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
Scale
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
