Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup: Comfort in Every Spoonful

When the weather cools down or life simply calls for something cozy, Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup delivers everything you crave in one comforting bowl. It’s rich, hearty, creamy, and packed with bold Italian flavors — all while being incredibly easy to make thanks to your slow cooker.

This recipe has become a favorite for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone who loves low-effort, high-reward meals. With savory Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, a creamy broth, and vibrant spinach, this soup feels indulgent yet approachable. Best of all, your slow cooker does most of the work, making it perfect for weeknights, lazy Sundays, or feeding a crowd.

Unlike stovetop soups that demand constant attention, this crockpot version allows the flavors to slowly meld together, creating a depth that tastes like it simmered all day — because it did.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Soup

There are plenty of soup recipes out there, but slow cooker creamy sausage tortellini soup stands out for several reasons:

• Minimal prep: Brown the sausage, toss everything into the crockpot, and walk away.
• Hearty and filling: Thanks to sausage and tortellini, this soup eats like a full meal.
• Creamy without being heavy: The balance of broth and cream keeps it rich but not overwhelming.
• Customizable: Easily adjust spice, greens, or creaminess to suit your taste.
• Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

This is the kind of recipe you make once — and then keep coming back to all season long.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

Use quality ingredients for the best flavor, but don’t worry — everything here is easy to find.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 package (18–20 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions: How to Make It

This recipe is beginner-friendly and nearly foolproof.

1. Brown the sausage:
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook Italian sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain excess grease.
2. Add to slow cooker:
   Transfer sausage to the slow cooker. Add diced onion, garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Slow cook:
   Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, allowing flavors to fully develop.
4. Add tortellini and cream:
   Stir in heavy cream and tortellini. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30 minutes, or until tortellini are tender.
5. Finish with greens and cheese:
   Add spinach and Parmesan cheese. Stir and let sit for 5–10 minutes until spinach wilts.
6. Serve:
   Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with extra Parmesan and serve hot.

Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup

A rich and comforting slow cooker soup made with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, spinach, and a creamy broth.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 bowls

Course: Dinner, Soup

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 520

Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 1 lb Italian sausage mild or spicy
• 1 small onion diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes undrained
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp salt adjust to taste
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 20 oz cheese tortellini refrigerated
• 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Brown Italian sausage in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
2. Add sausage, onion, garlic, broth, tomatoes, and seasonings to slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
4. Stir in heavy cream and tortellini. Cook on HIGH for 30 minutes.
5. Add spinach and Parmesan, stir and let wilt before serving.

Notes

Add extra broth if soup thickens too much. Best enjoyed fresh.

Tips for the Best Creamy Tortellini Soup

• Don’t overcook tortellini: Add it near the end to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Use refrigerated tortellini: It holds up better than frozen or dried.
• Control thickness: Add extra broth if the soup thickens too much after cooking.
• Boost flavor: A Parmesan rind added during cooking deepens the broth.
• Make it spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.

Variations and Customizations

This soup is incredibly flexible. Try these variations:

Protein swaps:

• Ground turkey or chicken sausage
• Italian meatballs (halved)

Veggie add-ins:

• Mushrooms
• Zucchini
• Kale instead of spinach

Cream alternatives:

• Half-and-half for lighter texture
• Coconut milk for dairy-free twist (changes flavor)

Low-carb option:

• Replace tortellini with cauliflower florets (add earlier)

Serving Suggestions

Serve slow cooker creamy sausage tortellini soup with:

• Crusty garlic bread
• A simple Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Grilled cheese or panini

It’s also excellent for potlucks, cozy dinners, or meal prep lunches.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store up to 3 days in airtight container
• Reheat: Gently on stovetop or microwave
• Freezing: Freeze without tortellini for best texture

A Little Comfort Food History

Tortellini originates from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, traditionally stuffed with cheese or meat and served in broth. This modern slow cooker adaptation blends Italian tradition with American comfort food — creamy, hearty, and perfect for busy lifestyles.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a no-stress, family-approved, deeply comforting meal, Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the answer. It’s cozy, satisfying, and endlessly crave-worthy — the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.