If you’re craving a comforting bowl of warmth and flavor, this Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a cozy, hearty soup that’s packed with tender Italian sausage, silky cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and the perfect creamy broth to tie it all together. This dish feels indulgent but comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, making it a true kitchen winner for busy days when you still want something homemade and delicious. Once you try it, this soup will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals for cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a vital role in building the layers of flavor, heartiness, and color that make this soup so special. From the savory sausage to the fresh spinach, every item contributes a unique texture or taste, resulting in a perfectly balanced dish.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Browning it first develops deep, savory flavors that form the soup’s rich base.
- Onion (1, sliced): Adds sweetness and depth when slow-cooked.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Brings a warm, aromatic punch that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Canned chopped tomatoes (28 oz): Provides a bright, tangy note and rich color, balancing the creaminess.
- Cheese tortellini (9 oz, chilled): Melts into softness, making every spoonful rich and chewy.
- Vegetable broth (4 cups): The flavorful liquid base that brings all the ingredients together.
- Dried basil (1 tsp): Offers a subtle herbal sweetness to deepen the flavor profile.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp): Adds a classic Italian earthiness to the soup.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Enhances and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Turns the broth luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups, coarsely chopped): Adds freshness, color, and a nutritious boost.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish): Sprinkled on top for that final touch of nutty richness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by cooking the Italian sausage in a large skillet until it’s beautifully browned and caramelized on the outside. This step is crucial since browning creates that savory, meaty depth you’ll taste in every spoonful. Once browned, drain any excess grease and transfer the sausage to your slow cooker to kick off the flavor base.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Tomatoes
Next, toss in the sliced onion and minced garlic directly into the slow cooker. These ingredients slowly soften and infuse the soup with a sweet, fragrant undertone. Pour in the chopped tomatoes along with their juices to add a vibrant zing and luscious texture to the broth.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Seasonings
Pour the vegetable broth over the mix and season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and basil. These herbs complement the Italian sausage and tomatoes beautifully, creating that classic Italian flavor profile everyone loves. Give everything a good stir so all the flavors begin to marry.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low and let the soup simmer for 6 to 7 hours, or choose high for about 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen and all the ingredients to meld together into something truly comforting and satisfying.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Tortellini
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the fresh spinach and cheese tortellini. The spinach adds a lovely pop of green freshness and nutrients, while the tortellini softens perfectly, soaking up all the tasty broth surrounding it.
Step 6: Stir in the Cream
Now pour in the heavy cream and stir until completely mixed through. This is what transforms the soup into a luxuriously creamy, velvety delight that makes every bite feel indulgent yet homey.
Step 7: Final Simmer
Allow the soup to cook uncovered on high for another 25 to 30 minutes until the tortellini is tender but not mushy, and the spinach is wilted just right. This final simmer thickens the soup slightly and blends all the cream and seasoning into perfection.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top to add a mouthwatering, nutty finish that’s hard to resist. Serve the soup hot and enjoy the comforting flavors with every spoonful.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes gives the soup an extra layer of flavor and an inviting appearance. Try sprinkling a handful of grated Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves on top. A little cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil can also elevate the experience wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This soup shines perfectly on its own, but pairing it with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad makes the meal complete. The crunchy bread is perfect for dipping into that creamy broth, while a crisp salad cuts through the richness with a refreshing balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions or a cozy family dinner, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls to wow your guests or just bring big smiles around your table. You can also ladle the soup into colorful bowls and add a swirl of cream or pesto on top for a playful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve the creamy texture and fresh flavors. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
Because of the cream and tortellini, freezing this soup isn’t ideal as it can change the texture upon thawing. However, if you want to freeze it, wait to add the cream and tortellini until you reheat. Freeze the broth, sausage, and tomato base separately in airtight containers for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup seems too thick. For best results, add fresh tortellini and spinach when reheating rather than storing them cooked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional and flavorful, you can substitute with turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage to suit your tastes.
Is there a vegetarian version of Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe?
Yes, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Adding extra mushrooms or beans can boost the protein and texture.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function for browning sausage and then pressure cooking for about 15 minutes before adding tortellini and cream.
How thick is the soup?
The broth is creamy but still spoonable, balancing between a chowder and a hearty soup, making it satisfying without being too heavy.
What type of cheese tortellini works best?
Fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini works best as it softens gently without falling apart. Avoid dry, frozen tortellini unless you adjust cooking times accordingly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about settling in with a bowl of the Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe — it warms your soul and satisfies your hunger with ease. The way the flavors meld over hours of slow cooking will make you fall in love with this recipe time and again. So grab your slow cooker and give this one a go; you’ll be so glad you did!
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Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is a hearty and comforting meal combining Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy tomato broth. Perfect for a no-fuss dinner, it simmers slowly to meld flavors, delivering a deliciously savory and creamy soup ready to warm you up.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, browned and drained
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can chopped tomatoes
- 9 oz chilled cheese tortellini
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, coarsely chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease and transfer the sausage into the slow cooker.
- Add Aromatics and Tomatoes: Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and the entire can of chopped tomatoes with their juice into the slow cooker on top of the sausage.
- Combine Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the vegetable broth, then season with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. Stir everything gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: About 30 minutes before serving, add the coarsely chopped fresh spinach and the chilled cheese tortellini to the slow cooker. Stir to distribute evenly.
- Incorporate Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir thoroughly until fully combined, giving the soup a rich, creamy texture.
- Cook Until Tortellini is Tender: Cover again and continue to cook on high for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- If you prefer, kale can be used instead of spinach, but add it earlier as it takes longer to soften.
- To reduce calories, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
