Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup

Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild)
• 1 32 oz container of chicken broth
• 1 28 oz can of petite diced tomatoes
• 2 regular cans (about 10.75 oz each) of tomato soup (e.g., Campbell’s)
• 2 8 oz packages of cream cheese spread with onions and chives
• 1 18 oz package of frozen cheese tortellini

Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausage:
   • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it browns.
   • Continue cooking until the sausage is fully browned and cooked through.
   • Drain any excess grease, if necessary.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
   • Transfer the cooked sausage to your crockpot.
   • Add the 32 oz container of chicken broth.
   • Pour in the 28 oz can of petite diced tomatoes (do not drain).
   • Add the 2 cans of tomato soup.
3. Slow Cook:
   • Set your crockpot to low.
   • Cook for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Add Cream Cheese and Tortellini:
   • About 15 to 30 minutes before serving, add the 2 packages of cream cheese spread with onions and chives to the crockpot.
   • Stir until the cream cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the soup.
   • Add the 18 oz package of frozen cheese tortellini.
   • Cook for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
5. Serve:
   • Once the tortellini are done, give the soup a final stir.
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Stovetop Method:

1. Cook the Sausage:
   • Follow the same instructions as above for cooking the sausage.
2. Combine Ingredients in a Large Pot:
   • In a large pot, combine the cooked sausage, chicken broth, petite diced tomatoes, and tomato soup.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Simmer:
   • Let the soup simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
4. Add Cream Cheese and Tortellini:
   • Stir in the cream cheese spread with onions and chives until melted and well incorporated.
   • Add the frozen cheese tortellini and continue to simmer for an additional 15 to 30 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender.
5. Serve:
   • Once the tortellini are done, ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Notes:

• You can substitute breakfast sausage for Italian sausage if needed. The soup will still turn out delicious.
• This soup is perfect for a cozy winter meal and pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.