Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup (Tomato Base)
This Slow Cooker Creamy Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort meal. It features browned Italian sausage, a rich tomato broth, tender vegetables, cheese tortellini, and a luxurious swirl of cream added at the end. A true set-it-and-forget-it dinner!
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Chef’s Knife
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 16 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 0.5 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 14 oz diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 18 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini (2×9 oz packages)
- 0.75 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach, packed
- salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage with the chopped onion until cooked through. Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until vegetables are tender.
- 30 minutes before serving, add the tortellini, heavy cream, and spinach. Switch heat to HIGH.
- Cook until tortellini is tender and spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.
Notes
Add crushed red pepper for spice, swap spinach for kale, or stir in Parmesan for extra richness. Always add tortellini in the final 30 minutes so it doesn't overcook.