There is nothing quite like hot soup on a cold day. And since cold is synonymous with Michigan, we eat a heck of a lot of soup during the winter.
I am totally digging this recipe, which I’ve tweaked to our liking over time. Since we’re amid the holidays, I love that it’s red, white and green too. That means it’s festive, right?! Right.
This simple soup gets a good flavor thanks to chicken sausage. We’ve tried quite a few different varieties, but I always seem to come back to this spinach and mozzarella one made by Meijer. So flavorful, delicious, and often on sale.
Just dice up these babies and brown them on the stove and voila! You’re ready to dump them in the slow cooker along with all the other ingredients except the tortellini.
So pretty, right? It’s also a great way to sneak greens into your diet!
Approximately two hours before serving it, add the tortellini. Waiting until this point will help ensure it doesn’t get too mushy. If you’re in a pinch and need to put it in before, do it, but please know it may make it a tad gummy, depending on the temperature settings on your crock pot.
Crock Pot Creamy Tortellini and Chicken Sausage Soup
- 5 cups of frozen cheese tortellini {the regular size bag should work}
- 1 package of chicken sausage {4 links}
- 2/3 cup of white onion, chopped finely
- 3 cups of fresh spinach
- 2 {14.5 oz.} cans of Italian diced tomatoes, drained {I have also used the ones with green chilis for an extra spice kick}
- 1 block of Neufchatel cheese, softened in microwave {8 oz.}
- 3 cups of chicken broth {start with 3, add 1 more if it looks like it needs it}
Brown the sausage with the white onion and put all ingredients except the tortellini in the crock pot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.
During the last two hours, add the tortellini. Serves 4-6.
Best of all, it tastes even better the next day after all the ingredients have melded together. I like to serve this with bread and a salad for a heartier meal. If you want some extra indulgence, shred some fresh mozzarella or parmesan on top as well.
What are your favorite cold weather recipes?
Liz @ Yes/No Films says
That looks yummy. Pinned – another crockpot recipe for me to try :). I’ve tried a few of Meijer’s sausage varieties plus Trader Joe’s but the spinach + mozz one is my fave … they hide it in the meats section, I didn’t even know Meijer did chicken sausage till a friend told me. Sometimes it’s on sale for $3.
Mrs. Weber says
Yes! I love when it’s on sale 🙂 The sundried tomato one is yummy too 🙂
Ashleigh says
YUM! I love the tortellini from either Aldi or Meijer! We’ll have to try this!
Mrs. Weber says
I agree! We love tortellini here. Can we pretend it’s calorie-free too? 🙂