Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
The very first time I made this Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup, I knew it would become a family favorite. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted something hearty but also effortless to prepare. I tossed everything into my slow cooker in the morning, and by dinner, the house was filled with the most inviting aroma. The tortellini had puffed up into soft, cheesy pillows, the creamy tomato broth was rich and indulgent, and every bite was loaded with comforting flavor.
What I especially love about this soup is how simple it is. You don’t have to be a chef to make this recipe work; it’s all about letting quality ingredients shine and giving them the time they need to mingle together. The tortellini soaks up all that creamy, savory flavor as it cooks, and the sausage adds a satisfying depth that keeps you coming back for another spoonful.
Whether I’m feeding a crowd or looking for a soul-warming weeknight meal, this creamy tortellini soup never disappoints. It’s flexible, budget-friendly, and makes for fantastic leftovers, which is always a win in my book.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
This soup brings together everything that makes comfort food irresistible: it’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bold, cozy flavors. Using the slow cooker means minimal prep and no hovering over the stove. It’s perfect for busy days, meal prepping, or impressing guests with little effort. Plus, it’s one of those dishes where the leftovers taste just as good—if not better—the next day. The tender cheese tortellini and savory sausage pair so beautifully with the creamy tomato base that it feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients
Cheese Tortellini: These little pasta pockets bring a creamy, cheesy richness and become incredibly tender as they cook in the soup.
Ground Italian Sausage: Adds hearty flavor and savory depth, balancing out the creaminess of the broth.
Crushed Tomatoes: These create a rich tomato base with a slightly tangy flavor that forms the foundation of the broth.
Chicken Broth: Helps thin out the soup while adding extra umami and warmth.
Heavy Cream: Gives the soup its signature creamy texture and richness.
Garlic & Onion: Classic aromatics that deepen the flavor of the soup from the very first bite.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil and oregano that infuses the broth with robust, earthy flavor.
Spinach (optional): Adds a touch of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to fine-tune the flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage until fully browned. Drain any excess grease. This step adds layers of flavor you just can’t skip.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked sausage to your slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir to combine evenly.
Step 3: Let It Simmer
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. This slow cook allows the flavors to blend together beautifully.
Step 4: Add Tortellini & Cream
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, add the cheese tortellini and heavy cream. Stir and let cook until the tortellini are tender and fully heated through.
Step 5: Stir in Spinach
If you’re using spinach, add it just before serving. Stir it in and let it wilt from the residual heat.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, garnish with cracked pepper or grated Parmesan, and serve hot. This soup is soul-satisfying on every level.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
You can easily customize this soup to fit your preferences or pantry. Instead of Italian sausage, try using ground chicken or turkey for a leaner version. For a vegetarian twist, omit the meat entirely and boost the flavor with sautéed mushrooms or white beans. If you want a spicier profile, hot Italian sausage or a pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick. You can also swap the tortellini for ravioli or another filled pasta you love.
As for the dairy, if you prefer a lighter soup, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. And when it comes to greens, kale or chopped escarole can replace spinach effortlessly.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This soup is rich and hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a side of crusty garlic bread or a light Caesar salad. For a cozy dinner spread, serve it with roasted vegetables or a simple antipasto platter. It also makes an excellent starter for a more elaborate Italian meal. And don’t forget the grated Parmesan and a few grinds of black pepper at the table—they make every bowl just a bit more special.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you’re planning to freeze this soup, it’s best to do so before adding the tortellini and cream. When reheating, warm on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave in short intervals. If the soup thickens in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up
FAQs
Can I freeze Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup?
Yes, but for best results, freeze the soup before adding the tortellini and cream. Add those fresh when you’re ready to reheat and serve.
How long can I keep Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup in the fridge?
It will keep well for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Can I use frozen tortellini for Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup?
Absolutely! Just add them in frozen during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What can I use instead of heavy cream in Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup?
You can substitute with half-and-half, or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Is Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free tortellini and checking that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you loved this soup, you might also enjoy our Hearty Vegetarian Tortellini Soup for a meat-free option or try the Creamy Kielbasa Gnocchi Soup for a fun flavor variation. Feeling like a bold twist? Don’t miss our Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta for that spicy, comforting vibe.
Save and Share This Recipe for Later
Don’t forget to pin this Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup recipe to your favorite comfort food board on Pinterest so you can always find it again. If you tried this recipe and loved it, share it with friends and family—tag us on social media and let everyone know how it turned out. Your shares help keep these cozy, homemade recipes coming!
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is the ultimate cozy comfort food. This hearty soup features plump cheese tortellini simmered with savory ground Italian sausage, all in a rich, creamy tomato broth that’s deeply flavorful and satisfying. Made effortlessly in the slow cooker, it's a weeknight hero that makes the whole house smell amazing. Perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or chilly evenings when you crave something warm and filling. The combination of cheesy pasta, luscious cream, and aromatic herbs ensures that every spoonful is crave-worthy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 (20 oz) package cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Transfer the cooked sausage to a slow cooker.
- Add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini and heavy cream. Cover and cook until tortellini is tender.
- Just before serving, add spinach (if using) and stir until wilted.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with cracked pepper or grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a leaner version, substitute sausage with ground turkey or chicken.
- If using frozen tortellini, no need to thaw—add directly to the slow cooker.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days; add a splash of broth when reheating to adjust thickness.
