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Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

From the first spoonful, you’ll savor a creamy, savory broth packed with the satisfying chew of tortellini and the bold spice of Italian sausage. Balanced with a hint of garlic and herbs, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. Serve it with crusty bread, and you’ve got a complete meal.

  • Total Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • Main Proteins and Pasta
    • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
    • 16 oz cheese tortellini (frozen or refrigerated)
  • Vegetables
    • 2 cups fresh spinach (optional but adds color and nutrients)
    • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
    • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Base and Seasonings
    • 4 cups chicken broth
    • 1 cup heavy cream
    • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz, undrained)
    • 1 tsp dried basil
    • 1 tsp dried oregano
    • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients
    • Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease.
    • Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic.
      Tip: Browning the sausage adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step!
  2. Layer the Base
    • Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), onion, garlic, dried basil, and oregano to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
    • Stir in the cooked sausage.
      Tip: Use high-quality chicken broth for a richer flavor.
  3. Cook Low and Slow
    • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the flavors meld beautifully.
  4. Add Cream and Tortellini
    • Thirty minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and tortellini. Add fresh spinach, if desired.
      Caution: Avoid adding tortellini too early, as it can become mushy.
  5. Finish and Serve
    • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with Parmesan or fresh parsley.
      Tip: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Notes

Dietary Adjustments

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tortellini and ensure the sausage and broth are gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative. Omit the Parmesan or use a vegan substitute.
  • Low-Carb: Substitute tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.

Ingredient Swaps

  • Protein Swap: Try turkey sausage or ground chicken for a leaner option.
  • Broth Alternatives: Vegetable broth can work if you’re looking for a lighter flavor.
  • Leafy Greens: Replace spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a nutrient boost.
  • Author: Adam RM
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high