Description
Warm up with a bowl of creamy, savory, and hearty Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup. This comforting recipe combines tender tortellini, flavorful sausage, fresh vegetables, and a rich broth that will make you want seconds. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, this soup is the ultimate crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground chicken, turkey, or beef)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 6 cups beef or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk (or half and half)
- 10 oz three-cheese tortellini (fresh or dried)
- 2 cups baby spinach, fresh
- ½ cup milk (optional, to adjust consistency)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
- Assemble the Soup:
- In a slow cooker, combine the browned sausage, diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, and broth.
- Stir to mix evenly and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until the vegetables are tender and flavors are well combined.
- Create the Creamy Base:
- Whisk the cornstarch with evaporated milk in a small bowl to create a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir thoroughly.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach:
- Add the tortellini to the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 45 minutes, or until the pasta is tender.
- Stir in the spinach and allow it to wilt for 2–3 minutes.
- Adjust Consistency:
- If the soup is too thick, stir in ½ cup of milk to reach your desired creaminess.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Meat Options: Substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Tortellini Tips: Fresh tortellini cooks faster than dried. Check for doneness after 30–40 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup without the tortellini and spinach for best results. Add fresh tortellini and spinach when reheating.
- Spicy Variation: Use hot Italian sausage and a pinch of red chili flakes for a spicy twist.
This Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup is an irresistible comfort food that’s perfect for cozy evenings or special gatherings. Easy to make and packed with flavor, it’s bound to become a favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours (Low) or 4–5 hours (High)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American