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Juicy cheese tortellini and flavorful Italian sausage float in a thick, luscious tomato broth with bright veggies in this warming slow cooker soup. Every bite offers perfectly done pasta, tasty meat, and soft vegetables that turn this soup into a complete and filling dinner.
While trying out different slow cooker soups, I found that when sausage and veggies cook slowly throughout the day, they make an amazingly tasty foundation for the tortellini and cream you'll add later.
Key Ingredients
- Italian sausage: Go for good quality sausage to build the tastiest base
- Fresh tortellini: Works much better than dried versions in slow cooking
- Heavy cream: Gives you that trademark smooth, silky broth
- Fresh spinach: Brings in color and good-for-you stuff
- Fresh Parmesan: Shred it yourself for better melting and taste
How To Make It
- Start With Flavor
- First, cook Italian sausage with onions till they're golden brown. This creates rich flavors that will spread throughout your soup.
- Mix The Base
- Put tomato paste, garlic, and spices in the slow cooker with your sausage mix. Slow cooking lets all these tastes blend together.
- Handle The Veggies
- Cut carrots and celery the same size so they cook evenly. Toss them in the slow cooker with your broth.
- Cook The Pasta Right
- Throw in tortellini during the last cooking bit so they don't get mushy. They should stay firm but tender.
- Add Final Touches
- Mix in cream, cheese, and spinach right at the end. Let them warm up while keeping their fresh taste.
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After making this recipe many times, I've noticed that getting the timing right matters a lot. When you add each thing at the right moment, everything keeps its perfect texture while adding to the overall yumminess.
Leftovers Guide
Leftover soup needs proper care: keep it in the fridge and eat within 3 days, warm it up slowly to stop the cream from separating, and remember the tortellini will get softer over time,
Mix It Up
Change things to fit what you like: try shredded chicken instead of sausage, go veggie by adding more veggies and beans, sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you want some kick, or experiment with different pasta types,
What To Serve With It
Round out your meal with some toasty garlic bread, a simple green salad, or soft dinner rolls,
What began as just playing around with my slow cooker has turned into one of my family's favorite dinners. The mix of smooth broth, soft pasta, and tasty sausage creates something that's both cozy and filling. Whether you're cooking for your family or want extra for lunches, this soup brings warmth and delicious flavor in every spoonful.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this without meat?
- Absolutely! Just throw in white beans instead of sausage and switch to veggie broth rather than chicken broth.
- → Which cream works best?
- You can use whatever you have. Heavy cream, half-and-half, or light cream all work great. The fattier ones just make it a bit richer.
- → Is frozen tortellini okay to use?
- Definitely! Fresh or frozen both turn out wonderful. Just toss them in during the final 10-15 minutes of cooking time.
- → Will this soup freeze well?
- I wouldn't try freezing it. Soups with cream and pasta tend to break apart and get a weird texture when thawed.
- → How can I add more kick?
- Go for hot Italian sausage or stir in some red pepper flakes at the end until it's just right for you.