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A cozy slow cooker soup combining cheese tortellini with Italian sausage and spinach in a creamy tomato broth.
Essential Ingredients:
- Italian sausage: Provides rich base
- Cheese tortellini: Fresh refrigerated best
- Crushed tomatoes: Creates broth
- Heavy cream: Adds richness
- Fresh spinach: Adds color
- Mirepoix: Builds flavor base
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Detailed Instructions:
- Brown Sausage
- Sauté with onions
- Cook until no pink remains
- Add garlic at end
- Transfer to Crockpot
- Build Soup Base
- Add vegetables
- Pour in tomatoes
- Add chicken broth
- Set cooking time
- Add Final Components
- Add tortellini near end
- Stir in cream
- Wilt spinach
- Check seasoning
- Finish and Serve
- Let tortellini cook through
- Adjust thickness
- Season to taste
- Garnish with Parmesan
Storage Tips:
Keeps 3-4 days refrigerated. For freezing, omit pasta and cream.
Perfect Pairings:
Serve with crusty bread and Caesar salad.
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Chef's Tips:
- Brown sausage thoroughly
- Check pasta doneness
- Add cream last
- Season in layers
Years of slow cooker experience taught me that proper timing with pasta additions and careful browning creates the perfect slow cooker soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Cooking time options?
- 3-4 hours high, 7-8 hours low. Chop carrots smaller for quicker cooking.
- → When add tortellini?
- Last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- → Best for leftovers?
- Add fresh tortellini when reheating to prevent mushiness.
- → What sausage to use?
- Any Italian sausage, spicy or mild. Remove from casings.
- → Crockpot size needed?
- 7-quart recommended, recipe makes large batch.