Introduction

This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for busy days. Combining savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and cheesy tortellini, it’s an easy slow-cooked soup that warms both body and soul.

Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

16 ounces Italian sausage
1/2 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced or chopped
2 sticks celery, chopped finely
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
4 cups chicken broth
2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream (optional)
2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Add the sausage meat and onions to a skillet. Sauté for about 7-8 minutes, breaking the sausage up with a spoon, until browned. Spoon out excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Transfer the sausage mixture to your Crockpot.
Step 3: Add the carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth to the Crockpot. For a 3-4 hour cook time, chop carrots finely; for longer cooking (7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high), larger pieces are fine.
Step 4: About 30 minutes before serving, add the cheese tortellini, heavy cream (if using), and fresh spinach. Set the Crockpot to “high” and stir occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, skip the cream or substitute with half-and-half.
Use turkey sausage for a leaner alternative.
Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Fresh herbs like basil or oregano enhance the flavor when stirred in at the end.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding extra broth or water when reheating can help restore the soup’s consistency, as tortellini tends to absorb liquid.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, frozen tortellini works well and can be added directly to the Crockpot about 30 minutes before serving, just like refrigerated tortellini.

How do I prevent the tortellini from overcooking?

Add the tortellini near the end of the cooking time to avoid it becoming mushy. About 30 minutes before serving is ideal for tender but firm pasta.

Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 91 reviews

This comforting Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a hearty and flavorful slow-cooked meal perfect for cozy days. Italian sausage, vegetables, crushed and diced tomatoes, and chicken broth simmer together to create a rich base, while cheese tortellini and fresh spinach added near the end give it a creamy, fresh finish. The optional addition of heavy cream adds extra creaminess without overpowering the dish. Easy to prepare and packed with texture and taste, this soup is a delicious one-pot meal ideal for family dinners.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 to 8 hours (depending on Crockpot setting)
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Vegetables

16 ounces Italian sausage
1/2 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced or chopped
2 sticks celery, chopped finely

Soup Base

1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
4 cups chicken broth

Add-ins

2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
3/4 cup heavy/whipping cream (optional)
2 cups packed fresh baby spinach

Seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Brown the sausage and onion: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the Italian sausage meat and chopped onions. Sauté for about 7-8 minutes, breaking the sausage apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked. If excess fat accumulates, carefully spoon some out to reduce greasiness.
Add garlic and combine: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Transfer the entire sausage mixture to your Crockpot.
Add vegetables and liquids: Into the Crockpot, add the sliced carrots, finely chopped celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. For a shorter cook time of 3-4 hours, chop the carrots finely; for longer cook times (7-8 hours low or 4-5 hours high), larger pieces work fine.
Simmer the soup: Cover the Crockpot and cook according to your desired time: either 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high, until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld.
Add tortellini, cream, and spinach: About 30 minutes before serving, set the Crockpot to high heat and stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini, heavy cream if using, and fresh spinach. Stir occasionally to distribute ingredients evenly and allow the tortellini to cook through and the spinach to wilt.
Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot for a satisfying, creamy, and flavorful meal.

Notes

You can use either sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your flavor preference.
The heavy cream is optional but adds a nice creaminess and richness to the soup.
For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of chicken broth slightly or cook uncovered near the end to evaporate some liquid.
Fresh baby spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, but fresh is preferred for texture.
This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen, but avoid freezing tortellini to prevent texture changes.

Keywords: crockpot tortellini soup, slow cooker soup, Italian sausage soup, creamy tortellini soup, easy crockpot recipes