This creamy slow-cooker tortellini soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly day. Loaded with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and fresh vegetables, it’s a satisfying meal that practically cooks itself in the slow cooker.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-7 hours (slow cooker)
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of Italian sausage
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 2 large carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 celery stalks, finely sliced
- 3 teaspoons of beef bouillon powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 5 cups of beef broth
- 30 ounces of evaporated milk
- 1 package (10 ounces) of cheese tortellini
- ¼ cup of cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup of water
- 5 cups of fresh spinach
- 1 cup of milk
Instructions:
- Combine Italian sausage, chopped onion, sliced carrots, celery, garlic, beef bouillon powder, and salt in your slow cooker.
- Pour in the beef broth and give everything a good stir.
- Cook on the low setting for 7 hours or on high for 4 hours. During cooking, skim off any excess fat that rises to the top.
- After the initial cooking time, add the evaporated milk and the mixture of cornstarch and water. Stir well.
- Add the cheese tortellini to the slow cooker and continue to cook on high for an additional 45 minutes or until the tortellini is tender.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and gradually add milk in small increments until the soup reaches your preferred thickness.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – 8 servings):
- Calories: 479
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 1349mg
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 22g
Keep in mind that the nutritional information offered here is a general approximation and may differ depending on the specific brands of ingredients and portion sizes you choose.
Cooking Tips:
- If you prefer a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, like diced tomatoes or chopped spinach, for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less milk to suit your taste.
Enjoy your creamy slow-cooker tortellini soup!