Print

Easy Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage

crockpot tortellini soup - featured image

A cozy, comforting slow cooker soup with Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, and spinach in a creamy tomato broth. Perfect for busy weeknights, this set-it-and-forget-it meal delivers rich flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely packed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Italian sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Leave about 1 tablespoon of fat in the pan.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Transfer to slow cooker: Spoon the sausage, onion, and garlic mixture into a 5 to 6 quart slow cooker.
  4. Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Slow cook the base: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours.
  6. Add the tortellini: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cover and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes until tender.
  7. Stir in spinach and cream: Add the fresh spinach and heavy cream. Stir gently until the spinach wilts, about 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Serve immediately: Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad.

Notes

For best results, brown the sausage first to develop deeper flavor. Add tortellini at the end to prevent mushiness. Use room temperature cream to avoid curdling. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days; the soup freezes well without the tortellini and cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot tortellini soup, Italian sausage soup, slow cooker soup, easy weeknight dinner, creamy tortellini soup