Imagine a bowl of creamy, hearty soup filled with rich Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and vibrant vegetables. This slow cooker creamy tortellini soup is a perfect comfort food that combines all these elements. It's easy to prepare and perfect for those busy days when you want a satisfying meal waiting for you at home.
Photos of Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe
The ingredients for this recipe are fairly standard and you should be able to find them in your local supermarket. However, tortellini may not be a regular in your pantry. Tortellini is a type of Italian pasta that is stuffed with cheese or meat. You can usually find them in the refrigerated section of the supermarket. Another ingredient to take note of is the beef bouillon powder, which is a dehydrated mix of vegetables, meat stock, a small portion of fat, salt, and seasonings. It's used to add a strong beef flavor to dishes.
Creamy Tortellini Soup Ingredients
Italian sausage: This is a type of pork sausage noted for its distinctive fennel seasoning. It adds a savory richness to the soup.
Onion: Onions provide a sweet and tangy flavor that forms the base of many dishes.
Carrots: Carrots add a hint of sweetness and a nice crunch to the soup.
Celery stalks: Celery gives the soup a pleasant, mild flavor and a refreshing crunch.
Garlic cloves: Garlic infuses the soup with its pungent and spicy flavor.
Italian seasoning: This is a blend of dried Italian-inspired herbs such as basil, oregano, and rosemary.
Beef bouillon powder: This gives a strong, concentrated beef flavor to the soup.
Beef broth: It forms the liquid base of the soup, providing depth and flavor.
Cornstarch: This is used as a thickener to give the soup a creamy consistency.
Evaporated milk: This is milk that has been cooked down to allow some of the water content to evaporate. It gives the soup creamy texture.
Tortellini: These are small, ring-shaped pasta typically stuffed with meat or cheese.
Baby spinach: Baby spinach leaves are added at the end of cooking, they wilt in the hot soup, adding color and nutrition.
Milk: This helps adjust the soup's consistency and adds a touch of richness.
One reader, Ferguson Waltz says:
This slow cooker creamy tortellini soup recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are rich and comforting, and the creamy texture is just divine. It's so easy to make, and the whole family loves it. Perfect for a cozy night in. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
How to brown Italian sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon, until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
How to chop vegetables: Cut the onion, carrots, and celery into small, uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors in the soup.
How to thicken the soup: Create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with a small amount of cold water before adding it to the soup. This will help prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
How to cook tortellini in the slow cooker: Add the tortellini to the soup during the final stages of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy. Stir well to ensure even cooking.
How to wilt spinach: Add the spinach to the hot soup and press the leaves down to submerge them in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker to allow the spinach to wilt evenly.
How to adjust soup consistency: Gradually add milk in small increments to reach the desired thickness and consistency of the soup. This allows for control over the final texture.
How To Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
Let the slow cooker do the work for you in cooking up this tasty tortellini soup! It’s rich, creamy, and makes the perfect hearty meal for dinner.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbground Italian sausage,or ground chicken, turkey or beef, browned
- 1onion,chopped
- 2large carrots,chopped
- 2celery stalks,chopped
- 4garlic cloves,minced
- 1tbspItalian seasoning
- 2tspbeef bouillon powder,or chicken
- ½tspsalt
- 4cupsbeef broth,or chicken or vegetable broth
- ¼cupcornstarch,mixed and dissolved in ¼ cup water
- 36ozevaporated milk,or half and half
- 12ozthree cheese tortellini
- 5cupsfresh baby spinach
- 1cupmilk
Instructions
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Place the browned sausage, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, beef bouillon powder, salt, and broth in a 6-quart or 6-litre slow cooker bowl.
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Cover and cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 7 hours.
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Uncover, then skim any fat that is sitting on the top of the soup with a spoon to discard.
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Stir in the cornstarch mixture with the evaporated milk.
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Add the tortellini, then mix well.
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Cover again, then cook on High heat setting for a further 45 minutes until the soup has thickened, and the tortellini is soft and cooked through.
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Add in the spinach, pressing the leaves down to completely submerse into the liquid.
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Cover again for a further 5 to 10 minutes until the leaves have wilted.
