This hearty and comforting slow cooker soup features creamy tortellini, flavorful Italian sausage, and fresh vegetables, all simmered to perfection. It’s an ideal dish for a cozy dinner or to warm up a chilly evening. Here’s how you can make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds sweet Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 2 cups sweet onion, diced in half-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 cups carrots, diced in half-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup celery, diced in quarter-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock or broth
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 3/4 pound dry cheese tortellini
- 4 ounces baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions:
- Prepare the Sausage:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Remove from heat and transfer the sausage to the slow cooker.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the vegetables begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
- To the slow cooker with the sausage, add the sautéed vegetables, chicken or vegetable stock, heavy cream, cream cheese, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
- Season the Soup:
- Add the kosher salt, white pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano to the slow cooker. Stir to mix the seasonings thoroughly into the soup.
- Cook the Soup:
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach:
- About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, add the dry cheese tortellini and baby spinach to the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure the tortellini is submerged in the liquid. Cover and continue cooking until the tortellini is tender.
- Final Adjustments:
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more stock or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Cream Cheese Note: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the slow cooker to help it blend smoothly into the soup.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Conclusion:
This slow cooker creamy tortellini and sausage soup is a full-flavored, rich dish that’s perfect for any soup lover looking for a filling meal. The combination of creamy broth, tender pasta, and savory sausage makes this soup a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this easy-to-make, comforting soup anytime you need a warm, satisfying meal.