Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage: Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl

When temperatures plummet and icy winds begin their relentless howl, nothing provides more genuine comfort than a steaming, hearty bowl of Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage. This remarkable dish combines the luxurious richness of a velvety broth, the satisfying texture of cheese-filled tortellini, and the bold, savory flavors of perfectly seasoned sausage. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just beginning your culinary journey, this straightforward slow-cooker recipe will quickly become an indispensable staple in your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate comfort food – Warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying
• Slow cooker convenience – Minimal hands-on time required
• One-pot wonder – Easy preparation and simple cleanup
• Family-friendly – Appeals to both kids and adults
• Perfect for meal prep – Makes delicious leftovers throughout the week

Complete Ingredient List

To create this Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, according to preference)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 9 ounces refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ½ tablespoon pesto
• 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these comprehensive instructions to create your perfect pot of Creamy Tortellini Soup:

Cooking the Sausage

Begin by heating a skillet over medium temperature. Add the Italian sausage, using a spoon or spatula to break it into bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage browns completely and cooks through, approximately 7-10 minutes. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Sautéing the Aromatic Vegetables

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic directly to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Sauté these aromatics for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This crucial step releases wonderful aromas and significantly enhances the depth of flavor throughout the entire soup.

Transferring to the Slow Cooker

Pour the sausage and aromatic mixture into your slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, drained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, and pesto. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well-distributed and properly combined.

Setting the Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker securely with the lid and set to cook on low heat for 6 hours, or alternatively on high heat for 3 hours. This extended slow cooking process allows all the flavors to develop fully, creating an exceptionally rich and deeply flavorful broth.

Adding Tortellini, Cream, and Spinach

Approximately 30 minutes before the soup completes cooking, stir in the cheese tortellini, heavy cream, and chopped spinach. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the tortellini and cream distribute evenly throughout the soup. The tortellini will cook to perfect tender texture during this final half hour in the slow cooker.

Seasoning to Perfection

As the soup approaches completion, carefully taste and adjust the seasoning. Add salt and pepper according to your preference. If you enjoy extra spiciness, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or additional ground black pepper.

Serving and Garnishing

Once the tortellini achieves complete tenderness (after approximately 30 minutes), your soup is ready to serve. Ladle the steaming hot soup into individual bowls and, if desired, sprinkle generously with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an additional layer of rich, savory flavor.