If you’re searching for the kind of comfort that warms you from the inside out, Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is ready to sweep you off your feet. This recipe combines savory Italian sausage, pillowy cheese tortellini, wilted spinach, and a luxuriously creamy tomato broth—all at the simple push of a button in your slow cooker. Every spoonful bursts with flavor and coziness, making it an absolute favorite whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re craving something extra special for lunch. It’s a dish that shows you just how easy it is to get hearty, homemade satisfaction with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in its straightforward ingredients—each one playing a unique role in creating that unbeatable Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup flavor. From robust sausage to bright spinach and silky cream, you’ll see just how simple it is to bring this bowlful of comfort to life.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the sausage for extra flavor depth.
Italian sausage (mild or spicy): The backbone of savory taste—choose spicy if you like a little kick!
Onion: Gives natural sweetness and color as it softens and melds with the sausage.
Garlic: Adds those essential aromatic notes that make the soup irresistible.
Chicken broth: Creates the savory soup base that ties all the flavors together.
Diced tomatoes (canned): Lends brightness, acidity, and a subtle chunky texture.
Tomato sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor and gives the soup a beautiful color.
Dried basil: Adds gentle herbal notes that lift up the tomato base.
Dried oregano: Lends classic Italian flavor and rounds out the broth.
Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight the full range of flavors.
Refrigerated cheese tortellini: Provides cheesy, tender pasta that makes this soup wonderfully hearty.
Fresh baby spinach: Adds a pop of green and subtle earthy freshness.
Heavy cream: Swirls in that signature creamy, dreamy texture.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Finishes the soup with incredible umami depth and extra richness.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A touch of green to brighten your final bowl.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Aromatics

Set your largest skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, add the Italian sausage and break it up with a spoon as it browns. This is your chance to build deep, savory flavor. After a few minutes, stir in the diced onion and let it cook until it’s soft and golden. Add the minced garlic last, letting its aroma bloom for just a minute before turning off the heat. Be sure to drain any excess grease so your finished Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup doesn’t end up oily.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Transfer all those delicious sausage and onion bits into your waiting slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so all the flavors start mingling. Now, cover your slow cooker and let it do the heavy lifting on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or speed things up on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. It’s the magic of slow cooking that turns simple ingredients into a truly soul-soothing soup.

Step 3: Add Tortellini and Spinach

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, get ready for the best part: stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini and fresh baby spinach. Crank the heat up to HIGH (if it’s not there already), cover, and let everything simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. The tortellini will puff up and tenderize, soaking in all that tomato-rich broth, while the spinach melts into lovely green ribbons.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

This is where the Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup lives up to its name! Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and give it a taste. The broth turns silky and indulgent, coating the tortellini in pure comfort. At this point, adjust your seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, sprinkle on some chopped fresh parsley if you like, and dig in. The blend of flavors and textures is sure to delight with every spoonful. Serve it as a show-stopping weeknight dinner or a heartwarming lunch to brighten any day.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup

Garnishes

Brighten up each bowl of Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with a generous shower of grated Parmesan, a handful of fresh parsley, or even a swirl of olive oil. Cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a custom spicy finish. These little touches bring both color and flavor, turning every serving into something a little more special.

Side Dishes

Pair your soup with crusty bread—think garlic bread, ciabatta, or even a toasty baguette—to soak up every last drop of that creamy broth. For something lighter, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a lovely match, offering a fresh contrast to the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup in small mugs or rustic soup crocks for an inviting, hands-on feel. Add a bowl of toppings on the side so everyone can garnish to their taste (think extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, or croutons). For lunchboxes, pack in a thermos alongside slices of focaccia.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The tortellini will continue to absorb liquid, so don’t be surprised if the soup transforms into a thicker, stew-like consistency by day two. A splash of extra broth or water when reheating will bring it back to that perfect soupiness.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze this soup, it’s best to do so before adding the tortellini and cream. The dairy and pasta can become mushy or separate after thawing. Freeze just the sausage-tomato base, then simply reheat and finish the soup with fresh tortellini, spinach, cream, and Parmesan when you’re ready for another batch.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen things up. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even warming. Avoid boiling, as it might cause the cream to separate.

FAQs

Can I substitute the Italian sausage?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even crumbled vegetarian sausage for a lighter or plant-based spin. Just make sure to season generously for that signature savory flavor.

Will frozen tortellini work in this soup?

Yes, frozen tortellini can be used instead of refrigerated—just add them straight from the freezer for those last 30 minutes of cooking. You may need to extend the cook time slightly until they’re perfectly tender.

How can I make this soup lighter?

If you’re after a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk. You’ll still get plenty of creaminess without all the richness.

Is it possible to make Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the sausage or use a vegetarian alternative, and swap the chicken broth for a flavorful vegetable broth. The result is still hearty and satisfying.

Can I double this recipe?

As long as your slow cooker is large enough, feel free to double the ingredients for a party or big family dinner. Just add a few extra minutes when adding the tortellini to ensure everything heats through evenly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of a more satisfying way to end a chilly day than with a steaming bowl of Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup. It’s one of those recipes that instantly feels like home, guaranteed to please a crowd or just bring a little joy to your weeknight table. I hope you’ll make it soon—this is one soup you’ll want in your regular rotation!

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup. Loaded with Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh spinach in a creamy broth, this soup is a satisfying meal that’s easy to make in your slow cooker.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Brown the Sausage: In a skillet, cook Italian sausage until browned. Add onion and garlic, then drain grease.
Combine Ingredients: Transfer sausage mixture to slow cooker. Add broth, tomatoes, sauce, spices. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Add Tortellini and Spinach: Stir in tortellini and spinach half an hour before serving. Cook until tender.
Finish the Soup: Add cream and Parmesan. Adjust seasoning. Serve hot garnished with parsley.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days; add extra broth when reheating to adjust consistency.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American