Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Minimal Effort: Just throw all the ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you.
Hearty and Filling: The sausage and tortellini provide a satisfying, filling meal.
Perfect for Busy Days: Ideal for meal prep, dinner after a long day, or feeding a crowd.
Comforting & Flavorful: The combination of sausage, vegetables, and a creamy broth is a crowd-pleaser every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Italian sausage (ground or in links)
Cheese tortellini
Onion
Garlic
Carrots
Celery
Diced tomatoes
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Fresh spinach
Olive oil

Directions

Prepare the sausage: If using sausage links, remove the casing and crumble the sausage. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Chop the vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
Assemble in the crockpot: In your slow cooker, add the cooked sausage, chopped onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything to combine.
Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
Add the tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, add the tortellini to the soup and stir.
Stir in the cream: Once the tortellini is cooked, add the heavy cream or half-and-half, then stir in the fresh spinach. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is creamy.
Serve and enjoy: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours (on low) or 2-3 hours (on high)
Total Time: 4-6 hours

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for some extra heat.
Vegetarian Option: Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it for a vegetarian version.
Different Pasta: If you don’t have tortellini, try using other pasta like penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Add Beans: For extra protein and fiber, add a can of drained and rinsed white beans or cannellini beans.
Herb Variations: Add fresh basil or oregano for a more herby flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: This soup can be frozen, but the tortellini may become soft upon reheating. For best results, store the soup and tortellini separately and combine when reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini for this soup?

Yes, frozen tortellini works just as well as fresh tortellini. Just add it directly to the crockpot, no need to thaw.

Can I use a different type of sausage?

You can use turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage as a substitute for pork sausage.

Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! You can add zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms to boost the vegetable content.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep. Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for later.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or even a dairy-free cream substitute if you prefer.

Do I need to brown the sausage before adding it to the crockpot?

Browning the sausage before adding it helps develop flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time. Just break up the sausage and add it to the slow cooker raw.

Can I use broth instead of stock?

Yes, you can use either chicken broth or chicken stock in this recipe. The difference is usually the thickness, with stock being slightly thicker due to gelatin from bones.

How do I make this soup spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or use spicy sausage for a hotter version.

Can I add cheese to this soup?

Yes! Stir in some freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella cheese right before serving for an extra cheesy touch.

Can I substitute spinach with another green?

Yes, you can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard if you prefer a different leafy green.

Conclusion

Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup is the perfect dish for cozy nights when you want something warm, comforting, and easy to make. With minimal prep and a deliciously creamy broth, this hearty soup will quickly become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or preparing it for a busy week ahead, it’s a satisfying meal that never disappoints

Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup

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This Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory sausage, cheesy tortellini, and a creamy broth that’s perfect for chilly days. With minimal effort, this slow-cooker recipe makes a hearty, flavorful soup that’s sure to satisfy your hunger and warm you up.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Total Time: 4-6 hours
Yield: 6servings
Category: soup
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Cook the sausage

If using sausage links, remove the casing and crumble the sausage.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set aside.

2️⃣ Prepare the vegetables

Dice the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.

3️⃣ Assemble the soup

In your crockpot, add the cooked sausage, diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

4️⃣ Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.

5️⃣ Add the tortellini

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini.

6️⃣ Add cream and spinach

Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, then add the fresh spinach. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup becomes creamy.

7️⃣ Serve and enjoy

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.