Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup

Introduction

When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a warm bowl of soup. And if you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make soup recipe, then Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is the perfect choice. This hearty soup is packed with flavors and is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. The best part is that it can be made in a slow cooker, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully while you go about your day. So let’s dive in and discover how to make this comforting and creamy tortellini soup.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 package (9 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream

Steps

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon. Once cooked, drain the excess fat and transfer the sausage to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

To the slow cooker, add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Cook on Low

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. This will allow the flavors to develop and the soup to become rich and flavorful.

Step 5: Add the Tortellini and Spinach

About 30 minutes before serving, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and fresh spinach to the slow cooker. Stir gently to submerge the tortellini and spinach in the soup. Cover and continue cooking until the tortellini is cooked through and the spinach has wilted.

Step 6: Stir in the Cream

Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the heavy cream to add creaminess to the soup. Allow the soup to heat through for a few more minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs, if desired. This soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or a side salad.

Variations

While the base recipe for Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is delicious as it is, you can always customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

Add vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for added texture and nutrients.
Swap the Italian sausage for ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Experiment with different types of tortellini, such as spinach and cheese or mushroom-filled tortellini.
For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Tips

Here are some handy tips to help you make the perfect Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup:

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Add more herbs or spices if desired.
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Simply follow the same steps but cook the soup in a large pot over low heat for 1-2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and freeze individual portions for future meals.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is a comfort food classic that is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The combination of tender tortellini, creamy broth, and savory Italian sausage creates a flavor profile that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this soup is sure to impress. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to indulge in this delicious and comforting soup.