Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup
This Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings and busy weeknights. Made with savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, fresh spinach, and a rich, creamy tomato broth, this hearty soup is packed with flavor. Everything comes together in the slow cooker for an easy, satisfying family dinner.
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes, undrained (14.5 oz)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 18 oz refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Additional freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
- Crusty bread (optional)
- 1 See How Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Comes Together
This comforting soup starts with browned Italian sausage and vegetables simmered in a flavorful tomato broth. Cheese tortellini, cream, spinach, and Parmesan are added near the end for a rich, hearty finish.
Brown Sausage → Slow Cook the Broth → Add Tortellini → Finish with Cream & Spinach
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Brown the Italian SausageHeat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and diced onion. Cook for 7–8 minutes, breaking the sausage into small pieces as it browns.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
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Prepare the Slow CookerTransfer the browned sausage mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add the carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt.
Stir until everything is well combined.
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Slow Cook the SoupCover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the carrots and celery are tender.
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Add the Cheese TortelliniAbout 20–30 minutes before serving, turn the slow cooker to HIGH.
Stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini.
Cover and cook until the tortellini is tender, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
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Make the Soup CreamyWhen the tortellini is nearly tender, stir in the heavy cream, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the soup is heated through.
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Serve and EnjoyTaste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.
Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping.
NoteItalian Sausage: Mild Italian sausage provides plenty of flavor without making the soup spicy. Hot Italian sausage can be substituted for extra heat.
Tortellini: Refrigerated cheese tortellini works best. Add it near the end of cooking so it stays tender without becoming mushy.
Adjusting Consistency: The tortellini will absorb some broth as the soup sits. Add additional chicken broth if a thinner consistency is preferred.
Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base ahead of time. Add the tortellini, cream, spinach, and Parmesan shortly before serving.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently, adding additional broth as needed.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute certified gluten-free cheese tortellini and verify that the Italian sausage, chicken broth, and seasonings are gluten-free. Cook the tortellini according to its package directions, preferably separately, before adding it to the soup.
Italian Sausage: Mild Italian sausage provides plenty of flavor without making the soup spicy. Hot Italian sausage can be substituted for extra heat.
Tortellini: Refrigerated cheese tortellini works best. Add it near the end of cooking so it stays tender without becoming mushy.
Adjusting Consistency: The tortellini will absorb some broth as the soup sits. Add additional chicken broth if a thinner consistency is preferred.
Make Ahead: Prepare the soup base ahead of time. Add the tortellini, cream, spinach, and Parmesan shortly before serving.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Reheat gently, adding additional broth as needed.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute certified gluten-free cheese tortellini and verify that the Italian sausage, chicken broth, and seasonings are gluten-free. Cook the tortellini according to its package directions, preferably separately, before adding it to the soup.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup
Brown the Sausage First
Browning the Italian sausage before adding it to the slow cooker develops a deeper, richer flavor. Cooking the onions alongside the sausage also gives the soup a delicious savory base.
Don't Add the Tortellini Too Early
Refrigerated cheese tortellini cooks quickly. Adding it during the final 20–30 minutes helps prevent it from becoming overly soft.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly into the warm broth and adds a wonderful savory flavor.
Add the Cream Near the End
Stirring in the heavy cream toward the end of cooking helps keep the broth smooth and creamy.
Adjust the Broth as Needed
This is a hearty soup, and the tortellini will absorb liquid as it sits. If you prefer a thinner soup, simply add a little extra chicken broth.
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup
There's something about a warm bowl of homemade soup that makes an ordinary evening feel a little cozier. This Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup combines everything we love about comfort food in one easy dinner.
Savory Italian sausage adds incredible flavor, while cheese-filled tortellini makes every spoonful hearty and satisfying. A rich tomato broth, fresh vegetables, and a splash of cream bring everything together.
It's the kind of meal that's perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or whenever you're craving something warm and homemade.
- Easy slow cooker dinner: A little preparation is all you need before the slow cooker does most of the work.
- Hearty and filling: Italian sausage and cheese tortellini make this soup substantial enough for dinner.
- Rich, creamy tomato broth: Heavy cream and Parmesan create a deliciously smooth finish.
- Family-friendly: Familiar Italian-inspired flavors make this a comforting meal for the whole family.
- Perfect with crusty bread: The flavorful broth is wonderful for dipping.
If you love hearty, comforting dinners, try these other favorites from Gathered From Home.
Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup — A cozy Italian-inspired soup filled with pasta, savory meat, and rich tomato flavor.
Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef & Noodles — Tender beef simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, served with noodles.
Farmhouse Slow Cooker Chili — A hearty, comforting chili that's perfect for chilly evenings.
Serving Suggestions
This Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal. Pair it with warm garlic bread, crusty homemade bread, or a simple green salad. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and fresh basil makes each bowl even better.
Food Safety Tips
When preparing Italian sausage, make sure it is cooked thoroughly before serving. For additional guidance on safe cooking temperatures, visit the USDA's Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart.
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