Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini Soup

Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini Soup is made with ground Italian sausage, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, beef bouillon powder, salt, beef broth, cornstarch, evaporated milk, three cheese tortellini, fresh baby spinach, milk, and crusty bread. This hearty Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini Soup recipe creates a comforting dinner that takes about 4 hours on high or 7 hours on low to prepare and can serve up to 6 people.

Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini Soup Ingredients

• 1 pound (500 g) ground Italian sausage (or ground chicken, turkey, or beef), browned
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder (or chicken)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups beef broth (or chicken or vegetable broth, preferably low sodium)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch, mixed and dissolved in 1/4 cup water
• 36 ounces evaporated milk or half and half
• 12-ounce packet three cheese tortellini (dried, not fresh; choose any flavor you like)
• 5 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup milk, added in increments as needed for desired consistency
• Crusty bread, warmed (for serving)

Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini Soup Instructions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the browned sausage, chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, beef bouillon powder, salt, and broth into the slow cooker (6-quart size). Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours.
2. Remove Fat and Thicken: After cooking, uncover and skim off any fat from the surface of the soup using a spoon. Discard the fat. Stir in the cornstarch mixture along with the evaporated milk (or half and half/cream). Add the tortellini to the mixture, stirring well to combine. Cover and continue cooking on high for an additional 45 minutes or until the soup has thickened and the tortellini is cooked through.
3. Add Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the slow cooker, pressing it down into the liquid to ensure it’s submerged. Cover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until the spinach has wilted.
4. Adjust Consistency: Gradually add milk in 1/3 cup increments as needed to achieve your desired thickness. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt (if necessary) and pepper to suit your taste preferences.
5. Serve: Serve the soup hot, accompanied by warmed crusty bread.

Recipe Tips

• Brown the Sausage: Browning the Italian sausage before adding it to the slow cooker adds depth of flavor to the soup. It also helps render out excess fat, resulting in a richer broth.
• Use Low-Sodium Broth: Opt for low-sodium beef, chicken, or vegetable broth to control the saltiness of the soup. This allows you to adjust the seasoning more precisely at the end.
• Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, stir in some fresh herbs like basil or thyme during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, garnish each serving with freshly chopped herbs.

How To Store Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini Soup

Refrigerate: Allow the Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini Soup to cool completely. Transfer it into an airtight container or cover the slow cooker bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate the soup for up to 3-4 days.

Freeze: To freeze the soup for longer storage, first, ensure it has cooled completely. Transfer it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, or use freezer bags. Label the container with the date. The soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

How To Reheat Leftover Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini Soup

On the Stove: Transfer the leftover Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini Soup to a saucepan or pot. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through.

In The Microwave: Place a serving of the soup in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the soup is hot all the way through.

What To Serve Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini Soup

Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini Soup pairs well with garlic bread, a green salad, roasted vegetables, and a crusty baguette. It also can be served alongside a Caesar salad, cheese platter, fruit salad, and garlic knots for better savoring of the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of dried?

Answer: Yes, you can use fresh tortellini instead of dried. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as fresh tortellini cooks faster than dried.

Can I substitute evaporated milk with another type of milk?

Answer: Yes, you can substitute evaporated milk with half and half or heavy cream for a richer soup. If using regular milk, be mindful that it might not thicken the soup as much.

How can I adjust the soup’s thickness?

Answer: If the soup is too thin, you can mix additional cornstarch with water and add it gradually while the soup is cooking. If it’s too thick, you can stir in a little extra broth or milk.

Try more recipes:

• Crock Pot Potato Soup
• Chicken of the Woods Soup Recipe
• Bob Evans Beef Vegetable Soup recipe