Introduction
Warm up your winter days with this comforting and creamy crockpot tortellini soup. Loaded with rich flavors and satisfying ingredients, it’s the perfect recipe to set and forget, allowing you to focus on other tasks while it cooks to perfection. The creamy texture and cheesy tortellini make this soup a delightful meal for the whole family.
Ingredients
450g Italian sausage
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, chopped (about 100g)
1 medium carrot, sliced (about 125g)
2 celery stalks, chopped (about 120g)
800g can diced tomatoes
1 tablespoon tomato paste (about 16g)
1 liter chicken broth
1 teaspoon dried basil (about 1g)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (about 1g)
300g fresh cheese tortellini
240ml heavy cream
100g fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
50g grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Directions
1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Transfer the sausage to a slow cooker.
2. Add minced garlic, chopped onion, carrot slices, and celery to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Add dried basil and oregano, then mix well.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.
5. About 20 minutes before serving, add the fresh cheese tortellini and heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir and cook until the tortellini is tender.
6. Stir in fresh spinach and allow it to wilt. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
**Detailed Directions and Instructions**
1. Prepare the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is nicely browned. Use a spatula to break it into small pieces as it cooks, allowing the savory aroma to fill your kitchen. Once cooked, transfer the sausage into a slow cooker.
2. Add Vegetables
Into the slow cooker, add the minced garlic, chopped onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. The combination of these fresh vegetables will create a fragrant base for your soup.
3. Incorporate Liquids and Seasonings
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil and oregano, and mix everything together until well combined, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Slow Cook the Mixture
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the vegetables will become tender and the flavors will intensify.
5. Add Tortellini and Cream
About 20 minutes before you plan to serve the soup, add the fresh cheese tortellini and the heavy cream to the slow cooker. Stir gently to mix, allowing the delicious creaminess to envelop the tortellini as it cooks until tender.
6. Finish with Spinach
Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach, letting it wilt into the soup. Season the rich mixture with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing its flavors just before serving.
7. Serve
Scoop the hearty soup into bowls and top each serving with grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the warm, creamy goodness. Enjoy it hot for a satisfying meal.
**Notes**
Serving Size
This recipe yields approximately 6 servings, making it a perfect dish for family dinners or meal prep for the week.
Make-Ahead Tips
This soup can be prepared a day in advance. Simply follow the instructions up to step 5, then refrigerate. Before serving, reheat in the slow cooker, add the tortellini and cream, and proceed as directed.
Ingredient Variations
Feel free to swap the Italian sausage for turkey sausage for a leaner option. You can also add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cook Techniques
Brown the Sausage
Cooking the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat enhances its flavor. Breaking it into small pieces as it cooks ensures that it browns evenly and adds rich taste to the soup.
Layering Ingredients
Adding ingredients in layers to the slow cooker helps build depth of flavor. Starting with the cooked sausage and then layering in vegetables and liquids ensures they cook evenly and meld together nicely.
Slow Cooking
Cooking on low for 6-7 hours allows the flavors to develop and the vegetables to become tender. If time is short, cooking on high for 3-4 hours is also effective but may not achieve the same depth of flavor.
Adding Dairy
Stirring in heavy cream about 20 minutes before serving creates a rich, creamy texture. Ensure to mix it in gently to avoid curdling.
Incorporating Fresh Greens
Adding fresh spinach at the end of the cooking process preserves its bright color and nutrients. Allowing it to wilt in the hot soup enhances the overall freshness of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used in place of fresh. Just add it to the slow cooker during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
Can I substitute the Italian sausage?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option or omit it for a vegetarian version, adding additional vegetables instead.
What type of cheese tortellini works best?
Any type of cheese tortellini will work, but a blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and other cheeses provides the best flavor.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add heat, consider using spicy Italian sausage or adding crushed red pepper flakes to the soup when combining ingredients.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. When reheating, you may need to add a bit more broth or cream to restore the consistency.
Conclusion
Creamy crockpot tortellini soup is the ideal choice for a cozy meal, especially during the colder months. Its rich flavors, combined with the satisfying texture of cheese tortellini, create a dish that is sure to please the entire family. The convenience of using a slow cooker allows you to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days.
Vegetarian Tortellini Soup
Substitute Italian sausage with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth and add chickpeas for extra protein.
Spicy Tortellini Soup
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the original recipe for a spicy kick. Pair with a dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
Chicken Tortellini Soup
Replace Italian sausage with shredded cooked chicken and use chicken broth as the base. This variation is light yet hearty.
Herbed Pesto Tortellini Soup
Stir in a few tablespoons of pesto just before serving for an herby twist. Garnish with fresh basil for added flavor.
Tuscan-Style Tortellini Soup
Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, cannellini beans, and kale for a Tuscan touch. This version offers a medley of textures and flavors.
Buffalo Tortellini Soup
Blend in buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy flavor profile. Serve with crumbled blue cheese on top for extra richness.
