Winter nights call for warm bowls of soup, and this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Made effortlessly as a Crockpot Tortellini Soup, it combines savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and fresh spinach in a rich tomato-cream broth. It is a complete meal in a bowl that requires minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set It and Forget It
This is a true slow cooker gem. You can prep the base in the morning, let the flavors marry all day, and simply add the finishing touches right before dinner. It makes your house smell incredible and ensures a hot meal is waiting for you.
Hearty & Satisfying
Packed with protein from the sausage and carbs from the cheesy tortellini, this soup is filling enough to stand alone as a main course. The creamy broth adds a level of decadence that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion Small onion, diced
- 2 cans Diced tomatoes (14oz)
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1 package Cheese tortellini (10oz)
- 2 cups Fresh spinach
- 8 oz Cream cheese, cubed
Instructions
- Brown sausage and onion in a skillet; drain fat.
- Add meat, tomatoes, and broth to Crockpot. Cook on LOW 4-6 hours.
- Stir in cream cheese and tortellini; cook on HIGH for 20-30 mins.
- Stir in spinach until wilted just before serving.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
You will need ground Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and cream cheese. The stars of the show are the cheese tortellini and fresh spinach, which are added at the end to maintain their texture.
Smart Substitutions
For a healthier twist, use turkey sausage and evaporated milk instead of heavy cream or full-fat cream cheese. You can substitute kale for spinach if you prefer a heartier green that holds up well to heat. White beans can also be added for extra fiber.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Brown the sausage in a skillet with the onions until cooked through; drain the grease. Place the meat mixture into your slow cooker. Add the garlic, seasonings, diced tomatoes, and broth.
Cooking Phase
Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cubed cream cheese and the tortellini. Turn the heat to HIGH and cover. Once the pasta is tender and the cheese melts, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for 2 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
To ensure a smooth broth, soften the cream cheese before adding it, or whisk it with a little hot broth in a separate bowl to remove lumps. This “tempering” creates a silky consistency rather than a grainy one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not add the tortellini at the beginning of the cook time! Pasta will turn into mush if cooked for hours. It only needs about 15-20 minutes in the hot broth to cook perfectly.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Ladle into large bowls and top with shredded Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Serve with crusty French bread or garlic knots for dipping.
Pairing Suggestions
Since the soup is rich, a light salad is a good accompaniment. If you love homemade soups, you must try this Best Homemade Chicken Soup recipe—it is the definition of healing comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1? Can I make this on the stove?
Yes. Simmer the sausage, vegetables, and broth for 20 minutes. Add the tortellini and cream cheese and cook for another 10 minutes until pasta is done.
Q2? Can I freeze leftovers?
It is tricky to freeze creamy soups with pasta. The pasta absorbs liquid and becomes soft. It is better to freeze the base (sausage/broth) and add cream/pasta fresh upon reheating.
Q3? What if the soup is too thick?
The pasta releases starch which thickens the soup. Simply stir in a little extra chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup proves that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. With the help of your slow cooker, you can enjoy a gourmet-tasting dinner with barely any active cooking time. It is sure to become a cold-weather staple in your home.
| Low Heat | 4 to 6 Hours |
|---|---|
| High Heat | 2 to 3 Hours |
| Keep Warm | Up to 1 Hour |
