Description
This hearty, creamy tortellini soup is packed with Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and fresh spinach in a rich, flavorful broth. Made in the slow cooker, it’s an effortless meal that’s perfect for chilly nights. Serve with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort food!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up as it browns. Once fully cooked, drain excess grease.
- Slow Cook the Base:
- Add the cooked sausage, onion, garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir well. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Add the Tortellini & Spinach:
- In the last 30 minutes, stir in the cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. Cover and cook until the tortellini is tender.
- Make it Creamy:
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and let it warm through for another 5 minutes.
- Serve & Enjoy:
- Ladle into bowls and serve warm. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- Sausage Options: Use mild, spicy, or even turkey sausage.
- Thicker Soup: If you want a thicker consistency, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water) before adding the tortellini.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
- Freezing: Freeze without the tortellini for up to 3 months. Add fresh tortellini when reheating.
Nutrition
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg