This Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup is the crockpot version of the viral stove-top hit. It is designed for maximum ease—a “dump and go” recipe that results in a rich, comforting meal waiting for you at the end of the day. The slow cooking process allows the spicy Italian sausage and aromatic vegetables to meld into the broth, creating a depth of flavor that a quick boil can’t quite match.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with pillowy pasta. The addition of cream cheese and heavy cream at the end transforms the broth into a luxurious sauce that coats the back of a spoon. It is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, perfect for warming up a crowd.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Set It and Forget It
Unlike the skillet version which requires active cooking, this recipe lets the slow cooker do the work. You can brown the sausage the night before, throw everything in the crockpot in the morning, and just add the pasta and cream when you get home.
Rich & Velvety
The combination of cream cheese and heavy cream creates a texture that is smoother and richer than typical soups. It feels indulgent and special, like something from a cozy Italian bistro.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage, browned and drained
- 1 bag (20oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans (14oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 block (8oz) cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 whole onion, diced
Instructions
- Add browned sausage, onion, broth, and tomatoes to slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
- Whisk softened cream cheese with hot broth and stir in.
- Add tortellini and spinach. Cook on HIGH for 15-20 mins.
- Stir in heavy cream and serve.
Nutrition
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Italian Sausage: Crumbled and browned. Spicy sausage adds a nice kick to cut the creaminess.
Cheese Tortellini: Refrigerated (dried takes longer and absorbs too much liquid).
Spinach: Fresh leaves stirred in at the end for color and nutrition.
Cream Cheese: Adds body and tang.
Chicken Broth & Tomatoes: The liquid base.
Heavy Cream: For the finish.
Smart Substitutions
You can use frozen tortellini (no need to thaw). Kale is a great substitute for spinach if you want a heartier green that won’t wilt as much. Turkey sausage works well for a lighter option.
If you love this recipe, you can verify the details on our Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup page, which is dedicated to this exact comfort classic.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Brown the sausage in a skillet with the diced onion and garlic. Drain the fat. (This is the only active cooking step!).
Slow Cooking Phase
Add the cooked sausage mixture, diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, and seasonings (Italian spice blend) to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
The Finish: About 30 minutes before serving, whisk the softened cream cheese with a ladle of hot soup until smooth, then stir it back into the pot.
Add the refrigerated tortellini and fresh spinach.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes until the pasta is tender and spinach is wilted.
Stir in the heavy cream just before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Don’t Add Pasta Early: If you add the tortellini at the beginning, they will turn into a mushy, disintegrated mess after 6 hours. They only need 15 minutes.
Tempering Cream Cheese: To avoid white specks of cream cheese, whisk it thoroughly with hot broth before adding, or microwave it until it’s very soft.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking on high for too long after adding dairy. This can cause the sauce to break. Once the cream is in, keep it warm but don’t boil aggressively.
| Ingredient | Timing | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Sausage/Broth | Start | Develop Flavor Base |
| Tortellini | Last 20 Mins | Prevent Mushiness |
| Spinach | Last 5 Mins | Retain Color/Texture |
| Cream | End | Prevent Curdling |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Serve in large mugs or bowls with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Pairing Suggestions
A baguette is mandatory for dipping in the creamy broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put raw sausage in the crockpot?
It is not recommended. Browning it first renders the fat (so your soup isn’t greasy) and adds better flavor and texture.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Pasta soups don’t freeze perfectly (pasta gets soft), but it’s edible. Better to store in the fridge for 3 days.
Conclusion
Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup is the ultimate slow cooker comfort food. It requires minimal effort for a restaurant-quality result that warms you from the inside out.
