Tanya Rivers
There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, creamy bowl of tortellini soup that has been slowly simmering all day. This cozy soup is packed with cheesy tortellini, hearty Italian sausage, tender spinach, and a rich, creamy broth that hugs every bite.
Perfect for chilly evenings, this slow cooker wonder fills your kitchen with comforting aromas and makes dinnertime effortless. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of prep in the morning, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal waiting for you by the time you’re ready to relax.
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Sausage
This soup combines everything we love in comfort food: creamy texture, savory sausage, cheesy pasta, and a pop of fresh greens. It’s easy to make, feeds the whole family, and can even be meal-prepped ahead for busy weeks. Plus, it’s a complete meal in one bowl!
What Kind of Tortellini Should I Use?
Fresh cheese tortellini is the best choice for this recipe because it cooks quickly and holds up well in the creamy broth. If you only have frozen tortellini, you can use that as well—just add it a little earlier in the cooking process so it has time to fully cook and absorb the flavors.
Ingredients for Cozy Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Sausage
Before starting, it’s important to gather all the ingredients. Each component adds a layer of flavor and texture to this cozy soup.
- Italian Sausage – Adds a savory, meaty base to the soup.
- Cheese Tortellini – Provides a cheesy, comforting bite in every spoonful.
- Fresh Spinach – Brings freshness and color to balance the richness.
- Crushed Tomatoes – Adds acidity and depth to the creamy broth.
- Chicken Broth – Forms the flavorful liquid foundation of the soup.
- Heavy Cream – Creates that luxurious creamy texture.
- Garlic & Onion – Essential aromatics that elevate the flavor.
- Italian Seasoning & Red Pepper Flakes – Provide warmth and a hint of spice.
- Grated Parmesan – Perfect for garnish and a cheesy finish.
How To Make the Cozy Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Sausage
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Cook the Italian sausage in a skillet until fully browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Prepare the Base
In the slow cooker, combine the cooked sausage, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. Stir to blend the flavors.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Tortellini and Spinach
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini and fresh spinach. Cook until the pasta is tender and the greens are wilted.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Serve
Stir in the heavy cream, season with salt and pepper, and serve hot with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan.
Serving and Storing Cozy Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Sausage
This hearty soup serves 6 people generously, making it a perfect family dinner option. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of Parmesan and maybe a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy broth.
For storage, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. If you plan to freeze, leave out the tortellini and spinach until reheating to avoid mushy pasta.
What to Serve With Cozy Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Sausage
1. Garlic Bread
The buttery, crispy texture is perfect for dipping.
2. Simple Green Salad
A light salad with vinaigrette balances the rich soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Add a side of roasted broccoli or carrots for extra nutrition.
4. Bruschetta
Tomato-topped bread offers a fresh and tangy bite.
5. Antipasto Platter
Cured meats, olives, and cheese make a perfect starter.
6. Caesar Salad
The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons pair wonderfully.
7. Cheese Twists or Breadsticks
Fun to dunk and enjoy alongside the soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen tortellini instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen tortellini works perfectly. Just add it 15-20 minutes earlier than fresh tortellini so it fully cooks in the slow cooker.
2. Can I substitute the sausage with chicken or turkey?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken sausage will lighten the soup while still providing a savory depth of flavor.
3. How do I make this soup vegetarian?
Swap the sausage for mushrooms or plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, add the tortellini and spinach only when reheating to keep the pasta al dente and spinach fresh.
5. What’s the best way to thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
Simmer the soup uncovered for a few minutes or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water until your desired thickness is achieved.
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra spice or top it with extra cheese? Did you try a different pasta?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.
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Cozy Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Sausage
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Large Skillet
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 20 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or refrigerated)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a skillet until fully cooked. Drain fat.
- In slow cooker, combine sausage, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, garlic, onion, and seasoning.
- Cook on low 6-7 hours or high 3-4 hours.
- Add tortellini and spinach 30 minutes before serving; cook until tender.
- Stir in heavy cream, season, and serve with Parmesan.