forget about the tortellini! These little pasta pockets come stuffed with delightful fillings, elevating the overall meal. With a sprinkle of fresh herbs to spruce up the visuals and flavors, you’ll be ready to dig in! If you love this recipe, don’t miss out on the Italian Pasta Bake we have on the blog; it’s another delicious way to enjoy pasta.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini and Sausage Soup
Quick Overview
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. In just over 30 minutes of prep, you’ll have a soul-soothing soup ready to serve. Simply toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you tend to your day. The result? A flavorful, creamy dish that boasts comforting warmth and tantalizing textures!
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini and Sausage Soup
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale for a heartier option)
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnishing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. Drain any excess fat if needed and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your soup!
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: In a large slow cooker, add the cooked sausage and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices). Mix well.
- Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The longer, the better, as the flavors will meld beautifully.
- Add the Greens and Tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the spinach and tortellini. Cover and continue cooking until the tortellini is tender.
- Finish with Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it warm through for a few more minutes before serving.
- Serve & Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!
What to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini and Sausage Soup With
This creamy soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that enhance its rich flavors. You can serve it beside a crunchy garden salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Another fantastic option is crispy garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a light white wine spritzer can be refreshing alongside this dish.
Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini and Sausage Soup
- For a healthier twist, consider substituting turkey sausage for the Italian sausage — it still packs a punch in flavor!
- If you’re looking to save on prep time, use pre-diced onions and minced garlic, or even frozen vegetables.
- Watch the cooking time: You don’t want to overcook the tortellini; they should be tender but not mushy!
- For extra flavor, add some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini and Sausage Soup stores beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can stay in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer-term storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove until warmed through. If it appears too thick upon reheating, just add a splash of chicken broth to bring it back to life.
So gather your ingredients and dive into this delightful recipe today! You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a deliciously rich soup that warms both the belly and the soul. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini and Sausage Soup
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice) Use your preferred sausage.
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale for a heartier option)
- 1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnishing
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. Drain any excess fat if needed and set aside.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Cooking
- In a large slow cooker, add the cooked sausage and aromatics. Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of diced tomatoes (with their juices). Mix well.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the spinach and tortellini. Cover and continue cooking until the tortellini is tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it warm through for a few more minutes before serving.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Enjoy!
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