When the cold weather sets in, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup to warm you up from the inside out. This delicious soup is not only perfect for chilly evenings but also makes a great addition to family gatherings and cozy dinners. Loaded with flavorful sausage, fresh vegetables, and soft tortellini, this dish stands out for its rich creaminess and comforting taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple preparation: This slow cooker recipe allows you to set it and forget it, making dinner time easy.
- Rich flavors: The combination of Italian sausage and creamy broth creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Versatile ingredients: You can easily swap in different proteins or veggies based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Perfect for leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for meal prep.
- Crowd-pleaser: With 10 servings, it’s ideal for feeding a family or hosting friends without fuss.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the essential tools you’ll need before starting. Having these items ready will speed up the process and ensure everything runs smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, allowing for hands-off cooking while developing deep flavors.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping veggies quick and safe.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing cornstarch with water to thicken the soup perfectly.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup:
Meat
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (browned or ground chicken/turkey/beef)
Vegetables
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp beef or chicken bouillon
- 1/2 tsp salt
Broth & Dairy
- 4 cups broth (beef, chicken or veggie)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 cup water
- 36 oz evaporated milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup milk (plus more as needed)
Pasta & Greens
- 12 oz packet cheese tortellini (fresh or dried)
- 5 cups baby spinach
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by browning your sausage in a pan over medium heat. Once browned, transfer it to the slow cooker along with all chopped vegetables.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
In the slow cooker, add:
1. Browned sausage
2. Chopped onion
3. Chopped carrots
4. Chopped celery
5. Minced garlic
6. Italian seasoning
7. Bouillon
8. Salt
9. Broth
Mix everything together thoroughly.
Step 3: Cook Time
Set your slow cooker on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
Once cooked:
1. Skim off any fat from the top of the soup.
2. Whisk together cornstarch slurry with milk or half-and-half until well combined.
3. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker.
Step 5: Add Tortellini
Add your tortellini to the slow cooker:
1. Cover with lid.
2. Cook on high for an additional 45 minutes until thickened.
Step 6: Incorporate Spinach
Stir in baby spinach until just wilted, which should take about 5-10 minutes.
Step 7: Adjust Consistency
Pour in one cup of milk and stir well:
– Add more milk if you desire a creamier consistency.
Step 8: Final Seasoning & Serve
Taste and season with salt and pepper as necessary before serving warm alongside crusty bread.
Enjoy your delightful bowl of Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup, perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup
Serving your Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup is just as important as making it. The right accompaniments can elevate the experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some suggestions to consider.
With Crusty Bread
- A warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into your soup. Choose a rustic baguette or sourdough for added texture and flavor.
Fresh Salad
- Pairing the soup with a fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Consider a simple Caesar or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.
Grated Parmesan Cheese
- Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. It melts beautifully into the soup, enhancing the creamy texture.
Fresh Herbs
- Garnish your soup with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. This will not only add color but also brighten up the flavors.
Garlic Breadsticks
- Serve alongside garlic breadsticks for a deliciously indulgent meal. They are perfect for scooping up that creamy goodness.
A Glass of White Wine
- For adults, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the flavors beautifully. The acidity balances the richness of the soup perfectly.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup
To ensure your Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Choose Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality sausage and fresh vegetables can significantly enhance the overall flavor of your soup.
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Don’t Rush Cooking Time: Allow your soup to cook on low for the full 7-8 hours for maximum flavor development.
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Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer after adding cornstarch. You can also adjust with more milk if you like it creamier.
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Add Spinach at the End: Adding spinach towards the end ensures it retains its vibrant color and nutrients without becoming mushy.
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Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add extra spices or herbs based on your preference, such as crushed red pepper for heat or thyme for depth.
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Store Properly: Leftovers can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding more milk if necessary.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup can enhance your meal’s overall appeal. Here’s a list of delicious options that complement this comforting dish perfectly.
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Garlic Bread: Classic garlic bread is always a hit; perfect for soaking up any leftover soup.
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Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
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Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs provide an elegant touch to your meal.
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Caprese Skewers: Mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for a fresh appetizer.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted veggies complements the soup’s flavors while adding healthy nutrients.
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Cheesy Biscuit Bites: Soft, cheesy biscuits are delightful alongside this creamy dish and are great for dipping.
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Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated veggies creates an inviting starter.
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Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds sweetness and balance after indulging in rich flavors from the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup, be mindful of these common mistakes.
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Skipping the browning step: Not browning the sausage can lead to a less flavorful soup. Always brown your sausage before adding it to the slow cooker for maximum flavor.
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Overloading the slow cooker: Adding too many ingredients can prevent the soup from cooking properly. Stick to the recipe measurements for best results.
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Neglecting to skim fat: Failing to skim off excess fat can make your soup greasy. Always take a moment to remove any visible fat before adding cream or milk.
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Not adjusting seasoning: Each broth has a different salt level. Taste and adjust seasoning after cooking to ensure your soup is perfectly seasoned.
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Cooking tortellini too long: Overcooking tortellini can make them mushy. Add them towards the end of the cooking process for just the right texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space in the container for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup
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Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 30 minutes until warm.
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Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated thoroughly.
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Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir often and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup.
Can I use different types of sausage?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even beef based on your preference.
How do I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup, replace sausage with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini based on what you have on hand.
How can I make the soup spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking for an extra kick!
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup is perfect for cozy nights when you want something hearty and comforting. With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s versatile enough to suit various tastes. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients or spices. Enjoy!
Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 1x
Description
Warm up this winter with our Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup, a delightful blend of savory Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and tender tortellini simmered to perfection. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, offering rich flavors that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Its creamy texture and hearty ingredients make it an ideal choice for meal prep—tasting even better the next day! Simply set your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you enjoy quality time with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (chopped)
- 2 celery stalks (chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 cups broth (beef or chicken)
- 12 oz cheese tortellini
- 5 cups baby spinach
- 36 oz evaporated milk or half-and-half
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a pan over medium heat and transfer to a slow cooker.
- Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, bouillon, salt, and broth to the slow cooker. Mix well.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Whisk together cornstarch with milk; stir into soup once cooked.
- Add tortellini and cook on high for an additional 45 minutes.
- Stir in spinach until wilted. Adjust consistency with additional milk if desired.
- Taste and season before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
