Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup

Introduction

Welcome to our cozy kitchen corner, where today we’re diving into a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug on a cold day: Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup. This recipe is perfect for busy individuals and families looking for a delicious, hearty meal with minimal effort. Ideal for weeknight dinners or a lazy weekend lunch, this soup will become a staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup is a culinary gem for several reasons:

Ease of Preparation: Just a few minutes of prep work, and your slow cooker does the rest.
Flavorful and Filling: The combination of savory sausage, tender tortellini, and creamy broth creates a rich, satisfying dish.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the flavors and textures in every spoonful.
Versatile: This recipe is easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, transfer the sausage to your slow cooker.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Transfer these to the slow cooker as well.
Combine Ingredients: Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Add Tortellini and Cream: About 30 minutes before serving, add the cheese tortellini and heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, then cover and continue cooking on low until the tortellini is tender.
Finish with Spinach: In the final 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness.