- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4–6 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
- Cost per Serving: $3.75
- Calories per Serving: Approx. 450 kcal
This Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup is a slow cooker game-changer—seriously, you’re going to love this one. Imagine tender cheese-filled tortellini swimming in a rich, savory broth, with Italian sausage, sweet carrots, and a touch of cream to bring it all together. Every spoonful is hearty, flavorful, and ultra-comforting—like a hug in a bowl.
Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner, looking to meal prep something satisfying, or just want a recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort, this one checks every box. So grab your Crockpot, gather those ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Why you will love this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Crockpot Recipe
This soup brings together everything we crave in a cozy one-pot meal: rich flavor, creamy texture, and just the right balance of heartiness and comfort. The Italian sausage adds a savory, slightly spicy depth, while the cheese tortellini soak up all the goodness from the slow-simmered broth. Add a splash of cream and a handful of baby spinach at the end, and you’ve got something that tastes like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen.
It’s the kind of recipe that works just as well for a quiet weeknight as it does for feeding a hungry crowd. Easy to prep, mostly hands-off thanks to the Crockpot, and absolutely full of flavor—you’ll come back to this one over and over again.
HOw to make this Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Crockpot Recipe
You will need
The exact measurements and step-by-step instructions are listed just below in the full recipe card.
Italian Sausage: Go for 16 ounces of either mild or spicy Italian sausage—both work beautifully here. The sausage adds depth, a bit of heat (if you want it), and rich, meaty flavor that anchors the whole soup. Brown it first for the best texture and taste.
Onion: Just half a medium onion, chopped, is enough to build a savory base without overpowering the soup. Yellow or white onion works well—use what you have on hand.
Garlic: Four cloves, minced. Garlic brings that unmistakable warmth and aroma that ties everything together. Fresh is best here.
Carrots: Two medium carrots, sliced or chopped. They add sweetness, color, and that classic soup texture we all love.
Celery: Two sticks, chopped finely. Think of celery as the quiet hero—it adds subtle earthiness and depth without demanding attention.
Crushed Tomatoes: One 28-ounce can. This gives the broth its body and that rich tomato flavor. Look for high-quality brands for best results.
Diced Tomatoes with Juices: A 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes brings brightness and texture. Don’t drain them—you want all that flavor.
Chicken Broth: Four cups of chicken broth create the savory liquid foundation. Use low-sodium if you want more control over the salt.
Cheese Tortellini: Two 9-ounce packages of refrigerated cheese tortellini cook directly in the soup near the end. They soak up the flavor while staying perfectly tender.
Heavy Cream: Three-quarters of a cup is all you need for that luscious, creamy finish. Totally optional—but highly recommended.
Fresh Spinach: Two packed cups go in right at the end. The spinach wilts into the soup and adds freshness, color, and a little boost of nutrients.
Salt & Pepper: Season to taste once everything’s cooked. Depending on your broth and sausage, you may not need much.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by browning your sausage. Set a skillet over medium heat, crumble in the sausage, and cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink—about 7 to 10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break it up as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain off any excess grease and set it aside.
Now move to your Crockpot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and finely chopped celery directly to the insert. These veggies will soften and release their flavor as everything simmers together.
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, the diced tomatoes (with their juices), and the chicken broth. Give everything a quick stir to combine, then add the cooked sausage. If your slow cooker has a sauté feature, you can do everything right in the same pot—fewer dishes.
Set the lid on, and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the vegetables are nice and tender and the broth is well infused with all that tomato and sausage flavor.
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, open the lid and stir in the cheese tortellini. They’ll cook right in the hot broth, no need to pre-boil. At the same time, pour in the heavy cream if you’re using it—it adds that silky finish we all love.
Right before serving, toss in the fresh baby spinach. It’ll wilt in just a minute or two and add a pop of green and freshness to the soup.
Ladle into bowls, add a little fresh-cracked pepper if you like, and serve hot. This one’s especially good with a crusty slice of bread or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top.
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Crockpot Recipe Tips
Start with browning the sausage—don’t skip this step. It adds layers of flavor that you just can’t get if you toss it in raw. Plus, it gives the soup a slightly caramelized, savory depth that really sets it apart.
Chop your veggies small and evenly. The carrots and celery will cook down in the broth, but a fine dice helps everything stay tender without turning to mush after hours in the slow cooker.
Use good-quality canned tomatoes. Since they’re a major part of the base, it’s worth picking a brand you love. Crushed tomatoes add richness, and the diced tomatoes bring a little texture.
Refrigerated tortellini is your best bet here—not frozen or dried. They only need about 20 to 30 minutes in the hot soup to cook through, and they hold their shape beautifully without falling apart.
