Description
A hearty and comforting slow cooker recipe featuring creamy tortellini, savory Italian sausage, and fresh spinach in a rich tomato broth. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that combines robust flavors and creamy textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Tomatoes
- 1 lb Italian sausage, browned and drained
- 2 (15 oz) cans Italian diced tomatoes
Broth and Creaminess
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (32 oz container)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
Pasta and Greens
- 1 (20 oz) bag frozen cheese tortellini
- 3–4 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the browned sausage, diced tomatoes (including juices), and broth into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook the Soup Base: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Add Cream Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, add the cubed cream cheese to the slow cooker. Stir well until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes creamy.
- Cook Tortellini: Add the frozen cheese tortellini to the slow cooker and cook for another 15-20 minutes until the pasta is tender but not overcooked.
- Incorporate Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Final Stir and Serve: Give the soup a final stir, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot.
Notes
- You can use either vegetable or chicken broth depending on your preference.
- For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- Adding cream cheese at the end ensures a creamy texture without curdling.
- If you prefer, substitute fresh tortellini but reduce the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- This soup freezes well; cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
Keywords: slow cooker soup, creamy tortellini soup, Italian sausage soup, cheese tortellini, spinach soup, easy slow cooker meals