Savory Slow Cooker Pasta and Vegetable Tomato Stew
Warm up with this Savory Slow Cooker Pasta and Vegetable Tomato Stew, a delightful dish perfect for family gatherings or meal prep. Packed with hearty ingredients like Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and cheese tortellini, this comforting soup is slow-cooked to perfection, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it’s also low in cholesterol, making it a healthier choice for anyone looking to indulge without the guilt. Serve it with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an added touch of richness and share the warmth with loved ones.
14
Servings
325
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Italian sausage
1 lb (bulk, cooked and drained)
Beef broth
6 cups (low sodium preferred)
Stewed tomatoes
1 (28 ounce) can (with juice)
Tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can (standard)
Zucchini
2 cups (sliced)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Carrot
1 cup (sliced)
Fresh mushrooms
1 cup (sliced)
Green pepper
1 medium (chopped)
Fresh parsley
1/4 cup (minced)
Sugar
2 teaspoons (granulated)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
Dried basil
1 teaspoon (dried)
Garlic clove
1 (minced)
Frozen cheese tortellini
2 cups (cooked according to package directions)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (grated, optional for serving)
Instructions
1
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the bulk Italian sausage until it's no longer pink, then drain any excess fat.
2
Transfer the cooked sausage to a 5-quart slow cooker.
3
Add the beef broth, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sliced zucchini, chopped onion, sliced carrot, mushrooms, green pepper, minced parsley, sugar, oregano, basil, and minced garlic into the slow cooker with the sausage.
4
Stir the ingredients gently to combine, ensuring that the sausage and vegetables are well-distributed.
5
Cover the slow cooker and set it to high heat. Cook for 3 to 4 hours, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6
About 30 minutes before serving, cook the frozen cheese tortellini according to the package directions. Once done, drain and set aside.
7
Stir the cooked tortellini into the slow cooker, cover, and cook for an additional 30 minutes to heat everything through.
8
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your hearty meal!
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
33g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow Cooker Pasta and Vegetable Tomato Stew?
It is a hearty, comforting soup made with Italian sausage, various fresh vegetables, and cheese tortellini, slow-cooked in a tomato-based broth.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 14 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 325 calories.
Is this stew healthy?
Yes, it is noted as being low in cholesterol and packed with fresh vegetables.
What meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of bulk Italian sausage.
Do I need to cook the sausage before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, you should brown the bulk Italian sausage in a skillet and drain the fat before transferring it to the slow cooker.
What kind of broth is recommended?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of beef broth, with a preference for low-sodium.
Which vegetables are included in the stew?
The stew includes zucchini, onion, carrot, fresh mushrooms, and green pepper.
How long does the stew cook in the slow cooker?
It should be cooked on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, plus an additional 30 minutes after adding the pasta.
What type of pasta is used?
The recipe uses 2 cups of frozen cheese tortellini.
When do I add the cheese tortellini?
Add the cooked and drained tortellini about 30 minutes before you are ready to serve.
Do I cook the tortellini inside the slow cooker?
No, you should cook the tortellini according to package directions separately, then drain them before adding to the slow cooker.
What size slow cooker is needed for this recipe?
A 5-quart slow cooker is recommended.
What herbs and spices are used for seasoning?
The stew is seasoned with fresh parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, and minced garlic.
Why is sugar included in the ingredients?
Two teaspoons of sugar are added to help balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 15g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content for one serving?
Each serving contains 13g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 33g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I add Parmesan cheese?
Yes, it is recommended to serve the stew with grated Parmesan cheese to taste.
Are the tomatoes used fresh or canned?
The recipe uses canned stewed tomatoes (with juice) and canned tomato sauce.
Can I make this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, it is described as a delightful dish perfect for meal prep or family gatherings.
What is the preparation for the zucchini?
The zucchini should be sliced into pieces before adding to the slow cooker.
Should the mushrooms be fresh or canned?
The recipe specifies using 1 cup of sliced fresh mushrooms.
Can I use different types of sausage?
While Italian sausage is specified, you could use mild, sweet, or hot bulk sausage depending on your preference.
How do I prepare the garlic?
You should use one garlic clove, finely minced.
Is the green pepper chopped or sliced?
The green pepper should be chopped.
How do I ensure the flavors meld properly?
Stir the ingredients gently to combine before starting the slow cooker to ensure even distribution.
Can I use fresh parsley?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of minced fresh parsley.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and described as a warming, hearty meal.
What is the final step before serving?
After adding the tortellini, cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes to heat everything through before ladling into bowls.