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Pour in the milk in ⅓ cup increments, as needed, to reach desired thickness and consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve with crusty warmed bread, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 455.10kcal
- Fat: 25.44g
- Saturated Fat: 11.57g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.86g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.33g
- Carbohydrates: 35.44g
- Fiber: 1.65g
- Sugar: 13.80g
- Protein: 21.36g
- Cholesterol: 80.87mg
- Sodium: 987.08mg
- Calcium: 385.05mg
- Potassium: 787.43mg
- Iron: 2.10mg
- Vitamin A: 236.45µg
- Vitamin C: 6.78mg
Helpful Technique for Perfecting Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
When adding the tortellini to the soup, ensure that it is well mixed and submerged in the liquid. This will allow the pasta to cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the soup. Additionally, when adding the spinach, make sure to press it down into the liquid. Spinach wilts quickly when it comes into contact with heat, so submerging it in the hot soup will help it wilt faster and infuse its flavor into the soup. Lastly, remember to add the milk gradually to achieve your desired soup consistency. Adding too much at once can make the soup too thin.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and tools before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-chopped vegetables: Save time by using pre-chopped onions, carrots, and celery from the grocery store.
Multi-task: While the soup is cooking, use the time to clean up and prepare other parts of the meal.
Invest in a slow cooker: A slow cooker can save time and effort by allowing you to set and forget the cooking process.
Buy pre-made broth: Using store-bought broth can save time compared to making it from scratch.
Opt for pre-cooked tortellini: Using pre-cooked tortellini can significantly reduce the cooking time for the soup.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized to minimize the time spent searching for ingredients and utensils.
Cook in large batches: Make a larger quantity of soup and freeze the extra portions for quick and easy meals in the future.
Clean as you go: Wash dishes and clean up spills while the soup is cooking to minimize post-cooking cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe
ground Italian sausage - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can be seasoned with Italian herbs and spices to mimic the flavor of Italian sausage.
beef broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a lighter alternative and will still provide a flavorful base for the soup.
evaporated milk - Substitute with heavy cream: Heavy cream will add richness and creaminess to the soup, similar to evaporated milk.
three cheese tortellini - Substitute with cheese-filled ravioli: Cheese-filled ravioli can be used as a substitute for tortellini, providing a similar cheesy and pasta-filled element to the soup.
baby spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for spinach, adding a hearty and nutritious green to the soup.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Unsweetened almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to milk in the recipe.
Best Way to Present Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
Elevate the plating: When presenting the slow cooker creamy tortellini soup, focus on creating a visually appealing presentation. Use a wide-rimmed bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and layers of the soup.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of flavor.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a crunchy element to the dish, such as a small handful of toasted pine nuts or crispy prosciutto as a garnish. This provides a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
Artful drizzling: Before serving, drizzle a swirl of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the soup. This not only adds a touch of elegance but also enhances the overall flavor profile.
Accompany with artisan bread: Serve the slow cooker creamy tortellini soup with a side of freshly baked artisan bread. Consider rustic sourdough or a crusty baguette to complement the flavors of the soup.
Use elegant serving ware: Opt for sophisticated and elegant serving ware to elevate the dining experience. Consider using ceramic bowls or porcelain soup tureens for a refined presentation.
Balance and symmetry: Pay attention to the placement of elements on the plate, aiming for balance and symmetry. This attention to detail enhances the overall visual impact of the dish.
Consider the color palette: When plating the slow cooker creamy tortellini soup, think about the color composition. Incorporate vibrant elements such as the green spinach and colorful tortellini to create an eye-catching presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Creamy Tortellini Soup in a Slow Cooker
- Slow cooker: A slow cooker is a countertop cooking appliance used for simmering at low temperatures, making it perfect for soups, stews, and braises.
- Spoon: A spoon is a versatile kitchen tool used for stirring, mixing, and serving.
- 6-quart or 6-litre slow cooker bowl: This is the cooking vessel specifically designed for a slow cooker, typically with a 6-quart or 6-liter capacity for this recipe.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is used for combining ingredients and mixing the soup base before transferring it to the slow cooker.
- Whisk: A whisk is used for blending and emulsifying ingredients, such as the cornstarch mixture with evaporated milk in this recipe.
- Measuring cups and spoons: These are essential for accurately measuring ingredients like broth, milk, and seasonings.
- Knife: A knife is used for chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
- Saucepan: A saucepan may be used for heating the milk before adding it to the soup to adjust the consistency.
- Stovetop: The stovetop is used for browning the Italian sausage and sautéing the vegetables before transferring them to the slow cooker.
- Ladle: A ladle is used for serving the finished soup.
- Soup bowls: These are used for serving the creamy tortellini soup.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Creamy Tortellini Soup
Allow the tortellini soup to cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. This will prevent the formation of harmful bacteria and ensure that the soup stays fresh for longer.
