Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days. Packed with savory sausage, tender tortellini, and a rich broth, this soup is easy to prepare and lets the slow cooker do all the work. Whether you’re craving something hearty for dinner or need a meal that’s both filling and flavorful, this crockpot recipe delivers on both convenience and taste.

Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set It and Forget It – Simply add all the ingredients to the crockpot and let it simmer to perfection.
Hearty & Satisfying – The combination of sausage and tortellini makes this soup a filling meal.
Comforting Flavors – Rich broth with savory sausage, tender pasta, and just the right amount of seasoning.
Quick Prep – Minimal hands-on prep time makes it a perfect meal for busy days.
Family-Friendly – A dish everyone will love, from kids to adults.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
1 package (9 oz) cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh spinach (optional, for added greens)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the Sausage – In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and crumbled, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked sausage to the crockpot.
Add the Vegetables & Liquids – To the crockpot, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Cook the Soup – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure everything is well combined.
Add Tortellini – About 30 minutes before serving, add the tortellini to the soup. If using fresh tortellini, it will cook in about 10-15 minutes; frozen tortellini may need 20-25 minutes to fully cook.
Add Cream & Spinach – Once the tortellini is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach (if using). Continue to cook on high for 10-15 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the soup is creamy.
Serve – Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 6-7 hours (including cooking time)

Variations

Add Vegetables – For extra veggies, add carrots, celery, or zucchini to the crockpot with the other ingredients.
Spicy Version – Use spicy Italian sausage or add a bit more red pepper flakes to give the soup a spicy kick.
Dairy-Free Version – Use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
Gluten-Free Version – Substitute regular tortellini with gluten-free tortellini for a gluten-free version of the soup.
Creamier Soup – Add more heavy cream or even a bit of cream cheese to make the soup extra creamy.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, you may need to add more broth to thin the soup.
Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes! You can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the crockpot.

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of tortellini?

Yes! You can substitute tortellini with any small pasta, such as ditalini, penne, or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup stores well, and the flavors continue to develop over time. Make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge, then reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

How do I make this soup thicker?

If you’d like the soup to be thicker, you can reduce the broth by using less chicken broth or add more heavy cream. You can also mash some of the cooked vegetables in the soup to create a thicker texture.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen spinach works just as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the soup.

Conclusion

Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is the perfect cozy meal for any time of the year. With savory sausage, tender tortellini, and a creamy, flavorful broth, this soup is sure to be a hit with your family. The best part is how easy it is to make—just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work for you! Enjoy this comforting dish with a side of crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal.