Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage – A Nourishing, Comforting Bowl for Any Season

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage is the sort of meal that feels like a warm embrace at the end of the day. It has everything you want in a comforting soup: hearty Italian sausage, tender vegetables, pillowy tortellini, and a velvety broth that develops deep flavour as it simmers low and slow. What I appreciate most is how effortless the process is—simply place the ingredients into the slow cooker, walk away, and return hours later to a complete meal. The sausage infuses the broth with savouriness, while the tortellini provides soft, cheesy richness. Adding a touch of cream at the end brings everything together beautifully. I once tried this soup using half-and-half instead of full cream, and it still turned out delightfully smooth. Whether you’re cooking for family or preparing meals ahead, this recipe brings warmth, convenience, and full-bodied flavour.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausage

Italian sausage forms the base of the soup’s flavour, offering a savoury, aromatic foundation. Mild or hot varieties both work well, depending on the level of spice you prefer.

Cheese tortellini

Soft, cheese-filled tortellini create heartiness and richness. They cook directly in the soup, absorbing some of the broth’s flavour.

Chicken broth

A dependable liquid base that blends beautifully with the savouriness of sausage and the creaminess added later.

Heavy cream

Heavy cream provides silky texture and mellow richness. It tempers the sausage while balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.

Crushed tomatoes

Crushed tomatoes deepen the flavour with mild acidity and natural sweetness, helping round out the broth.

Onion

Diced onion delivers aromatic sweetness that becomes more pronounced during slow cooking.

Carrots

Carrots add colour and gentle sweetness, contributing to the soup’s comforting profile.

Celery

Celery introduces an earthy note and forms part of the classic mirepoix base.

Garlic

Garlic enhances the overall aroma and adds depth as it simmers slowly.

Spinach

Stirred in at the end, spinach softens into the broth while adding a touch of freshness and colour.

Italian seasoning

A blend of herbs that enhances the savoury elements and ties the flavours together.

Salt and pepper

Essential for adjusting and balancing flavour throughout the cooking process.

Directions

Begin by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. This step ensures the soup has rich, caramelized flavour and prevents excess grease from entering the slow cooker. Transfer the cooked sausage to the slow cooker, then add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for six to seven hours, or on high for three to four hours, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavours to meld. About twenty minutes before serving, add the tortellini and continue cooking until they are tender. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach, letting the greens wilt into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. On one occasion, I added a splash of chicken broth at the end to slightly thin the consistency, and it worked very well.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Preparation time: about 15 minutes
Slow cooking time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Total time: approximately 6½–7½ hours

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the tortellini’s texture. You may need to add a splash of broth, as tortellini continue to absorb liquid over time. Freezing is not recommended, as the pasta can become overly soft once thawed.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Tortellini Soup

Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes for additional heat.

Vegetable-Rich Version

Add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers during slow cooking for more texture and nutrition.

Tomato-Free Creamy Style

Omit crushed tomatoes and increase the broth and cream for a purely creamy broth.

Chicken Tortellini Soup

Swap sausage for cooked shredded chicken to create a lighter, milder version.

Sausage and Kale Variation

Replace spinach with kale for a sturdier green that holds its texture well.

Herb-Forward Twist

Add fresh basil or thyme during the last ten minutes for a fragrant finish.

Extra-Cheesy Version

Stir in grated Parmesan just before serving for added richness.

Dairy-Light Modification

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. I have tried this, and it still offered a smooth, pleasant texture.

Tortellini Mix

Use a combination of cheese and spinach tortellini to introduce more complexity.

Smoky Sausage Option

Use smoked sausage instead of Italian sausage for a distinctly different, deeper flavour.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Yes, add it directly to the soup during the final 20–25 minutes of cooking.

Do I need to brown the sausage first?

Browning is recommended because it improves flavour and texture.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, use vegetarian sausage and vegetable broth, and ensure your tortellini filling is vegetarian.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of crushed tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes work, but the broth will be lighter in body and flavour.

When should I add the spinach?

Add spinach during the last few minutes so it wilts gently without overcooking.

Can I substitute kale for spinach?

Yes, but add kale earlier since it takes longer to soften.

How do I keep the tortellini from becoming mushy?

Add the tortellini toward the end of cooking and avoid reheating at very high temperatures.

Can I cook this on the stovetop?

Yes, simmer the soup for about 45 minutes before adding tortellini and cream.

Should I drain the sausage after browning?

Yes, draining excess grease helps keep the soup balanced.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or canned coconut milk can be used for a lighter or dairy-free option.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a reliable, deeply comforting dish that requires minimal effort yet produces maximum flavour. With its blend of tender vegetables, savoury sausage, and velvety broth, it delivers the kind of warmth that satisfies both hunger and spirit. Whether you stay true to the traditional preparation or explore one of the many variations, this soup is certain to find a place in your regular meal rotation.

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