Wait to stir in the cream and spinach until the very end. The cream can separate if it’s simmered too long, and spinach only takes a minute or two to wilt. This keeps everything fresh and vibrant.
And finally—don’t forget to taste before serving. Depending on the sausage and broth you use, you may not need much salt, but a little black pepper or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan can take the whole bowl over the top.
Perfect Pairing
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, a few simple sides can take it to the next level. A slice of crusty sourdough or a warm piece of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. Want something lighter on the side? Try a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette—it balances the richness of the soup beautifully.
For a cozier touch, serve it with roasted vegetables or a small cheese board if you’re entertaining. This soup also pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine or a sparkling apple cider if you’re keeping it non-alcoholic.
As for when to serve it—this is a true all-season comfort meal. It’s perfect for chilly fall or winter nights when you want something filling and warm, but it’s also great for busy weeknights when you need a low-effort, high-reward dinner. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy it throughout the week—it reheats like a dream.
Looking for another cozy, flavor-packed soup that’s just as easy to throw together? You’ll love our Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms & Bok Choy. It’s light, savory, and filled with tender dumplings and fresh greens—perfect when you want something comforting but a little different.
Kitchen Tools You will need
1. Large Skillet
You’ll need this to brown the sausage before it goes into the slow cooker. A good-quality nonstick or cast iron skillet works best—it gives you that beautiful golden color and helps develop all those deep, savory flavors.
2. 6-Quart Crockpot
This recipe makes a generous batch of soup, so a 6-quart slow cooker gives you plenty of room to work with. If your Crockpot has a sauté setting, even better—you can brown the sausage right in the insert and skip an extra pan.
Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Crockpot Recipe
Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen tortellini may take a bit longer to cook and can get a little softer, so keep an eye on them and add them earlier than the last 30 minutes if needed.
Do I have to add the heavy cream?
Not at all. The soup is still rich and flavorful without it. Skipping the cream gives you more of a tomato-based broth with a slightly lighter feel—but it’s delicious both ways.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep everything in the morning or even the night before. Just wait to add the tortellini, cream, and spinach until the end when you’re ready to serve. The tortellini are best when freshly cooked in the broth.
Will this soup freeze well?
It’s best eaten fresh. Tortellini and cream don’t hold up well in the freezer—they can get mushy or separate. If you want to freeze it, try doing so before adding the tortellini and dairy.
Can I use a different kind of sausage?
Absolutely. Turkey sausage or chicken sausage works great too. Just make sure to brown it first and adjust seasoning if needed since different sausages can vary in salt and spice.
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Crockpot Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Cozy and irresistible Crockpot soup with tender sausage
This rich and cozy crockpot soup is packed with Italian sausage, cheesy tortellini, tender vegetables, and a creamy tomato broth. It’s a simple one-pot recipe that delivers comforting flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or easy meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) of Italian sausage – Choose mild or spicy, depending on your preference. It’s the heart of the soup’s flavor.
½ of a medium onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
4 garlic cloves, minced – Brings warmth and savory balance.
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced or diced – For color, natural sweetness, and texture.
2 celery stalks, finely chopped – A classic base ingredient for soups, adding subtle aromatic flavor.
1 large can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes – Gives the soup its rich tomato body.
1 regular can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes, including the juices – Adds texture and a touch of acidity.
4 cups of chicken broth – Use low-sodium if you prefer more control over seasoning.
18 oz of refrigerated cheese tortellini (two 9 oz packages) – These cook right in the broth and soak up all the flavor.
¾ cup of heavy cream – Optional, but it adds a velvety richness that makes the soup extra comforting.
2 handfuls (about 2 cups packed) of fresh baby spinach – For a pop of color and a fresh finish.
Salt and black pepper, to taste – Season at the end to bring all the flavors together.
Instructions
Start by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside. In the bowl of a 6-quart Crockpot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, chopped celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Stir in the cooked sausage, cover the slow cooker, and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have developed. About 30 minutes before serving, add the refrigerated cheese tortellini and heavy cream (if using), then stir gently and let cook until the tortellini are tender. Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Notes
Refrigerated tortellini works best for this recipe; avoid frozen or dry varieties if possible.
If you prefer a lighter version, omit the cream—the soup will still be rich and flavorful.
Make it ahead by prepping all ingredients except the tortellini, cream, and spinach. Add those at the end before serving.
Great with a sprinkle of Parmesan or fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours
- Category: soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
Keywords: Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup Crockpot, easy Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup CrockpotCreamy Sausage Tortellini Soup, Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage, slow cooker tortellini soup, creamy crockpot soup, easy one-pot soup, comfort food soup
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