Looking for the ultimate cozy comfort meal that practically cooks itself? This Crockpot Tortellini Soup combines cheesy tortellini, Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and a creamy tomato broth into one hearty bowl of happiness. Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week or hosting a cozy winter dinner, this slow cooker soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup
✔️ Set-it-and-forget-it simplicity
✔️ Family-friendly flavors (even picky eaters love it)
✔️ Perfect for leftovers & meal prep
✔️ Freezer-friendly base
✔️ Easily customizable – make it vegetarian, spicy, or dairy-free
✔️ One-pot cleanup – because no one likes dishes
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt, more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
To Add Near the End:
- 1 (9–12 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving
🧂 Ingredient Notes & Variations
- Tortellini Options: Refrigerated cheese tortellini cook quickly and give the best texture. Frozen works too (add extra cook time). Dried tortellini requires a longer simmer and more broth.
- Sausage Choices: Use pork for richer flavor, turkey/chicken for a leaner option. Hot Italian sausage adds a kick!
- Vegetarian? Omit sausage, use vegetable broth, and add beans for protein.
- Dairy-Free? Use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the cream cheese.
🔪 Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- 6-quart or larger slow cooker
- Skillet (for browning sausage)
- Sharp knife + cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Airtight containers (for leftovers)
🧑🍳 How to Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup
🔹 Step 1: Sauté the Sausage (Optional, but recommended)
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage, breaking it into pieces. Drain excess grease. This caramelization adds depth to the final soup.
🔹 Step 2: Load the Crockpot
Add the browned sausage, chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the slow cooker. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper.
🔹 Step 3: Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on:
- LOW for 7–8 hours, or
- HIGH for 3–4 hours
This gives the flavors time to meld and the veggies to soften beautifully.
🔹 Step 4: Add Dairy & Pasta
30 minutes before serving:
- Stir in tortellini
- Add cubed cream cheese
- Let it melt and incorporate
Cover and cook for another 15–30 minutes, until tortellini is tender.
🔹 Step 5: Finish & Serve
Stir in heavy cream and chopped spinach. Let sit 5 minutes to allow flavors to marry. Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and top with Parmesan.
🧠 Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Always add tortellini & cream cheese at the end to prevent overcooking or curdling.
- Use a sauté pan to brown sausage—it enhances the savory base.
- Want thicker soup? Remove 1 cup of broth, whisk in 2 tbsp cornstarch, then stir it back in.
- Meal prepping? Store the soup base without tortellini or cream, then finish fresh.
🧺 Make Ahead & Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze base only (without pasta or dairy) up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave at 50% power.
🥗 What to Serve With It
| Pairing | Description |
|---|---|
| 🥖 Garlic Bread | Perfect for dipping in the creamy broth |
| 🥗 Arugula Salad | Light lemon vinaigrette cuts through richness |
| 🍷 Chianti Wine | Pairs wonderfully with sausage and tomato notes |
🔄 Customization Ideas
- Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or use hot sausage.
- Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Different Tortellini: Try spinach, mushroom, or meat-filled for variety.
- No Cream Cheese? Use 1 cup half-and-half or coconut cream.
🍲 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 470 |
| Protein | 21g |
| Carbs | 33g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Sodium | 870mg |
Nutrition values may vary based on ingredients used.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen tortellini?
Yes! Just add 5–10 extra minutes of cook time.
Can I make it on the stovetop?
Absolutely. Use a Dutch oven or large pot. Simmer all base ingredients for 25–30 minutes, then add tortellini, cream cheese, cream, and spinach.
Can I make this healthier?
Yes. Use turkey sausage, low-fat cream cheese, and extra veggies. Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk.
What if my soup thickens too much?
Add extra broth or water to thin it out when reheating.
📝 Final Thoughts: A Bowl of Cozy You’ll Crave All Year
There’s a reason this recipe became an instant classic in my kitchen. It’s comforting without being heavy, rich without being overindulgent, and impressively flavorful for something that’s so easy to make.
Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something cozy — this creamy crockpot tortellini soup checks all the boxes.
