There's nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage to chase away the chill on a cold day. The comforting aroma of savory sausage, creamy broth, and tender tortellini fills the air as it cooks slowly, promising a meal that feels like a big, cozy hug in a bowl.
I first discovered this recipe on a busy winter evening, searching for something that could cook itself while I tackled my to-do list. One bite was all it took to win over my entire family, and now it's a go-to in our home whenever we crave something simple yet deeply satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage
Get ready to meet your new favorite cold-weather recipe. Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is easy, indulgent, and perfect for any occasion.
First, it's incredibly convenient. Thanks to the slow cooker, you can toss in your ingredients and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Dinner practically cooks itself, making it a lifesaver on hectic nights.
The combination of flavors is nothing short of amazing. Savory Italian sausage, tender cheese-stuffed tortellini, and a rich, creamy broth come together in a dish that's as satisfying as it is comforting.
It's also super versatile. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences. Swap out the sausage for turkey or plant-based alternatives, or add a variety of vegetables to make it even heartier.
Finally, this soup is perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner party or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe will keep everyone happy and full.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to create a rich and comforting soup that feels like it took hours to make.
Italian sausage is the star of the show here. I recommend using mild or hot, depending on your spice preference. Its rich flavor infuses the broth, giving the soup a bold and satisfying taste.
Cheese tortellini adds a wonderful texture and flavor. The pasta's tender, pillowy texture and cheesy filling make it the perfect complement to the creamy soup base. You can use fresh or frozen tortellini—both work beautifully.
Crushed tomatoes lend the soup a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the sausage and cream. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can substitute with diced tomatoes.
Chicken broth forms the base of the soup. Go for a low-sodium version so you can control the salt levels as you cook.
Finally, the addition of heavy cream at the end gives the soup its signature creamy consistency. If you'd like to lighten it up, you can use half-and-half or even a plant-based alternative like coconut milk.
You’ll also need a few pantry staples like garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning to round out the flavors. A slow cooker is essential for this recipe, as it allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully over time.
How To Make This Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage

Making this Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is as simple as can be. Just follow these steps, and you'll have a hearty, delicious dinner ready in no time.
Start by browning Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. This step adds depth to the flavor by caramelizing the sausage, so don’t skip it! Once browned, drain any excess fat and transfer the sausage to your slow cooker.
Next, sauté a diced onion and minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant. This step helps to release their natural sweetness, which will enhance the soup's flavor. Add them to the crockpot with the sausage.
Now it’s time to layer in your other ingredients. Add chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and a generous sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir to combine. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
About 30 minutes before serving, add the cheese tortellini. Fresh tortellini will cook faster, while frozen might need the full half hour. Also, pour in the heavy cream to give the soup its rich, creamy consistency. Stir well and continue cooking until the tortellini is tender.
Once the tortellini is cooked, give the soup a final taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a side of crusty bread for dipping.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (and you might not, because this soup is so good), you'll be glad to know it stores beautifully.
To refrigerate, transfer the soup to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the tortellini may absorb some of the broth over time, so you might need to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup—but there's a catch. It's best to freeze the soup before adding the tortellini and cream. Simply thaw the frozen soup, reheat it, and then add fresh tortellini and cream before serving.
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling the soup, as this can cause the cream to separate.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like almond or coconut milk. You'll still get a creamy soup, but with fewer calories.
If you’re vegetarian, replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or skip it entirely and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
Love spice? Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
For added nutrition, toss in a handful of baby spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The greens wilt beautifully into the soup without overpowering the other flavors.
If you're feeding a crowd, double the recipe and use a larger slow cooker. This soup is even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
No matter how you customize it, this Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is bound to become a favorite in your home. Its combination of hearty, comforting flavors and easy preparation makes it the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and let me know what twists you come up with!
PrintCrockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage Recipe
This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage recipe combines savory sausage, tender tortellini, and a creamy broth for the perfect comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soups
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (20 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 3 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain excess grease.
- Add sausage, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes to the crockpot. Stir well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Thirty minutes before serving, add the tortellini and spinach. Stir to combine.
- Once the tortellini is tender, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
- You can use frozen tortellini, but let it thaw slightly before adding to the crockpot.
- Customize by adding mushrooms, carrots, or zucchini for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 990 mg
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