Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage

 

Ingredients

1 pound Italian sausage (mild for subtle flavor, hot for a kick—casings removed)

1 small yellow onion, finely diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices

1 (9 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini (not dried—fresh is key!)

1 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)

2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For serving: freshly grated Parmesan cheese and crusty bread (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Brown the Sausage

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink (about 6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed—leave a tablespoon for flavor if your sausage is lean.

Sauté Aromatics

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent—about 4–5 minutes. The garlic should be fragrant but not burnt.

Transfer to Slow Cooker

Scrape the sausage and onion mixture into your slow cooker.

Build the Broth Base

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir in dried basil, oregano, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Mix well to combine.

Slow Simmer

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.

Add Finishing Ingredients

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the refrigerated tortellini, heavy cream, and chopped spinach. Mix gently to distribute evenly.

Final Cook

Cover and continue cooking on LOW for 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the spinach is fully wilted. Avoid overcooking—the tortellini should be plump, not mushy.

Season and Serve

Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm garlic bread, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or a glass of Chianti for full Italian trattoria vibes. For a heartier meal, add white beans or a handful of cooked kale along with the spinach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes! Add it straight from frozen—just increase the final cook time to 35–40 minutes.

Can this be made vegetarian?

Absolutely. Use plant-based Italian sausage (or omit it entirely) and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except the tortellini, cream, and spinach. Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then cook as directed, adding the final ingredients at the end.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Freezing isn’t ideal—the cream may separate, and tortellini can become gummy. But it keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheats gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

Allergy Information

Contains: Dairy (cream, cheese tortellini, Parmesan), gluten (tortellini, sausage—check labels), soy (in some sausage brands)

Not suitable for those with dairy, gluten, or soy allergies unless substitutions are made

Vegetarian option: Yes, with plant-based swaps

Gluten-free option: Use GF tortellini and verify sausage is GF

Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, recipe serves 6)

Calories: 420

Protein: 22g

Fat: 24g (Saturated: 12g)

Carbohydrates: 28g

Fiber: 3g

Sugar: 5g

Sodium: 980mg (use low-sodium broth to reduce)

Values may vary based on sausage and broth brands.

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage is more than just dinner—it’s a hug in a bowl. With its rich, herb-kissed broth, melty cheese tortellini, and satisfying bite of sausage, it turns humble ingredients into something deeply comforting. Best of all, it proves that the most memorable meals don’t require complexity—just time, care, and a slow cooker. So plug it in in the morning, and come home to a kitchen filled with the promise of warmth, flavor, and pure contentment. Buon appetito!