Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the most mouth-watering aroma of Italian sausage, tender potatoes, and cheesy tortellini simmering to perfection. This isn't just another soup recipe - it's a game-changing comfort meal that will transform your dinner routine and have your family begging for seconds! Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for an easy meal, or simply craving something incredibly delicious, this slow cooker sensation is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 bag (9 oz) cheese tortellini
- 2 cups spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat and transfer the cooked sausage to the slow cooker.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the slow cooker with the sausage, stirring to combine and distribute evenly.
- Dice the potatoes into approximately 1/2-inch cubes and add them to the slow cooker. Ensure potatoes are evenly spread throughout the mixture.
- Pour chicken broth over the sausage, onions, garlic, and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the potatoes to become tender and flavors to meld together.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the cheese tortellini to the soup. Stir gently to incorporate.
- In the final 5-10 minutes, add fresh spinach leaves and stir until they are wilted and integrated into the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley.
Tips
- Choose quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor - look for fresh, well-seasoned varieties from your local butcher or grocery store.
- Brown the sausage before adding to the slow cooker to develop deeper, richer flavor profiles.
- Cut potatoes into uniform 1/2-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- For extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of heavy cream in the last hour of cooking.
- Don't overcook the tortellini - add them in the last 30 minutes to prevent becoming mushy.
- Fresh spinach is key - add it at the very end to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- If you want a thicker soup, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir in during the last hour of cooking.
- Garnish with fresh grated Parmesan or chopped parsley for an extra gourmet touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 332kcal
Carbohydrates: 37g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