To store the soup in the refrigerator, transfer it to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to label the container with the date and contents, so you can easily keep track of when you made the soup. The creamy tortellini soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the soup, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a resealable plastic bag. Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion as the soup freezes. Label the container with the date and contents, and place it in the freezer. The soup will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy the frozen soup, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can also thaw the soup in the microwave, but be sure to stir it frequently to ensure even heating.
Once the soup is thawed, reheat it in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through. You may need to add a little extra beef broth or milk to thin out the soup if it has thickened during storage.
If you find that the tortellini has become mushy or overcooked after freezing and reheating, you can remove them from the soup and cook fresh tortellini separately. Simply add the freshly cooked tortellini to the reheated soup before serving.
Leftover soup can be enjoyed on its own or served with crusty bread, garlic bread, or breadsticks for a satisfying and comforting meal.
How To Reheat Leftover Creamy Tortellini Soup
Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired temperature. This method allows you to control the heat and ensure that the tortellini and other ingredients are evenly heated without overcooking or becoming mushy.
If you prefer to use the microwave, transfer the desired portion of soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this may cause the tortellini to become rubbery.
For a creamier consistency, you can add a splash of milk or cream to the reheated soup. Stir well to incorporate the added dairy and adjust the seasoning if needed.
If the soup has thickened considerably during storage, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of beef broth or water while reheating. Add the liquid gradually, stirring constantly, until you reach the desired consistency.
To enhance the flavor of the reheated soup, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh Italian seasoning, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.
If you have stored the tortellini separately from the soup, reheat the soup first, then add the tortellini and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through. This will help prevent the tortellini from becoming overcooked and mushy.
Leftover slow cooker creamy tortellini soup can be enjoyed as is or served with freshly toasted crusty bread for dipping. You can also garnish the reheated soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for added color and flavor.
Interesting Fact About Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
Tortellini soup is a traditional Italian dish that originated in the Emilia-Romagna region. The pasta is typically stuffed with a mixture of meats, cheeses, or vegetables, and is a popular choice for hearty soups and stews.
Is Making Creamy Tortellini Soup at Home Cost-Effective?
The slow cooker creamy tortellini soup recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of Italian sausage and three cheese tortellini may increase the overall cost, but the recipe yields a substantial amount, making it suitable for multiple servings. The approximate cost for a household of four people is around $25-$30. The rich and hearty flavors, combined with the convenience of a slow cooker, make this recipe a solid choice for a comforting family meal. Rating: 8/10.
Is This Creamy Tortellini Soup Healthy or Unhealthy?
This slow cooker creamy tortellini soup recipe, while comforting and delicious, leans towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The use of ground Italian sausage, which is typically high in saturated fat and sodium
- The inclusion of evaporated milk and whole milk, adding more saturated fat and calories to the dish
- The tortellini, depending on the brand and ingredients, may be high in simple carbohydrates and low in fiber
- The recipe lacks a significant amount of vegetables, which could provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber
However, the recipe does include some nutritious elements, such as the use of onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and spinach, which offer various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
To make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for a leaner protein source, such as ground turkey or chicken, to reduce the amount of saturated fat
- Replace the evaporated milk with a lower-fat alternative, such as evaporated skim milk or light coconut milk
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the soup by adding more carrots, celery, and spinach, or incorporate additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or kale
- Choose a whole-grain or legume-based tortellini to increase the fiber content and provide a slower release of carbohydrates
- Reduce the amount of added salt and rely more on herbs and spices for flavor
Editor's Opinion on This Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe
This slow cooker creamy tortellini soup recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The Italian sausage adds a rich and savory depth, while the three cheese tortellini brings a creamy and indulgent element. The addition of fresh baby spinach provides a pop of color and a boost of freshness. The use of evaporated milk creates a lusciously creamy base, and the incorporation of carrots and celery adds a lovely crunch. Overall, this recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in.
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Why trust this Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe:
This slow cooker creamy tortellini soup recipe is a must-try for all Italian cuisine enthusiasts. The combination of savory Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, and a blend of Italian seasoning creates an authentic and rich flavor profile. The addition of three cheese tortellini and fresh baby spinach adds a delightful texture and a burst of vibrant colors. With the use of high-quality ingredients such as beef broth and evaporated milk, this recipe promises a comforting and indulgent dining experience. Trust in this recipe to elevate your culinary journey and savor the essence of Italian comfort food.
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