Pin it
Warming Sausage Tortellini Soup
I gotta tell you about my go-to comfort soup. This slow cooker Tortellini Soup with Sausage works like magic. When Italian sausage meets cheese-filled pasta and garden veggies in that smooth tomato broth, it's just unbelievable. And it's a dump-everything-in meal that fills your home with mouth-watering smells throughout the day.
What Makes This Soup Special
This isn't your regular soup, trust me. It's packed with tastes from rich sausage to soft pasta pouches. I really dig how everything cooks together in the slow cooker, making your evening completely hassle-free. It works great when you're swamped, and trust me, it tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients List
- The Hero: Italian sausage - go mild or hot, whatever you prefer.
- Veggie Base: Onion, garlic, celery and carrots for flavor building.
- Tomato Duo: Crushed and diced tomatoes create the ideal texture.
- Liquid Foundation: Chicken broth brings everything together.
- Pasta Wonder: Fresh cheese tortellini, small pockets of joy.
- Silky Addition: Heavy cream for that smooth, luxurious feel.
- Leafy Boost: Fresh spinach for color and health perks.
- Simple Seasoning: Salt and pepper to lift all flavors.
Pin it
Cooking Steps
- Tackle the Meat First
- Cook your sausage with onions in a pan, pour off excess grease, then throw in the garlic until it's fragrant.
- Load Your Slow Cooker
- Dump everything in except the tortellini, cream, and spinach, then mix it all up.
- Slow Cook It
- Put the lid on and let it simmer on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
- Last Additions
- Toss in your tortellini, cream, and spinach around 30 minutes before you're ready to eat.
- Soup's On
- Taste and fix the seasoning, sprinkle some parmesan on top, and don't forget some bread for dipping.
Tricks For Better Soup
Always brown your sausage before adding it - that's where tons of flavor comes from. Use fresh spinach instead of frozen, and wait to add those pasta pockets till the very end so they stay firm. Keep extra broth nearby when warming leftovers if they thicken up too much.
Storing Your Leftovers
This soup stays good in your fridge for 3 to 4 days. When you warm it up, do it gently and add a splash of broth if it's too thick. Wanna freeze some? Just leave out the tortellini, cream and spinach until you're ready to eat it.
Taking It Up A Notch
We always enjoy this with a simple Caesar salad and warm bread on the side. Feel like changing things? Try hot sausage, throw in some chili flakes, or swap the spinach for kale. Play around with it - that's what makes cooking fun.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Is frozen tortellini okay to use?
Yes, you can use it! Just leave it to cook a little longer when adding it at the end.
- → Why wait to add the tortellini?
Putting it in early can make it too soft. Adding it last keeps it firm and just right.
- → Can I use frozen spinach?
Sure thing! Thawed and squeezed dry frozen spinach works great here.
- → What are alternatives to cream?
Skip the cream for a lighter version, or swap it out with half-and-half. It'll still taste great!
- → How should leftovers be stored?
The tortellini can soak up liquid, so you might want to store it separately. If not, just add some extra broth when you reheat. It's best freshly made though.