Slow Cooker Sausage Tortellini Soup is a comforting and filling meal that offers the best combination of Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and a variety of vegetables in a creamy, flavorful broth. The soup brings warmth to your table, making it the ideal dinner choice for those colder months when all you crave is something that not only fills your belly but also warms your soul.
Cooking in a slow cooker is an excellent way to make mealtime less stressful, especially during the colder months. As the temperatures drop, the convenience of throwing your ingredients in the slow cooker and letting it do all the hard work becomes a cherished routine. It allows you to come home to the aroma of a home-cooked meal, without the hassle of last-minute cooking.
For more easy and comforting slow cooker recipes, you’ll definitely want to try Slow Cooker Tuscan Pork Chops, Slow Cooker Chicken Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes, Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Alfredo, Slow Cooker Jambalaya Pasta, Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Subs, Crock Pot French Onion Chicken, Crock Pot Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches, and Slow Cooker Nacho Sloppy Joes. All these recipes promise warmth, comfort, and most importantly, simplicity.
Why This Recipe Is Great
- Easy: One of the greatest benefits of this recipe is its simplicity. You can put all your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it take care of the cooking, giving you time to relax or attend to other chores.
- Nutrient-Rich: The combination of vegetables, protein-packed sausage, and cheese-filled tortellini makes for a balanced, hearty meal.
- Versatility: This soup is not only a great dinner option but also serves as a fantastic lunch for the next day. The flavors meld together even more, making it just as good, if not better, when reheated.
- Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults love the creamy texture and rich flavors. It’s a surefire hit for family dinner time.
Key Ingredients
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
- Italian Sausage: This adds protein and bold flavors. You can use mild or spicy, depending on your preference.
- Cheese Tortellini: This stuffed pasta brings in an Italian flair and pairs perfectly with the sausage. You can use your favorite tortellini, but I love cheese tortellini here.
- Vegetables: A mix of carrots, onions, and celery adds nutritional value and depth of flavor.
- Creamy Broth: A combination of chicken broth and cream makes the soup rich and delicious.
How To Make Tortellini Soup in the Crockpot
- First, place a medium-sized pan on your stove and turn the heat to medium. Add Italian sausage and chopped onions. Cook this mixture until the sausage is fully cooked. Near the end of this cooking time, say about the last minute, toss in the minced garlic so it gets cooked but not burnt.
- Once you’ve cooked the sausage, onions, and garlic, transfer them into your 8-quart slow cooker. This becomes the base for your soup.
- Next, add your veggies. Put chopped carrots and chopped celery into the slow cooker, right on top of your sausage mixture. Also pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (along with their juice), and chicken broth. Now you’ve got all the main ingredients in there.
- It’s time to let your slow cooker work its magic. Secure the lid on top, and set your slow cooker to cook on high heat. Leave it to cook for 4 hours and 30 minutes. This is a great time to relax or tackle other tasks.
- When the timer shows that there are only 30 minutes left to go, it’s time to add the final touches. Pour in the cheese tortellini, heavy whipping cream, and baby spinach. Add some salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything with a spoon to make sure it’s all mixed in well.
- Put the lid back on the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes. Once it’s done, serve your delicious soup with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top.
Storing and Make-Ahead Tips:
You can store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re planning to make it ahead of time, store the cooked sausage and broth mixture separately from the tortellini to keep the pasta from becoming too soft.
Top Tips
- If you’re not a fan of sausage, you can use chicken or turkey as a substitute. For a vegetarian version, consider using vegetable broth and a plant-based sausage.
- To keep the vegetables from becoming too mushy, chop them into larger pieces.
- If you’re short on time, use store-bought minced garlic and pre-chopped vegetables.
- For an extra flavor kick, you can add a splash of white wine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and broth mixture ahead of time and add the tortellini when you’re ready to serve.
It’s best not to freeze the soup with the tortellini in it, as it will become mushy when thawed. However, you can freeze the sausage and broth mixture.
The spiciness of the soup depends on the type of sausage you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, go for a mild sausage.
Don’t miss out on this easy and comforting Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup. Your entire family will love it, and it’s perfect for those busy weeknights. Please rate and review the recipe if you try it, and don’t forget to pin it for later!
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Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup
Equipment
- 8 quart slow cooker
Ingredients
- 16 oz Italian sausage
- ½ medium yellow onion chopped
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 celery sticks chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 14 oz can diced tomatoes with juice
- 4 cups chicken broth 32 fl oz
- 2 9 oz packages cheese tortellini
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream 6 fl oz
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Put a medium-sized pan on the stove over medium heat. Cook the Italian sausage and chopped onions in the pan. Keep cooking until the sausage is all the way cooked through. In the last minute or so, add in the minced garlic so it doesn't burn.
- Take the cooked sausage, onions, and garlic out of the pan. Put them into an 8-quart slow cooker.
- Add the chopped carrots and chopped celery to the slow cooker with the sausage mix. Also add in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and chicken broth.
- Put the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to cook on high heat. Let it cook for 4 hours and 30 minutes.
- When the timer shows 30 minutes left to cook, add in the cheese tortellini, heavy whipping cream, baby spinach, and salt and pepper. Mix everything together with a spoon.
- Put the lid back on the slow cooker. Let it finish cooking for the last 30 minutes. Serve with a sprinkling or grated parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- If cooking on low, switch to high when you add the tortellini.
- Pairs well with grilled cheese or garlic bread.
Nutrition
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
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