Description

Nothing warms you up quite like a rich and creamy bowl of tortellini soup, especially when it’s loaded with hearty Italian sausage and tender spinach. This recipe brings together the bold flavors of sausage, aromatic garlic, and fresh spinach with the delicate creaminess of cheese tortellini, all simmered in a savory broth. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight meal or something to impress your guests, this slow cooker soup is the perfect answer. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal effort, and delivers maximum flavor

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on your preference)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)

Preparation Method

1️⃣ Brown the Sausage:
Start by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break the sausage into small pieces as it cooks, ensuring it’s evenly browned and cooked through. This step adds a rich, savory base to the soup. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the soup from becoming too greasy.

2️⃣ Sauté the Aromatics:
After draining the fat, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté everything for about 5 minutes, or until the onion turns soft and translucent. This step releases the natural sweetness of the onions and enhances the depth of flavor in the soup.

3️⃣ Transfer to the Slow Cooker:
Once the sausage and onion mixture is ready, transfer it to your slow cooker. This will become the hearty foundation for your soup.

4️⃣ Add the Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth, which serves as the flavorful liquid base. Then, add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), dried basil, and dried oregano. Stir everything together, allowing the herbs to infuse the soup with their earthy, aromatic qualities. The tomatoes will add a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy richness that comes later.

5️⃣ Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a deeply flavorful soup without requiring much hands-on time.

6️⃣ Finish with Tortellini, Cream, and Spinach:
About 30 minutes before serving, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini, heavy cream, and roughly chopped spinach to the slow cooker. Stir everything well to combine. The tortellini will cook to tender perfection while absorbing the flavors of the broth, and the heavy cream will add a luxurious, velvety texture to the soup. The spinach will wilt down and incorporate seamlessly into the dish, adding a fresh, vibrant green color.

7️⃣ Serve and Enjoy:
Once the tortellini is cooked through and the soup is creamy and well-mixed, it's ready to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and, if desired, sprinkle each serving with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness

Tips and Conclusion

Bonus Tip:
For an added touch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when browning the sausage. This will give the soup a gentle, warming heat that pairs wonderfully with the creamy broth. Additionally, if you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash a few tortellini into the broth just before serving to thicken it naturally.

Conclusion:
This Creamy Tortellini and Sausage Soup is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for cozy nights in or feeding a hungry group. The combination of flavorful Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and rich, creamy broth makes it a meal in itself. With its minimal prep time and easy slow cooker instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a hearty, homemade meal. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, and you’ve got a complete, satisfying dinner that everyone will love.