I always tackle all my food prep for the holiday in one go on the day before, so everything is ready to roll when the day arrives. There’s something so nice about having dinner simmering away in the crockpot while you’re busy with all the holiday cooking prep! Knowing a warm, hearty meal is already taken care of makes the food prep feel a little more stress-free! This comforting slow-cooker soup features Italian sausage, tomatoes, cheese tortellini, spinach, and a touch of cream for a hearty and satisfying meal. It tastes even better the next day served as leftovers.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 ounces Italian sausage (ground or casings removed; spicy or mild)
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced or chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
• 4 cups chicken broth (use bone broth for extra protein)
• 2 (9-ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 3/4 cup heavy cream (optional, but i definitely recommend it!)
• 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook Sausage and Onions:
   Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and onion, cooking for 7–8 minutes while breaking up the sausage with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Garlic:
   Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Transfer the sausage mixture to the Crockpot.
3. Add Vegetables and Broth:
   Add the carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth to the Crockpot.
   • For a quick cook (3–4 hours on high), finely chop the carrots.
   • For a longer cook (7–8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high), chop the carrots into larger pieces.
4. Add Tortellini and Cream:
   About 30 minutes before serving, add the tortellini, spinach, and heavy cream (if using). Stir occasionally and set the Crockpot to “high” if it isn’t already.
5. Season and Serve:
   Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while the tortellini is tender. Serve with crusty bread or ritz crackers.

Notes

• Use ground sausage or remove the meat from sausage casings. Spicy sausage adds a nice kick!
• This soup is best fresh, as the tortellini can absorb the broth over time (Personally, I like it like that, but some people may not). Add extra chicken broth when reheating or cook the tortellini fresh if you plan on having leftovers.
• A 7-quart Crockpot is ideal for this recipe, as the tortellini will nearly fill the pot.

Enjoy this hearty, flavorful soup that’s perfect for busy days or chilly nights!