Description
This creamy Italian sausage tortellini soup is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy dinners. Packed with savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a rich tomato and cream base, this slow cooker recipe melds flavors beautifully with aromatic herbs and optional greens like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Aromatics
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Soup Base
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta & Dairy
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
Vegetables & Garnish
- 2 cups spinach or kale (optional, but great for adding veggies)
- Fresh Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Then drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step builds depth of flavor but can be skipped for simplicity.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Add the cooked sausage, onion, and garlic mixture into your slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to heat through completely.
- Add Tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, add the cheese tortellini to the crockpot. Stir to submerge them fully and cook for 20-30 minutes until tender, following the tortellini package instructions for best results.
- Add Cream and Greens: Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and the spinach or kale if using. Allow the greens to wilt and the soup to become creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately with crusty bread for a delicious dipping option and enjoy your hearty meal!
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add more cream or a dollop of cream cheese when stirring in the dairy.
- To make a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk.
- You can easily boost nutrition by adding extra veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers early in the cooking process so they soften well.
- Check tortellini cooking times on the package as fresh and frozen types may vary slightly.
