Description
This Crockpot Creamy Tortellini Soup is a rich and comforting slow-cooked soup made with tender three-cheese tortellini, savory ground meat, fresh vegetables, and creamy broth. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a hearty meal for guests, this recipe is easy to prepare, fully customizable, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
1 pound ground Italian sausage, chicken, turkey, or beef, browned (Aidells Chicken Sausage, Applegate Organic Chicken, or Hormel Natural Choice Turkey Sausage recommended)
1 onion, chopped
2 large carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 teaspoons beef or chicken bouillon powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups low-sodium beef, chicken, or vegetable broth
1/4 cup cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water
36 ounces evaporated milk or half-and-half (Carnation or Organic Valley)
12 ounces dried three-cheese tortellini (Bertolli, Rana)
5 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup milk
Instructions
1. Place the browned meat, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, bouillon powder, salt, and broth in a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours.
2. Uncover and skim any fat from the top. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and evaporated milk. Add the tortellini and mix well. Cover and cook on high for an additional 45 minutes until the tortellini is tender.
3. Add fresh spinach, pressing it into the liquid. Cover and cook 5-10 minutes until wilted.
4. Gradually stir in milk in 1/3 cup increments until desired thickness is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot with crusty bread.
Notes
Italian sausage provides a rich flavor but can be substituted with ground chicken, turkey, or beef sausage.
For a vegetarian option, omit meat and increase vegetable broth.
Soup thickens as it cools, so add extra milk when reheating leftovers to maintain creaminess.
Leftovers can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen in portions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American