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Nothing beats a warm and comforting bowl of soup. And when it comes to comforting soups, few can compare to a creamy and hearty tortellini soup. This slow cooker tortellini soup is so easy to make, and it's packed with flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds. Get ready to cozy up with a delicious bowl of soup.

Overhead close up photo of Crockpot tortellini soup in a rustic bowl.

There is something about a bowl of soup that is so comforting - especially when that soup is packed with cheesy pasta pockets!

That's right; we're talking about sausage tortellini soup in the crockpot - the ultimate comfort food that's sure to satisfy.

This hearty pasta-filled bowl is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you're in the mood for something delicious.

Serve this slow cooker tortellini with cream cheese with a side salad with balsamic vinaigrette or tomato vinaigrette. Round out the meal with some crusty bread or bread machine dinner rolls.

Ingredients

Overhead photo of dry tortellini, sausage, broth, spinach, carrots, cream, onion, cheese, garlic, seasonings, butter, and cream cheese.

Butter: You can use salted or unsalted butter; just take into consideration what you used before adding additional salt.
Onion: I like sweet yellow onion, but you can use whatever type of onion that you have on hand.
Carrots: Pre-shredded carrots are a great way to save time.
Sausage: Any kind of sausage (ground pork, beef, chicken, etc.) will work. Just make sure to remove the casings and break into pieces before adding it to the recipe.
Garlic: Nothing beats freshly minced cloves of garlic but jarred minced garlic, or frozen garlic will work. Two cloves garlic gives just the right punch to me, but feel free to adjust to your liking.
Thyme: Fresh thyme gives the best flavor, but you can substitute a teaspoon of dried thyme if needed.
Parmesan cheese: For a flavor boost, use freshly grated parmesan cheese.
Tortellini: Any variety of tortellini will work. Just make sure you are using dried tortellini, as frozen will get mushy in this recipe.
Spinach: Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.
Half and Half: You could use heavy cream or whole milk if you like.

Step by Step

For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.

Melted butter in a slow cooker using the saute function. — First, start by melting the butter in your slow cooker using the sauté setting. If you don’t have a sauté setting, melt the butter in a skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.

Onions and carrots sautéing. — Once melted, add your onion and carrots to the butter.

Cook for 5 minutes.

Sauteed onions and carrots. — After that, add the sausage and break it up with the back of a spoon. Cook for another 5 minutes, until the sausage is browned. Next, add in your garlic, thyme, salt, and red pepper flakes and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Sausage added to sauteed onions and carrots. — After that is complete, hit cancel if you use a slow cooker with sauté settings or transfer your mixture to a crockpot.

Add the broth and cream cheese and cover. Cook on low for 4 hours.

The base for crockpot tortellini soup ready to cook in a slow cooker. — Then add the parmesan cheese, stirring to combine. After that, add the tortellini and make sure it is submerged into the liquid. Cook for an additional hour on low. Finally, add the spinach, pressing down into the liquid to submerge it.

Dry tortellini being added to slow cooker tortellini soup. — Cook for an additional 10 minutes, until the leaves are wilted.

Just before serving, stir in the half and half to add a touch of creaminess to the soup.

Tips and Tricks

Don't overcook the tortellini: Because frozen and refrigerated tortellini cooks quickly, we use dried in this recipe. If you want to use frozen, it's important to add it to the slow cooker during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking time to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Experiment with different veggies: While fresh baby spinach is a classic addition to tortellini soup, feel free to experiment with other vegetables like kale or Swiss chard. A can of diced tomatoes transforms this recipe into a delicious slow cooker tomato tortellini soup. You can also add celery when you add the onion and carrots if you like.
Don't forget the toppings: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil, and a drizzle of olive oil are all great toppings for tortellini soup. Don't forget to serve it with some bread for dipping.

Tools

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Slow Cooker - You can use a multi-cooker like an Instant Pot, Instant Pot Dutch Oven, or Ninja Possible Cooker, or a Crockpot.
Skillet - You'll need a skillet if you don't use a multi-cooker with a saute function.
Whisk and Spoon

More Slow Cooker Recipes to Try

Crockpot lasagna is perfect for a entertaining! It has all the flavors you love and is perfect for making ahead.
When you need a simple family meal, Crockpot meatloaf is always a hit.
Only you will know how easy these slow cooker short ribs are to make!
Once you make this Crockpot broccoli cheese soup, you will wonder why you ever made it any other way.

Overhead photo a a rustic bowl with crockpot tortellini soup.

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Close up square photo of creamy crockpot tortellini soup with spinach and sausage.

Print Recipe

5 from 6 votes

Creamy Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup

Nothing beats a warm and comforting bowl of soup. And when it comes to comforting soups, few can compare to a creamy and hearty tortellini soup. This slow cooker sausage tortellini soup is so easy to make, and it's packed with flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds. Get ready to cozy up with a delicious bowl of soup.

Prep Time20

Cook Time5 20

Total Time5 40

Course: Main

Cuisine: American

Keyword: soup

Servings:

Calories: 433kcal

Author: Wendy Polisi

Equipment

Slow Cooker

Ingredients

2 tablespoons butter
1 onion chopped
2 carrots peeled and chopped
1 pound Italian sausage casings removed and broken into pieces
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
6 cups chicken broth
6 ounces cream cheese cubed
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
16 ounces dried cheese tortellini
4 cups chopped fresh spinach
1 cup half and half

Instructions

Melt the butter using the saute function of your slow cooker. If your slow cooker doesn’t have a saute function, melt the butter in a skillet on the stove over medium-high heat.
Add the onion and carrots and cook for 5 minutes.
Add the sausage, breaking it up with the back of the spoon. Cook for 5 minutes, until the sausage is browned.
Add the garlic, thyme, salt, and red pepper and cook for another 30 seconds.
Hit cancel if you are sautéing in your slow cooker. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to your slow cooker.
Add the broth and cream cheese and cover. Cook on low for 4 hours.
Add the parmesan cheese and whisk to combine.
Add the tortellini and make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Cook for another 1 hour on low.
Add the spinach, and press down into the liquid. Cook for another 10 minutes, until the leaves are wilted.
Add the half and half and stir to combine.