Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is everything you want in a cozy meal. Not only is it incredibly easy to prepare (just throw the ingredients in your slow cooker), but it also delivers on taste. The Italian sausage provides a savory, slightly spicy base, while the cheese tortellini adds richness. The creamy broth ties everything together perfectly, making this soup hearty and satisfying without being too heavy. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy with your loved ones.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound Italian sausage, browned and drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Directions
- In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Add the browned sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with juice), and vegetable broth to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the refrigerated tortellini.
- Continue to cook for another 30 minutes, until the tortellini is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, comforting soup!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Variations
- Swap the Sausage: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Make it Creamier: Stir in a bit of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for an extra creamy texture.
- Use Different Tortellini: Swap out the cheese tortellini for spinach, meat, or any other type of tortellini you prefer.
- Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious on the second day!
- Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions until hot.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for later use.
2. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated tortellini?
Yes, frozen tortellini works just as well! Just add it to the slow cooker a little earlier than the refrigerated kind—about 45 minutes before serving.
3. Can I make this soup with ground beef instead of sausage?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef, but the flavor will be different. To get more flavor, season the ground beef with Italian seasoning, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes.
4. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this soup vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using a plant-based alternative. You can also add more vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
5. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the slow cooker?
Yes, you can make it on the stovetop. Brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic. Then, add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Simmer on low for 20-30 minutes, adding the tortellini during the last 10 minutes.
6. Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Yes, chicken broth will work just as well if you prefer a meatier flavor, but vegetable broth makes this soup suitable for vegetarians.
7. How do I keep the soup from being too watery?
If your soup turns out too thin, try adding a little more tortellini or a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up. You can also reduce the liquid by simmering uncovered for a few minutes.
8. Can I add cream to make the soup creamier?
Yes! Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier texture.
9. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can. Sauté the sausage, onions, and garlic in the Instant Pot, then add the rest of the ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a quick release. Add the tortellini and cook for an additional 5 minutes on sauté mode.
10. Can I add other herbs or spices to the soup?
Feel free to add Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, or thyme to suit your taste. Fresh or dried herbs will complement the flavors nicely.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days or when you want a comforting, hearty meal. With minimal prep time and the magic of the slow cooker, it’s a breeze to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing a batch for meal prep, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy every creamy, savory spoonful!
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
- Total Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Seo Optimized Description: This Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is the perfect cozy meal, combining Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and a savory broth for ultimate comfort. Easy to make with minimal prep time, this creamy, hearty soup is ideal for family dinners, meal prepping, or cold weather cravings. Make it ahead of time and enjoy its rich flavors all week long.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, browned and drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 4 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage over medium heat in a skillet. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Add the sausage, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with juice), and vegetable broth to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the refrigerated tortellini.
- Continue cooking for another 30 minutes, until the tortellini is tender and fully cooked.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute Options: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage can be used in place of Italian sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- For Extra Creaminess: Stir in heavy cream or cream cheese 10 minutes before serving for a richer texture.
- Freezing: Let the soup cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
