Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup – A Cozy, Comforting One-Pot Meal
If you’re craving a rich, hearty, and soul-warming meal, look no further than this Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup. Bursting with flavor from Italian sausage, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a velvety broth enriched with cream cheese and spinach, this recipe is comfort food at its finest.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this easy slow cooker soup recipe serves 6–8 and requires minimal prep. With every spoonful, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and herby goodness.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup (Serves 6–8)
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1 lb. Italian sausage (casing removed)
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1 medium onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 ½ cups carrots, sliced
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1 ½ cups celery, chopped
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4 cups chicken broth
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½ cup white wine (optional; substitute with chicken broth if preferred)
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1 tsp. dried basil
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1 tsp. dried oregano
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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20 oz. cheese tortellini (refrigerated or frozen)
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8 oz. cream cheese, cut into cubes
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3 cups spinach leaves, roughly chopped
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1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Once fully browned, transfer to the slow cooker with a slotted spoon, leaving excess fat behind.
Step 2: Sauté Onion & Garlic
Using the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Transfer everything to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add Veggies & Broth
To the slow cooker, add the carrots, celery, chicken broth, white wine (optional), basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Base
Cover and cook on:
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Low for 6 hours, or
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High for 3 hours
This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
Step 5: Add Tortellini & Cream Cheese
In the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the cheese tortellini and cream cheese cubes. Stir gently to melt and blend the cream cheese into the broth.
Step 6: Finish with Spinach & Cream
Just before serving, add the chopped spinach and heavy cream (or half-and-half). Stir until the spinach wilts and the broth becomes creamy.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm, topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy and hearty – a rich soup that’s filling enough for a full meal.
Slow cooker convenience – minimal hands-on time, maximum flavor.
Cheese tortellini goodness – pillowy pasta stuffed with cheesy filling.
Nutritious twist – spinach adds vitamins and freshness.
Customizable – easily adaptable for lighter or vegetarian versions.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
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Lighter version: Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork sausage.
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Vegetarian option: Omit sausage and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth. Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for flavor depth.
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Tangy kick: Stir in a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes with the tortellini.
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No slow cooker? Prepare on the stovetop in a large pot—simmer the soup base covered for 1 hour before adding tortellini and cream cheese.
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Make ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors deepen overnight.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
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Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream if the soup thickens too much.
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Freeze: Freeze before adding tortellini and cream for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, cook fresh tortellini separately and stir in before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food – rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor. It’s a family favorite that pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic knots, or a simple side salad.
Save this recipe and make it the next time you want a hearty and satisfying slow cooker dinner that’s both easy and delicious.