As the colder months approach, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup to cozy up with. Introducing the Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup, a dish that perfectly blends savory Italian sausage, creamy textures, and delightful cheese tortellini. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that fills your home with the enticing aromas of garlic and herbs. Imagine returning home after a long day to the comforting scent of this hearty soup simmering away in your slow cooker, ready to nourish you and your loved ones. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner, this soup checks all the boxes for a satisfying meal. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to whip it up effortlessly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make it a family favorite. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot in your meal rotation:
- Effortless Preparation: This soup is designed for busy individuals and families. Simply throw your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work. You can go about your day while the magic happens!
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: With the addition of cream cheese, this soup delivers a rich, velvety texture that coats each tortellini and piece of sausage beautifully. It’s a creamy hug in a bowl!
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste. You can substitute the Italian sausage for turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option, or add extra veggies for a nutritional boost.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup keeps well and tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly: The combination of creamy soup and cheesy tortellini is sure to be a hit with kids. They’ll love the fun shape of the tortellini, and you’ll love how easily they eat their veggies!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you’re still on the fence, here’s why you absolutely need to try the Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup:
- Time-Saving: Slow cookers are a busy person’s best friend. They allow you to prepare meals with minimal hands-on time. All you need to do is set it and forget it!
- Wholesome Ingredients: This recipe uses wholesome ingredients like spinach and diced tomatoes, making it not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s a great way to sneak in some greens without anyone noticing!
- Great for Meal Prep: Preparing meals in advance has never been easier. This soup can be made in large batches and stored in the fridge or freezer for quick and easy meals later on.
- Comfort Food at Its Finest: There’s something about a hearty soup that warms the soul. This recipe is perfect for cold winter nights or anytime you need a little comfort food.
- Impressive Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage, garlic, and herbs creates an incredible depth of flavor. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients and Necessary Utensils
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make the Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup:
- 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) 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
To ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable, gather the following utensils:
- Skillet (for browning the sausage)
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
- Serving bowls and ladle
Detailed Recipe Steps
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to create this comforting Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup:
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces as it cooks. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup. If there’s excess fat, drain it off before moving to the slow cooker.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir gently to combine the ingredients.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the can of diced tomatoes with their juices. This provides a robust base for your soup. Stir everything together to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Add Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into cubes and add it directly to the slow cooker. Don’t worry about mixing it in just yet; it will melt down beautifully during the cooking process.
- Season the Soup: Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper to taste. These seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup. Stir to mix all ingredients well.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Check occasionally to ensure it’s cooking evenly.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: About 30 minutes before serving, add the cheese tortellini and chopped spinach to the slow cooker. Stir to combine. The tortellini will cook quickly, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Serve: Once the tortellini is cooked (approximately 30 minutes), ladle the soup into bowls. If desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Enjoy: Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious creamy sausage and tortellini soup! It’s perfect for a cozy night in.
FAQs
Can I use frozen tortellini in the Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just add it to the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving to ensure it cooks properly.
What can I serve with the Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. A side of garlic bread also complements the flavors nicely!
Can I make this soup healthier?
Absolutely! You can use turkey sausage or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage and add more vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition.
How do I store leftovers of the Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just be aware that the tortellini may change texture when thawed.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop! Simply brown the sausage in a pot, add the rest of the ingredients, and simmer until everything is heated through and the tortellini is cooked.
Conclusion
The Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. With its easy preparation and deliciously creamy consistency, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends. We invite you to try this comforting recipe and share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this article with friends and family, and let the comforting vibes of this soup spread!
For more delicious recipes, check out our Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Soup and Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini. Happy cooking!
For more inspiration, visit our Pinterest page!
Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces. 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!
