Cozy Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe

Crafting a hearty slow cooker creamy sausage & tortellini soup brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Weeknight dinners become magical with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Italian-inspired ingredients mingle together, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

Tender tortellini float in a velvety broth packed with savory sausage and aromatic herbs.

Nourishing and simple, this recipe promises warmth in every spoonful.

Cozy nights call for something special that hugs you from the inside out.

You’ll want to keep this recipe close for those moments when hunger meets pure deliciousness.

Perks Of Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup

• Simplify Meal Prep: Brown sausage and sauté vegetables beforehand, making the slow cooker do most of the heavy lifting for a hands-off cooking experience.
• Create Comforting Family Feast: Packed with hearty ingredients like tortellini, sausage, and creamy cheese, this soup delivers a satisfying meal that pleases everyone at the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Swap spinach for kale, use different sausage varieties, or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences without compromising the recipe's core deliciousness.
• Weekend Warrior Meal: Perfect for lazy weekend cooking, this recipe requires minimal active preparation and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Everything In Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful and rich protein that adds depth to the soup's taste profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatics that provide a foundational flavor for the soup.
• Carrots, Celery: Hearty vegetables that contribute texture and nutritional value to the dish.

• Chicken Broth, White Wine: Liquid bases that create a rich and complex soup foundation.
• Basil, Oregano: Herbs that add a classic Italian seasoning profile to the soup.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor.

• Cream Cheese: A creamy ingredient that adds richness and thickness to the soup.
• Tortellini: A cheese-filled pasta that provides substance and comfort to the dish.
• Spinach: A fresh green that adds color, nutrition, and a light, leafy element.
• Heavy Cream: A luxurious ingredient that makes the soup smooth and velvety.

• Parmesan Cheese: An optional topping that adds a salty, nutty finish to the soup.

Cooking Method For Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Heat a skillet over medium heat and crumble Italian sausage into small pieces. Cook thoroughly until the meat is no longer pink.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage into the slow cooker, leaving behind excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, cook onions until they become soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Transfer these aromatic ingredients to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

• Sliced carrots
• Chopped celery
• Chicken broth
• White wine
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook on low setting for 6 hours or high setting for 3 hours.

Step 4: Add Tortellini and Cream Cheese

• Tortellini
• Cubed cream cheese

Blend ingredients carefully to ensure even distribution.

Step 5: Finish with Greens and Cream

• Fresh spinach
• Heavy cream

Allow the heat to wilt the spinach and blend the flavors together.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Serve hot and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Tips To Improve Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup

• Swap out Italian sausage for turkey sausage to reduce fat and create a leaner version of the soup. Choose fresh tortellini from the refrigerated section for better texture and flavor compared to frozen options. Keep an eye on tortellini cooking time to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect al dente consistency. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or kale for increased nutrition and interesting flavor variations. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil to brighten the soup's overall taste profile and add a pop of color.

Flavor Options For Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup

• Vegetarian Comfort Bowl: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based protein crumbles or chopped mushrooms. Use vegetable broth and add extra herbs for depth of flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Splash: Incorporate diced green chilies, replace basil with cilantro, and add a dash of cumin. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of Parmesan for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Medley: Swap tortellini with cheese-filled ravioli. Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and sprinkle feta cheese on top. Use white wine with a hint of lemon zest.
• Protein Power Update: Substitute chicken tortellini, add diced cooked chicken breast, and include quinoa for extra protein. Garnish with roasted pine nuts for crunch.

What Works With Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup

• Pair with Rustic Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory flavors of the sausage and creamy soup.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Garlic Bread: Grab a freshly baked baguette or Italian bread to soak up the delicious broth and add a delightful crunch to your meal.
• Match with Crisp Green Salad: Toss together a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Create a Cheese Plate Companion: Arrange a small selection of hard Italian cheeses like Pecorino Romano or aged Parmigiano-Reggiano to enhance the soup's creamy texture and depth of flavor.

Saving Leftovers Of Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor quality.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Reheat on Stovetop: Transfer refrigerated soup to a pot. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming hot, about 5-7 minutes. Avoid boiling to prevent pasta from becoming mushy.

Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup Q&A

• Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage alternatives to suit your dietary preferences.

• Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the sausage with mushrooms or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

• What if I don't have a slow cooker?

You can easily adapt this recipe to a large pot on the stovetop. Simmer the ingredients on low heat, following the same cooking steps and timing, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

• Can I freeze this soup?

While you can freeze the soup, it’s best to do so without the tortellini and cream.

Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty slow cooker creamy sausage & tortellini soup blends Italian-inspired comfort with effortless kitchen magic. Savory sausage, tender tortellini, and rich cream create a soul-warming meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) Italian sausage, casing removed

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups (225 grams) carrots, sliced
• 1.5 cups (225 grams) celery, chopped
• 3 cups (90 grams) spinach leaves, roughly chopped

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) chicken broth
• 0.5 cups (120 milliliters) white wine (optional, can substitute chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream or half-and-half

Pasta and Cheese:

• 20 ounces (567 grams) cheese tortellini, refrigerated or frozen
• 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, cut into cubes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Brown Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat, crumbling into small pieces. Transfer to slow cooker using a slotted spoon, leaving excess fat behind.
2. Sauté onions in the same skillet until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add to slow cooker.
3. Pour chicken broth into slow cooker and combine with white wine, basil, oregano, carrots, celery, salt, and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, allowing vegetables and herbs to infuse flavors.
5. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, gently stir in tortellini and cream cheese cubes, ensuring even distribution.
6. Add spinach and heavy cream in the last 10 minutes, letting the heat wilt the greens and create a rich, creamy texture.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve hot, optionally garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra depth of flavor.

Notes

• Swap Italian sausage with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu or vegetarian sausage for a meat-free version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and minimizing added salt, perfect for those monitoring their salt intake without compromising taste.
• Enhance dairy-free adaptability by substituting cream cheese and heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut milk for a luscious, allergen-friendly soup.
• Boost nutrition by adding extra vegetables like kale or zucchini, increasing fiber and vitamin content while creating more texture and depth in the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg