Name: Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb. ground Italian sausage; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups beef broth; 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, drained; Salt and pepper to taste; 20 oz. frozen or fresh cheese tortellini (about 4 cups); 3 oz. fresh baby spinach, tightly packed (about 3 cups); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 cup heavy cream

There’s something so comforting about a bowl full of cheesy, savory goodness simmered low and slow. This Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe blends hearty Italian sausage with tender tortellini and a luscious creamy broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

A white bowl filled with creamy soup that has a light orange color and a slightly thick texture. Inside the soup, there are several folded yellow tortellini pieces, small chunks of cooked brown meat, bright green spinach leaves, and small red tomato pieces scattered throughout. The soup surface has visible specks of black pepper. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, held by a woman's hand from the right side, with another woman's hand supporting the bowl from the bottom. In the background, there is another white bowl with the same soup placed on a white marbled surface, next to a dark gray cloth and a pair of black spoons. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of this slow cooker soup. It’s simple to throw together, yet feels fancy enough to share with guests—and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you. Plus, the creamy texture mixed with cheesy tortellini makes it irresistibly cozy.

Effortless Cooking: You toss everything in the slow cooker early in the day and come back to a ready-to-eat meal.
Rich Flavor Layers: Browning the sausage and sautéing the onions builds a savory base that makes every spoonful sing.
Comfort in a Bowl: Creamy broth, tender tortellini, and fresh spinach create a balanced and satisfying dish.
Family Friendly: It’s a hit with kids and adults alike, and perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

There are two white bowls filled with a creamy, light brown soup with visible layers of round tortellini pasta that is pale yellow in color, chunks of browned sausage, fresh green spinach leaves, and small pieces of red tomato scattered throughout. The soup has a smooth texture with small black pepper flakes on top. One bowl has a silver spoon resting inside it. Next to the bowls, there are two shiny silver spoons crossed on a white marbled surface, a small white bowl with mixed peppercorns, and a gray and white striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a special role, coming together to create a rich, hearty soup without any fuss. Whether you're grabbing fresh or frozen tortellini or picking your favorite Italian sausage, these choices make the soup shine.

Flat lay of a medium yellow onion, two whole garlic cloves, raw ground Italian sausage shaped naturally, a small white bowl of deep red tomato paste, a small white bowl of mixed dried Italian herbs, a small white bowl of pale all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with rich brown beef broth, a simple pile of drained diced fresh tomatoes, a handful of coarse salt crystals with black peppercorns, fresh cheese tortellini pasta, tightly packed fresh baby spinach leaves, a small white bowl of finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of thick heavy cream, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed, building a flavorful base.
Garlic: A little goes a long way in enhancing that classic Italian savory vibe.
Ground Italian sausage: My go-to protein for bold, spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with creamy elements.
Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor, giving the broth rich umami without watering it down.
Italian seasoning: A handy blend of herbs that bring classic Mediterranean notes and balance.
All-purpose flour: It thickens the broth just enough for that silky, creamy texture.
Beef broth: The hearty liquid base that adds depth and richness to the soup.
Diced tomatoes: Adds brightness and a touch of freshness, balancing the creamy sauce.
Cheese tortellini: Melts into the broth beautifully, providing those pockets of cheesy goodness.
Baby spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a mild earthiness that lightens the dish.
Parmesan cheese: Finally, grated Parmesan brings saltiness and umami for a well-rounded finish.
Heavy cream: This is where the soup earns its silky, indulgent creaminess without being heavy.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I love adding a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat, but you can easily swap out the sausage for turkey or keep it vegetarian by using mushrooms instead.

Spicy Variation: I once added some red pepper flakes and swapped Italian sausage for spicy chorizo—so good if you crave a kick.
Vegetarian Twist: Double up on veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers, and swap broth for vegetable stock for a meatless version.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and tortellini to keep the creaminess while accommodating diets.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Sausage

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes. Then, add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in tomato paste and Italian seasoning, letting the sausage brown slightly to build those deep flavors. This step is key—it forms the base of the soup's savory profile and makes a big difference in taste, so don’t skip it!

Step 2: Combine in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned sausage mixture to your slow cooker. Whisk the flour into beef broth until smooth (this prevents lumps!), then pour this over the meat. Add drained diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all those lovely flavors.

Step 3: Let It Slow Cook

Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or low for 4-6 hours. The slow cooking melds the flavors beautifully and tenderizes the sausage perfectly. About halfway through, check the seasoning—sometimes a bit more salt or pepper really wakes it up.

Step 4: Add Tortellini and Finish Creamy Touches

When the soup base is done, stir in the cheese tortellini, fresh baby spinach, grated Parmesan, and heavy cream. Give it a good mix, cover, and cook on high for about 10 minutes—just enough time for the tortellini to cook through without becoming mushy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot with crusty bread—perfect for soaking up every last creamy drop. It’s one of those meals that feels both indulgent and homey at the same time.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, I've learned that these tips make a noticeable difference in the final soup and help you avoid some common pitfalls.

Brown the Sausage Thoroughly: This step releases all those flavorful juices and adds a depth that just can’t be matched by simply tossing raw sausage into the slow cooker.
Whisk Flour and Broth First: Mixing flour with your broth before adding it prevents clumps and gives you a silky smooth soup.
Add Tortellini Later: Since distorted or overcooked tortellini is no fun, add it near the end so it stays tender but intact.
Season Towards the End: Slow cookers can dull seasoning, so taste and adjust salt and pepper right before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe

Creamy Tortellini Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often sprinkle additional freshly grated Parmesan and a bit of cracked black pepper on top—simple but perfect. Sometimes I add a few torn fresh basil leaves for a fragrant pop, or even a drizzle of good olive oil to elevate the whole bowl.

Side Dishes

A warm, crusty baguette or buttery garlic bread is my go-to for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the soup nicely without weighing you down.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls—talk about cozy! Or garnish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts and fresh parsley to add texture and a fresh twist that guests always comment on.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate. The soup keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. Just be sure to store tortellini separately if you plan to keep it longer, to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup successfully by skipping the tortellini and spinach initially, then adding fresh when reheating. The texture holds up much better that way, and it’s just as tasty after thawing.

Reheating

Warm your leftover soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add fresh tortellini and spinach if you removed them before freezing, cook just until tender, and finish with a splash of cream or broth if it needs loosening up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of broth in the Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe?

Absolutely! While beef broth adds great depth, chicken or vegetable broth works well too, especially if you prefer a lighter flavor or want to make it vegetarian with some adjustments to the sausage.

Can I prepare the soup without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Simply cook the sausage mixture in a large pot on the stove, then add broth, tomatoes, and other ingredients. Simmer for about 30 minutes before adding tortellini and cream, cooking until the pasta is tender.

How do I prevent the tortellini from getting mushy in this slow cooker soup?

The key is to add the tortellini near the end of cooking—about 10 minutes before serving. This ensures they cook just enough without becoming overdone and mushy.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free flour (like a rice or tapioca blend) to thicken the broth and pick a gluten-free tortellini brand. Just double-check all seasonings and broth labels to confirm they're gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation—it’s the perfect cozy comfort meal that doesn’t demand hours of babysitting. Whether it’s weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this soup always hits the spot and rarely lasts long. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!