Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup

Name: Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage u0026amp; Tortellini Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 15 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 package (9–10 oz) cheese tortellini

Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that warms the soul on chilly days. Tender tortellini, savory sausage, and a creamy broth come together effortlessly, making it ideal for busy evenings, family meals, or lazy weekends. I usually start the slow cooker in the morning and let the aroma fill the house while I get other things done. The flavors deepen as it simmers, creating a rich, satisfying bowl that’s filling and cozy. It’s simple enough for everyday dinners yet comforting enough to feel like a special treat.

a clean white background with a bowl of slow cooke

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This soup is creamy, hearty, and forgiving. The sausage gives a savory depth while the tortellini adds soft, pillowy texture. It’s one-pot cooking at its best, saving time and reducing cleanup. Perfect for Pinterest cooks, it’s freezer-friendly and works for meal prep or last-minute dinners. You can swap vegetables, use different cheeses, or adjust spices for personal taste. Cozy, weeknight-friendly, and family-approved, Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup is both practical and indulgent. It’s comforting, filling, and budget-friendly while staying simple to make with everyday ingredients. Leftovers taste even better the next day.

a clean white background with a bowl of slow cooke 1

Ingredients

Tip: Use fresh or frozen tortellini for the best texture.

1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups fresh spinach
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 package (9–10 oz) cheese tortellini

a clean white background with the exact ingredient

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and remove sausage from casings. Gather all ingredients to make adding them to the slow cooker simple and smooth.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Brown the sausage lightly in a skillet for a few minutes, then transfer to the slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, broth, diced tomatoes, and herbs. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in tortellini and spinach. Add salt, pepper, and cream, mixing gently.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Continue cooking until tortellini is tender and spinach has wilted. The soup should be creamy and slightly thickened. Stir gently and serve warm for a cozy, filling meal.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This soup is perfect for busy schedules. Assemble in the morning, let the slow cooker do the work, and come home to a ready-made dinner. Leftovers store well, making it ideal for meal prep or quick lunches. It’s a one-pot solution that saves time without compromising flavor or comfort.

Tips & Tricks

Avoid overcooking tortellini: Add them toward the end to prevent mushy pasta. Timing keeps texture soft but intact.
Drain excess fat: If sausage releases too much oil, skim before adding liquids to keep the soup creamy but not greasy.
Adjust thickness: For thinner soup, add extra broth; for thicker, reduce the liquid slightly while cooking.
Layer flavors: Browning sausage and sautéing onion and garlic first enhances depth and aroma.

Variations

Meaty version
Add cooked diced chicken or turkey with sausage for extra protein. Keep pieces small to blend with tortellini for even texture.

Vegetarian option
Use plant-based sausage or omit meat entirely. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell pepper for flavor and heartiness.

Ingredient swap
Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version. Adjust seasoning to maintain flavor balance.

Flavor or herb boost
Add fresh basil, thyme, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for warmth and brightness. Herbs elevate flavor without extra work.

Serving Suggestions

With crusty bread: Serve warm with slices of bread for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth.
Topped with cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan or mozzarella before serving for extra richness and visual appeal.
Family-style bowls: Ladle into individual bowls for casual dinners with everyone helping themselves.
Side salad: Pair with a simple green salad to balance creaminess and add freshness to the meal.

Storage Instructions

Fridge storage: Cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to four days.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
Freezing: Freeze in portions, leaving out cream if desired. Add cream when reheating to preserve texture.
Make-ahead tips: Assemble ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight. Cook the next day for convenience.

Recipe Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 4–5 hours 20 minutes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 350–400 per serving
Protein: 18–22 grams
Sausage provides protein and fat; tortellini adds carbohydrates; spinach contributes vitamins. Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and portions.

FAQs

Yes, assemble in advance and cook later or store leftovers.

Adding tortellini too early can make it mushy.

Yes, chicken, turkey, or plant-based sausage work well.

Simmer longer or reduce broth slightly.

Up to four days in the fridge, longer if frozen.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup is cozy, comforting, and simple to make. It adapts to what you have on hand, reheats beautifully, and works for weeknight dinners or meal prep. The creamy broth, tender tortellini, and savory sausage make it satisfying for the whole family. It’s easy to customize with vegetables, herbs, or protein, making this soup a reliable choice whenever you need warmth and comfort in a bowl.