Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage

🥘 Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage (Slow Cooker)

⭐ Ingredients:

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, crumbled)

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)

4 cups chicken broth

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed

1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

Salt & pepper, to taste

Grated Parmesan, for serving

🍲 Instructions:

1. Brown the Sausage:

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned.

Add diced onions and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Drain excess grease and transfer to your slow cooker.

2. Assemble the Base:

Add diced tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the slow cooker.

Stir to combine.

3. Cook Low & Slow:

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

4. Add Cream & Pasta:

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cream cheese and tortellini.

Cover and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, or until tortellini is tender and cream cheese is fully melted and stirred in.

5. Finish with Spinach:

Stir in fresh spinach just before serving and let wilt for 5 minutes.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve:

Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan.

Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic knots for a complete cozy meal.

🧡 Tips:

You can use frozen tortellini, but add them 10 minutes earlier than fresh.

For extra richness, splash in some heavy cream with the cream cheese.

Add diced carrots or celery with the onions for more veggie goodness.