Name: Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb. ground Italian sausage; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups beef broth; 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, drained; Salt and pepper to taste; 20 oz. frozen or fresh cheese tortellini (about 4 cups); 3 oz. fresh baby spinach, tightly packed (about 3 cups); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 cup heavy cream

There’s something incredibly cozy about a bowl of soup that’s rich, flavorful, and fuss-free—especially when it’s loaded with cheesy tortellini and savory Italian sausage. This Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe hits all those marks, making it a perfect weeknight winner that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

A white bowl filled with creamy soup showing three layers: a light orange creamy broth base with specks of black pepper, yellow tortellini pasta floating in the soup, and chunks of brown cooked meat and green wilted spinach scattered throughout. There are also small pieces of red tomato mixed inside, with a silver spoon resting in the bowl's edge. The bowl is held by two woman's hands above a white marbled surface with a dark gray cloth nearby and another bowl of the soup slightly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From start to finish, this recipe has that “set it and forget it” magic with the slow cooker, plus the comforting creaminess that makes you want to savor every spoonful. I get so excited when it’s ready because each bite is like a special occasion without the hassle.

Hands-off cooking: You can prep in the morning and come home to a ready meal—no last-minute stirring or babysitting required.
Flavor-packed: Italian sausage, tomato paste, and herbs build layers of warmth that complement the creamy base perfectly.
Comfort food upgraded: Cheese tortellini cooks right in the soup, so the pasta soaks up all that delicious broth and cream.
Perfect for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it a smart choice for batch cooking or meal prep.

Two white bowls sit on a white marbled surface, filled with creamy orange soup layered with small tortellini pasta, chunks of browned sausage, bright green spinach leaves, and pieces of red tomato. The soup has a smooth texture with visible specks of black pepper. One bowl has a silver spoon resting inside, and near the top right are two shiny silver spoons crossed over each other. A striped gray cloth is casually placed on the left side next to the bowls, and a small white bowl filled with mixed peppercorns is in the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in creating that velvety, comforting texture and satisfying flavor combo. I recommend using quality sausage and fresh tortellini if you can—it really makes a difference in taste and texture.

Flat lay of a medium yellow onion diced into pieces, two whole cloves of garlic unpeeled, fresh raw ground Italian sausage in a small mound, a small white ceramic bowl with rich red tomato paste, a small white bowl filled with mixed dried Italian herbs, a small white bowl holding finely sifted all-purpose flour, a simple white bowl containing dark beef broth, two white ceramic bowls each holding bright red drained diced tomatoes, a few whole black peppercorns and coarse sea salt crystals scattered neatly, fresh cheese tortellini pasta – plump and creamy-colored, fresh baby spinach leaves tightly piled, a small white bowl with grated Parmesan cheese piled high, a small white ceramic bowl with thick heavy cream placed alongside, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and proportionally, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yellow onion: Adds a sweet base flavor when sautéed, softening gently to blend seamlessly with the broth.
Garlic: A must for that classic Italian warmth and depth.
Ground Italian sausage: Brings spice and umami richness that makes the soup hearty and filling.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, giving the broth a subtle tang and deep color.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lift and brighten every bite.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup to that luscious, creamy consistency.
Beef broth: The meaty base that adds savory depth without overpowering.
Diced tomatoes: Provide freshness and acidity, balancing the creaminess.
Salt and pepper: Key for seasoning—always taste and adjust!
Cheese tortellini: The star of the show—melty, cheesy bites that soak up the broth.
Baby spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a gentle earthiness that cuts through the richness.
Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and helps thicken, plus a hint of saltiness.
Heavy cream: Creates the dreamy texture that gives this soup its “creamy” title.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe to match the season or my mood. Whether you’re a heat seeker or a veggie lover, there are easy swaps and add-ons to make it your own.

