There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage to chase away the chill of a busy day. This hearty, creamy soup combines tender cheese-stuffed tortellini, savory sausage, and a medley of vibrant vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth.

The first time I made this soup, I was looking for something that required minimal effort but delivered maximum comfort—and it did not disappoint! With just a few minutes of prep, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that's perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends.

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage

Get ready to add this Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage to your list of favorite comfort foods. Not only is it incredibly satisfying, but it’s also packed with flavor and comes together effortlessly.

First, this recipe is as easy as it gets. With just a little chopping and browning, the slow cooker does the rest. You can set it up in the morning and come home to a perfectly cooked dinner.

This soup is a one-pot wonder that’s both hearty and nutritious. Packed with protein-rich sausage, cheesy tortellini, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a complete meal that leaves everyone feeling full and happy.

It’s also wonderfully customizable. Whether you prefer mild or spicy sausage, or want to sneak in extra vegetables, this recipe adapts easily to your preferences and pantry staples.

And let’s not forget the leftovers! This soup tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge, and you’ve got a ready-made lunch or dinner waiting for you.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect bowl of soup.

Italian Sausage: The star of the show! Choose between sweet, mild, or spicy sausage depending on your taste preference. Browning it before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor and texture.

Cheese Tortellini: These tender, cheese-filled pasta pillows soak up the broth beautifully while adding a satisfying heartiness to the soup. Use fresh or frozen tortellini—either works great!

Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: These form the base of the broth, providing a rich, slightly tangy flavor. Look for high-quality canned tomatoes for the best results.

Vegetables: Onions, garlic, and spinach bring balance to the soup, adding a hint of sweetness and a boost of nutrition. Fresh spinach wilts perfectly in the hot broth, but kale or Swiss chard make great alternatives.

Chicken Broth: A good-quality broth ties all the flavors together. For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe, just your trusty slow cooker and a skillet for browning the sausage.

How To Make This Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Sausage

Making this Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a breeze. Here’s how to bring it all together step by step.

Start by browning the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks, letting it develop a nice golden-brown crust. Once cooked, drain any excess grease and transfer the sausage to your slow cooker.

Next, sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet until fragrant and slightly softened. This step enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to the soup.

Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker, along with crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and seasonings. Stir everything together to combine, then cover and set the slow cooker to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini and fresh spinach. The tortellini will cook to perfection in the hot broth while the spinach wilts down beautifully.

Finish with a splash of heavy cream for a luxurious, creamy texture. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then ladle the soup into bowls and serve.

This recipe takes just 20 minutes of active prep time, with the slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting. By the end, you’ll have a soul-warming soup that’s ready to enjoy.

Storage Options

Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is an excellent make-ahead meal. It stores well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

To refrigerate, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to store the tortellini separately if you anticipate reheating it, as it can become too soft over time.

For freezing, skip adding the tortellini and spinach before freezing. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight, reheat, and then add the tortellini and spinach.

When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, add a splash of broth or water to restore the desired consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

Swap the sausage: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian version of this soup.
Go gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free tortellini or another pasta shape to cater to dietary needs.
Add extra veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can be sautéed and added for extra color and flavor.
Make it spicy: If you love heat, use spicy Italian sausage and add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the broth.
Creamy alternative: For a dairy-free version, skip the heavy cream and stir in unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream instead.

Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and find what works best for you. This soup is forgiving and adaptable, so don’t hesitate to get creative in the kitchen!