There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty soup to bring comfort on a chilly day, and this Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is the ultimate cozy meal. Packed with tender tortellini, savory sausage, and a creamy tomato broth, it’s a dish your family will request again and again.
I discovered this recipe during a busy winter season when I needed something easy yet filling for weeknight dinners. Since then, it’s become a staple in our house, perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage
Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to soup recipe. This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage isn’t just delicious – it’s a lifesaver for busy days.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few minutes of prep, the crockpot does all the heavy lifting, slowly melding the flavors together into a delicious, hearty soup.
It’s also a crowd-pleaser. The creamy broth, flavorful sausage, and cheesy tortellini appeal to kids and adults alike. Even picky eaters can’t resist a bowl of this comforting soup.
Budget-friendly ingredients make it a win for your wallet. From affordable Italian sausage to pantry staples like canned tomatoes and broth, you can feed the whole family without breaking the bank.
Finally, it’s versatile. You can customize the soup to fit your family’s tastes, swapping in different tortellini flavors or adding more vegetables to pack in extra nutrients.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage lies in its simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one adds depth and richness to the final dish.
Italian sausage is the star of the show, providing a bold, savory flavor. You can choose mild or hot depending on your preference, or use turkey sausage for a lighter option.
Cheese tortellini brings a satisfying heartiness to the soup. Fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section works best, but frozen tortellini is a great alternative if you have it on hand.
Crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce form the base of the broth, adding a rich, tangy flavor that complements the sausage beautifully.
Vegetable broth or chicken broth balances the richness of the tomatoes and creates the perfect soup consistency. Opt for low-sodium varieties so you can control the seasoning.
For creaminess, heavy cream is a must. It creates a luscious texture that makes the soup feel indulgent. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter option, though it won’t be quite as rich.
No special equipment is needed, just your trusty slow cooker! A large one is ideal for holding all the ingredients.
How To Make This Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage

Creating this Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage couldn’t be simpler. Here’s how it all comes together.
Start by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. This step adds a deeper flavor to the soup and prevents the sausage from clumping together in the crockpot. Once browned, transfer it to your slow cooker.
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and your seasonings – a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything together to combine.
Next, set your slow cooker to low and let the soup simmer for 6-7 hours. During this time, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty broth.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini and heavy cream. The tortellini will cook perfectly in the hot soup, becoming tender and flavorful without turning mushy.
Once the tortellini is cooked, give the soup a taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Ladle it into bowls and serve with crusty bread for the ultimate comfort meal.
This soup takes about 7-8 hours from start to finish, but most of that is hands-off time while the slow cooker works its magic.
Storage Options
This soup is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. Just note that the tortellini may soften slightly upon reheating.
When reheating, thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator if needed. Warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup looks too thick, add a splash of broth to reach your desired consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can adapt it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand.
For a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use a plant-based alternative or add extra vegetables like zucchini and spinach for a hearty twist.
Prefer a spicier soup? Use hot Italian sausage and add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the broth.
Swap the cheese tortellini for a different flavor like spinach or mushroom to change things up. You can also use gluten-free tortellini if needed.
Add greens like fresh spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrition. They’ll wilt perfectly into the hot broth.
Experiment with your favorite spices or herbs to make this recipe your own. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the end adds a lovely finishing touch.
This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Warm, comforting, and oh-so-easy to make, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again.
PrintCrockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe
- Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a hearty and flavorful soup made with tender tortellini, savory sausage, and creamy broth. This easy slow cooker recipe is a comforting dinner option, perfect for busy families.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hour
- Total Time: 6 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soups and Stews
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 (16 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat, then drain excess fat.
- Add the sausage, diced onion, garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Thirty minutes before serving, add spinach, tortellini, and heavy cream. Stir well.
- Cook until the tortellini is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to use mild or spicy Italian sausage, depending on your preference.
- For a thicker soup, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water) before adding the tortellini and cream.
- Substitute kale for spinach if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
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