This Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is an easy, flavorful meal with cheese-filled tortellini, sausage, and spinach in a rich, creamy broth.

Introduction

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is a cozy, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy days. It combines tender cheese tortellini, flavorful Italian sausage, and fresh spinach in a deliciously creamy, rich broth. The best part? Your slow cooker does all the work, so you can set it and forget it. This soup is a fantastic choice for a warm, comforting dinner, offering all the flavors of an Italian-inspired dish without the fuss. Whether you’re serving a family or looking to meal-prep, this soup is sure to become a favorite for its simplicity and taste.

Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage, browned
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
• 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the sausage and aromatics: Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into pieces as it cooks. Drain excess fat, if necessary. Add diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Add ingredients to the slow cooker: Transfer the sausage mixture to the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and cubed cream cheese. Stir well to combine.
3. Cook the soup: Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours or High for 2-3 hours, until the cream cheese is melted and flavors are well combined.
4. Add tortellini and spinach: Add the tortellini and spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Stir in the heavy cream, cover, and cook until the tortellini is tender.
5. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

How to Prepare

This recipe is a breeze to prepare. Brown the sausage with onions and garlic to enhance flavor, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. With the addition of tortellini and spinach toward the end, you’ll have a perfectly cooked, creamy soup ready to serve.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 4-5 hours on Low or 2-3 hours on High
• Total time: 4-5 hours

Servings

This recipe serves about 6 people.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen tortellini?
   Yes, frozen tortellini works well. Just add it directly to the slow cooker without thawing.
2. What if I don’t have cream cheese?
   Substitute with 1 cup of half-and-half or an extra cup of heavy cream for a creamy base.
3. Can I use a different sausage?
   Mild or spicy sausage works well. Try ground turkey sausage for a lighter version.
4. How long does it last in the fridge?
   Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling.
5. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
   Yes, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup brings the flavors of Italian comfort food into a simple, hands-off recipe that practically cooks itself. Each bite is filled with tender tortellini, savory sausage, and creamy, rich broth that’s perfect for cold days or when you want a cozy, hearty meal. It’s a great option for busy nights, requiring minimal prep and delivering maximum flavor. Give it a try for an easy dinner everyone will love!