Description
A cozy, creamy slow cooker soup featuring Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, tomatoes, and spinach. Perfect for a comforting and hearty meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Protein & Aromatics
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup cream
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cheese tortellini
- 2 cups spinach
Instructions
- Brown Sausage and Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté together until the onion is translucent and the mixture is fragrant. This step develops the base flavor for the soup.
- Add to Crockpot: Transfer the browned sausage mixture into the crockpot. To this, add the can of diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on Low for 6 to 7 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking melds the flavors and tenderizes the sausage and onions further.
- Add Cream, Tortellini, and Spinach: About 20 to 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cream, cheese tortellini, and spinach. Cover and cook on High for 20–30 minutes more, until the tortellini is tender and the spinach is wilted but still vibrant green.
- Serve: Give the soup a good stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Substitute kale for spinach if preferred for a different leafy green texture.
- Use spicy Italian sausage if you want to add some heat to the soup.
- Ensure tortellini is cooked just until tender to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.
- For a richer soup, you can add a bit more cream or garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
