As the leaves fall and the temperatures drop, there’s something magical about gathering loved ones for a warm, hearty meal. Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup is a dish that effortlessly captures that magic. Each bowl of this velvety, cheese-filled soup is like a cozy hug, reminding us of the simple joys of home cooking.
This recipe is a personal favorite, not just because of its incredible taste but also for its ability to bring people together. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or as the star of a casual family dinner, this dish never fails to impress. It’s one of those meals that sparks conversation, warms hearts, and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
What makes this soup truly special is the way it combines fresh, wholesome ingredients with the simplicity of slow cooking. Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day to the welcoming aroma of sausage, Italian herbs, and a creamy broth gently bubbling away—it’s pure bliss.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Add extra vegetables to make it even heartier, swap the sausage for a leaner option, or use your favorite tortellini to make it your own. However you prepare it, this soup is a masterpiece of comfort and flavor, perfect for savoring with crusty bread and good company.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Comfort: The slow cooker does the work while you go about your day, resulting in a rich, flavorful soup that tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen for hours.
- Family-Friendly: Packed with tender tortellini, savory sausage, and fresh vegetables, it’s a dish even picky eaters will love.
- Meal Prep Heaven: This soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or weekday lunches.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe with your favorite ingredients or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef sausage, browned
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp beef or chicken bouillon granules
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups beef, chicken, or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water (to thicken)
- 36 oz evaporated milk or half-and-half
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or dried)
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup milk (optional, for adjusting consistency)
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by browning the ground beef sausage in a skillet over medium heat. This step is crucial as it develops the rich, savory base for the soup. The sizzling sausage fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that hints at the delicious meal to come. Once browned, transfer the sausage to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Fresh Veggies and Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. These veggies are the backbone of the soup, adding vibrant color and a fresh, earthy flavor. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, bouillon granules, and salt, ensuring everything is evenly seasoned.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Gently pour in the broth, covering the sausage and vegetables. The broth not only provides the liquid base for the soup but also absorbs all the delicious flavors of the ingredients as they cook.
Step 4: Let It Simmer
Set your slow cooker to low for 7–8 hours or high for 4 hours. During this time, the magic happens. The vegetables soften, the sausage releases its rich flavor, and the broth transforms into a savory symphony of taste.
Step 5: Thicken the Broth
About 45 minutes before serving, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1/4 cup cornstarch with 1/4 cup water. Whisk this mixture into the evaporated milk until smooth, then stir it into the slow cooker. This step creates the creamy consistency that makes this soup so comforting.
Step 6: Add the Tortellini
Add the cheese tortellini to the slow cooker. These pillowy pasta pockets absorb the flavorful broth as they cook, becoming soft and perfectly infused with the soup’s rich essence. Cook for an additional 45 minutes on high.
Step 7: Stir in the Spinach
Just before serving, stir in the baby spinach. The heat from the soup will gently wilt the spinach, preserving its bright green color and delicate texture. This final touch adds a burst of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
Step 8: Serve and Savor
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve it alongside warm, crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the medley of creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors in every bite.
Helpful Tips
- Use Fresh Tortellini: While dried tortellini works well, fresh tortellini cooks faster and offers a softer texture.
- Control the Creaminess: Add milk at the end if the soup feels too thick for your liking.
- Prep Ahead: You can chop all the vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge, so assembling the soup in the morning is a breeze.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
Total Time: 8 hours
Yield: Serves 6–8
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Diet: Meat-based
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste—this soup thrives on customization.
- Leftovers taste even better as the flavors meld together overnight, so don’t hesitate to save some for later.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving: Approximately 300 calories, 18g fat, 20g carbohydrates, 15g protein (may vary depending on exact ingredients used).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup as directed and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth to adjust the consistency if needed.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but keep in mind that the texture of the tortellini may change slightly after freezing. Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I substitute the sausage?
Of course! Ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage crumbles work beautifully in this recipe
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup, you’ll love these other comforting dishes:
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup is more than a recipe—it’s an experience. From its rich, creamy broth to the tender tortellini and vibrant spinach, every bite is a reminder of how comforting homemade food can be. Whether you’re making it for a quiet night in or sharing it with friends and family, this soup is sure to become a cherished favorite.
So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a dish that will warm hearts and fill bellies. Enjoy!
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Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup
Description
As the leaves fall and the temperatures drop, there’s something magical about gathering loved ones for a warm, hearty meal. Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup is a dish that effortlessly captures that magic. Each bowl of this velvety, cheese-filled soup is like a cozy hug, reminding us of the simple joys of home cooking.
This recipe is a personal favorite, not just because of its incredible taste but also for its ability to bring people together. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or as the star of a casual family dinner, this dish never fails to impress. It’s one of those meals that sparks conversation, warms hearts, and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
What makes this soup truly special is the way it combines fresh, wholesome ingredients with the simplicity of slow cooking. Imagine walking into your kitchen after a long day to the welcoming aroma of sausage, Italian herbs, and a creamy broth gently bubbling away—it’s pure bliss.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Add extra vegetables to make it even heartier, swap the sausage for a leaner option, or use your favorite tortellini to make it your own. However you prepare it, this soup is a masterpiece of comfort and flavor, perfect for savoring with crusty bread and good company.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef sausage, browned
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tsp beef or chicken bouillon granules
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups beef, chicken, or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water (to thicken)
- 36 oz evaporated milk or half-and-half
- 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or dried)
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup milk (optional, for adjusting consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by browning the ground beef sausage in a skillet over medium heat. This step is crucial as it develops the rich, savory base for the soup. The sizzling sausage fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that hints at the delicious meal to come. Once browned, transfer the sausage to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add Fresh Veggies and Aromatics
Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. These veggies are the backbone of the soup, adding vibrant color and a fresh, earthy flavor. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, bouillon granules, and salt, ensuring everything is evenly seasoned.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Gently pour in the broth, covering the sausage and vegetables. The broth not only provides the liquid base for the soup but also absorbs all the delicious flavors of the ingredients as they cook.
Step 4: Let It Simmer
Set your slow cooker to low for 7–8 hours or high for 4 hours. During this time, the magic happens. The vegetables soften, the sausage releases its rich flavor, and the broth transforms into a savory symphony of taste.
Step 5: Thicken the Broth
About 45 minutes before serving, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1/4 cup cornstarch with 1/4 cup water. Whisk this mixture into the evaporated milk until smooth, then stir it into the slow cooker. This step creates the creamy consistency that makes this soup so comforting.
Step 6: Add the Tortellini
Add the cheese tortellini to the slow cooker. These pillowy pasta pockets absorb the flavorful broth as they cook, becoming soft and perfectly infused with the soup’s rich essence. Cook for an additional 45 minutes on high.
Step 7: Stir in the Spinach
Just before serving, stir in the baby spinach. The heat from the soup will gently wilt the spinach, preserving its bright green color and delicate texture. This final touch adds a burst of freshness to balance the richness of the dish.
Step 8: Serve and Savor
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve it alongside warm, crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the medley of creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors in every bite.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste—this soup thrives on customization.
- Leftovers taste even better as the flavors meld together overnight, so don’t hesitate to save some for later.