Creamy Slow Cooker Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Creamy Slow Cooker Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Words from my husband: “This soup is incredibly delicious!”

At the heart of our busy American kitchens, the slow food movement is making an enthusiastic comeback. This revival pays homage to timeless culinary practices from around the world and reflects the simplicity and depth of Italian “Cucina Povera.” Here, basic ingredients are transformed into extremely aromatic dishes. An example of this is the Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup, a dish that thrives on patience and a selection of quality ingredients.Packed with the rich cream, flavor of Italian sausage, and tender, cheese-filled tortellini, this soup is a comforting hug on a cold day.

This creamy sausage tortellini soup is a complete meal on its own, but goes well with a crisp salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Accompany it with a loaf of crusty bread like ciabatta or baguette so you can enjoy it to the last drop. For added enjoyment, you can serve it with a platter of cured meats and tangy cheeses, which contrast nicely with the creamy consistency of the soup.

Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage and Tortellini Soup

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

1 lb.Italian sausage without casing

1 medium onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 ½ cups sliced ​​carrots

1 ½ cups chopped celery

4 cups chicken broth

½ cup white wine (optional, or extra chicken broth)

1 TEASPOON. dried basil

1 tsp. dried oregano

salt and pepper to taste

20 oz. Cheese Tortellini, Chilled or Frozen

8 oz. Cream cheese, diced

3 cups spinach leaves, coarsely chopped

1 cup cream or half and half

Instructions:

Fry the Italian sausage in a pan over medium heat and chop it up.Place in a slow cooker, leaving excess fat behind.
In the same pan, fry the onion until translucent, then add the garlic for another minute and then add to the slow cooker.

Combine carrots, celery, chicken broth, wine (if using), basil, oregano, salt and pepper in slow cooker. Cook on low heat for 6 hours or high heat for 3 hours.
Add tortellini and cream cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.Before serving, stir together the spinach and cream and season as needed.
Serve hot, optionally garnished with Parmesan cheese.

Variations and Tips:

Swap the Italian sausage for turkey sausage or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
For vegetarians, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms or peppers for depth.
A touch of dried tomatoes can give it a spicy note.This recipe can also be transferred to the stovetop if a slow cooker is not available.

Leftovers often taste even better and make this soup a gift that keeps on giving.
Enjoy the joys of slow cooking with this comforting soup, a testament to the joy of taking the time in the kitchen to create something truly special.