Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup
Looking for a delicious and hearty soup recipe to warm you up on chilly days? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup! Packed with savory sausage, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy broth, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. Plus, it’s so easy to make in your slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (9 oz) package cheese tortellini
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat.
- Place the cooked sausage, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Stir in the heavy cream and tortellini during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Popular questions:
- Q: Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
- Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?
- Q: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can use any type of sausage you prefer, such as chicken sausage or turkey sausage.
A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, simply dice them and use in place of canned tomatoes.
A: Yes, you can use half-and-half as a lighter alternative to heavy cream.
Helpful tips:
- For extra flavor, add some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- You can add some spinach or kale to the soup for added nutrition.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Expert Secrets:
- Cooking the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker helps to enhance its flavor.
- Adding the tortellini towards the end of the cooking time prevents them from getting mushy.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more Italian seasoning or salt and pepper as desired.