Spicy kick: Adding crushed red pepper flakes or swapping mild sausage for spicy Italian sausage amps up the heat—perfect if you like a little fire in your bowl.
Meat-free option: Use plant-based sausage or omit the meat entirely and add extra mushrooms for a savory umami hit that satisfies vegetarians.
Different greens: Kale or Swiss chard work beautifully in place of spinach for a heartier leaf.
Cheese variations: Try goat cheese or a dollop of ricotta stirred in at the end for a tangy twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe

Step 1: Sauté and develop those flavors

Start by sweating the diced onion and minced garlic in a skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant—about 2 minutes. This little step brings out sweetness that slow cookers can’t achieve on their own. Then toss in the Italian sausage, tomato paste, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the sausage is just browned, breaking it up a bit. This upfront browning is a game-changer for flavor depth.

Step 2: Layer the soup base

Transfer your sausage mixture to the slow cooker. Whisk the flour into the beef broth to prevent lumps, then pour it over the meat. Add the drained diced tomatoes, season generously with salt and pepper, and give everything a good stir.

Step 3: Slow cook for tender magic

Set your slow cooker to high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours. This gives all those flavors time to marry and the broth to thicken up. Before moving on, taste and adjust salt and pepper—you want it perfectly seasoned before adding those delicate final ingredients.

Step 4: Add the star ingredients and finish with cream

Stir in the tortellini, fresh baby spinach, grated Parmesan, and heavy cream. The tortellini will cook in about 10 minutes on high, soaking up the flavors and softening nicely without getting mushy. Once cooked through, your soup is ready to serve!

Top Tip

After making this recipe a bunch of times, I’ve picked up a few things that really boost the results and make your kitchen time easier. These tips save you from common slow cooker pitfalls and help you get the most out of every ingredient.

Don’t skip browning the sausage: It adds caramelized flavor that’s impossible to replicate otherwise.
Whisk the flour with broth first: This keeps your soup smooth and prevents clumps that can happen if you sprinkle flour directly.
Add tortellini near the end: Cooking it too long makes it gummy, so wait until the last 10 minutes.
Spinach goes in last: It wilts quickly and keeps that fresh green color, so don’t add it too early.

How to Serve Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe

Creamy Tortellini Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few twists of black pepper. Sometimes I add a drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat. Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley give a pop of color and freshness, making it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This creamy, hearty soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread like a baguette or garlic breadsticks to soak up every last drop. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness nicely, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this soup in individual bread bowls is a fun twist I’ve tried for cozy dinners or casual parties. For a dinner party, I like to ladle it into pretty bowls and decorate the rim with fresh herb sprigs and a Parmesan crisp on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they usually last 3-4 days. Sometimes the tortellini absorbs most of the broth overnight, so you might want to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to loosen it up.

Freezing

This soup freezes fairly well, though I recommend freezing it before adding the tortellini and cream for best texture. Freeze the base with sausage, broth, and tomatoes, then add tortellini and cream fresh when you thaw and reheat.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often so it heats evenly. Add a bit of broth or cream if the soup feels too thick. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as the cream can separate.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh tortellini cooks even faster, so keep a close eye on it when you add it to the slow cooker to prevent overcooking. I usually reduce the final cooking time to about 5-7 minutes.

What if I don’t have beef broth on hand?

You can substitute chicken broth or vegetable broth depending on your preference. The soup will still be delicious, though beef broth adds a richer, deeper flavor. If using vegetable broth, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to build more umami.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the soup. Just mix it with the broth the same way. For the tortellini, choose a gluten-free variety to keep it safe and delicious.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling in the slow cooker?

It’s best to add the heavy cream during the last 10 minutes of cooking on high and not let it simmer for hours. Heating cream gently and briefly keeps it smooth and luscious. Avoid boiling the soup after cream is added.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tortellini Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe is one of those dishes that comforts the soul without demanding too much of your time. It’s stood out in my kitchen as a go-to when I want something hearty, cheesy, and effortlessly delicious. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this one again and again—it's a keeper that feels like a warm, satisfying hug every time.