Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage
  • 1 sweet yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) petite diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, julienned
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 11 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach, packed
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions:

  1. Sizzle the sausage. Place a skillet over medium high heat and add the 1 lb of Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles. Note: This creates the savory foundation for the entire dish.
  2. Soften the aromatics. Add the diced sweet yellow onion to the skillet during the last 3 minutes of browning until they are translucent. Cook until you smell the sweet, toasted aroma of the onions.
  3. Bloom the paste. Stir in the 4 minced garlic cloves and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste for 60 seconds. Wait until the paste turns from bright red to a deep rusty color and smells savory.
  4. Assemble the base. Transfer the sausage mixture to a 6 quart slow cooker and add the 4 cups of chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their liquid, sun dried tomatoes, 1 tsp oregano, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika.
  5. Simmer with patience. Cover and cook on High for 4 hours (or Low for 7 hours). The aroma should be rich and earthy as the tomatoes break down.
  6. Whisk in dairy. Thirty minutes before serving, whisk in the 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream. Whisk until the liquid is completely unified and velvety.
  7. Cook the pasta. Add the 11 oz of refrigerated tortellini and 3 cups of baby spinach.
  8. Finish to perfection. Cover and cook for the remaining 15-20 minutes until the pasta is tender and the spinach has wilted into vibrant green ribbons. Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup: 40 Min — Master creamy parmesan italian sausage ditalini soup with our step-by-step gu...Cinnamon Roll Casserole: Slow-Cooked for 8 — Master this easy Cinnamon Roll Casserole recipe using your slow cooker for mi...One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta in 20 Minutes: Silky Finish — Master the One Pot Creamy Garlic Pasta with this fast recipe. Features a step... $img_2$