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There’s something magical about a bowl of Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup—the kind of meal that wraps you in a cozy hug after a long day. Picture tender cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a rich, savory broth with Italian sausage, kale, and a touch of cream. The aroma alone will have your family hovering around the kitchen, spoons at the ready.
Trust me, this isn’t just soup; it’s a flavor-packed experience. Whether you’re a slow cooker pro or a newbie, this recipe is foolproof, customizable, and guaranteed to become a staple in your rotation. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. Love spice? Add red pepper flakes. Prefer veggies? Toss in extra spinach or bell peppers.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients in Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup
Here’s the magic of this soup—it’s made with simple ingredients, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing, adding a subtle richness to the soup.
Italian Sausage: Brings hearty, savory depth. Opt for mild or spicy—your choice!
Chicken Stock: The base of our flavorful broth. Homemade or store-bought works.
Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: For that tangy, umami-packed backbone.
Sweet Onion & Garlic: The aromatic duo that makes everything taste better.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that screams comfort.
Parmesan Rind: Optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of cheesy goodness.
Three-Cheese Tortellini: The star! Pillowy pockets of melty cheese.
Kale: Adds a pop of color and nutrients.
Heavy Cream: For a luxuriously silky finish.
Fresh Basil & Shaved Parmesan: The crowning touches for freshness and flair.
(Note: Full measurements are in the recipe card below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
1. Sauté the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sausage to your slow cooker. Add chicken stock, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, Parmesan rind (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well.
3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. This lets the flavors meld beautifully.
4. Add Tortellini and Kale: Stir in the tortellini and kale. Cover and cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes, just until the tortellini is tender.
5. Finish with Cream and Herbs: Stir in heavy cream and fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve topped with shaved Parmesan.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-7 hours (slow cooker)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
– Crusty Bread: Garlic bread or a baguette for dipping.
– Side Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
– Extra Parmesan: Because more cheese is always a good idea.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Brown the sausage and chop veggies the night before to save time.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
Vegetarian Twist: Swap sausage for mushrooms or white beans.
Storage: Keeps in the fridge for 3 days or freezer for 2 months (without cream).
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen tortellini?
A1: Yes! Add it frozen, but extend the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
Q2: Can I substitute kale with spinach?
A2: Absolutely—add spinach in the last 5 minutes to wilt.
Q3: Is the Parmesan rind necessary?
A3: Not required, but it adds incredible depth. Save rinds in your freezer for soups!
Q4: Can I make this on the stovetop?
A4: Yes! Simmer everything (except tortellini and cream) for 30 minutes, then proceed with steps 4-5.
Q5: How do I prevent mushy tortellini?
A5: Don’t overcook! Add them at the very end.
Q6: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A6: Yes, but the soup will be slightly less creamy.
Q7: What if I don’t have Italian sausage?
A7: Ground turkey or chicken works too—just amp up the seasoning.
Q8: Can I add other veggies?
A8: Bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots would be delicious.
Q9: How do I thicken the soup?
A9: Let it simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes to reduce.
Q10: Can I omit the cream for a dairy-free version?
A10: Yes! Use coconut milk or skip it entirely for a lighter broth.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food—minimal effort, maximum flavor. It’s the kind of meal that makes weeknights feel special and leftovers disappear fast. Whip it up, grab a spoon, and get ready for the compliments to roll in. Happy cooking!
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Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup: 5 Easy Steps for a Cozy Meal
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food. Packed with savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and vibrant kale in a rich, creamy tomato broth—every bite is crave-worthy! Perfect for meal prep or chilly nights, this easy crockpot soup is a must-try for fans of homemade recipes, easy dinner recipes, and fine dining recipes made simple.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 medium sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 (3-inch) Parmesan rind (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated three cheese tortellini
- 1/2 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan
Instructions
- Brown Sausage: In a large cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 3–5 minutes, crumbling as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Transfer sausage to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add chicken stock, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan rind (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook Low & Slow: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- Add Tortellini & Kale: Stir in tortellini, kale, and heavy cream. Cover and cook on high for another 20–30 minutes, or until tortellini is tender.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in fresh basil. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot, topped with shaved Parmesan.
Notes
- Can be made vegetarian by swapping sausage for plant-based crumbles and using veggie broth.
- Parmesan rind adds extra umami flavor—don’t skip if you have one on hand!
- Freezes well before adding tortellini and cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg