When the chill of fall or winter seeps into your bones, nothing brings comfort quite like a bowl of warm, hearty soup. This Cozy Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Sausage is packed with flavor, creaminess, and rustic texture that makes it feel like a big hug in a bowl. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for an easy dinner solution, this soup delivers comfort food without the fuss.

Filled with tender cheese tortellini, savory ground sausage, leafy spinach, and a tomato-rich broth, it strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. A splash of cream brings everything together, making this soup irresistible to kids and adults alike. Let your slow cooker do the work while you sit back and wait for the aroma to fill your home.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, and the Importance of Each Tool)

To bring this comforting dish to life, you’ll want to gather the following tools and understand why they matter:

Slow Cooker (Crockpot): This is the heart of the recipe. It allows the flavors to meld gradually over several hours, creating a deep and layered taste without much hands-on time.
Large Skillet: You’ll need this for browning the sausage before it goes into the slow cooker. This step enhances the savory flavor and caramelization.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for stirring the ingredients in both the skillet and the slow cooker.

Measuring Cups & Spoons: To ensure balanced flavor and consistent results every time.
Ladle: Useful for serving the soup while preserving the delicate tortellini.

With the right tools ready, making this cozy dish becomes an easy and enjoyable process.

Ingredients for the Cozy Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Sausage

Each ingredient in this soup plays a special role, both in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Ground Italian Sausage: Adds bold, savory depth and a slightly spicy kick that anchors the soup.
Cheese Tortellini: These tender pasta pockets soak up the creamy broth and add a satisfying chew.

Diced Tomatoes (canned): Brings brightness and acidity to balance the richness.
Fresh Baby Spinach: Introduces a fresh, earthy note and a pop of green.
Onion & Garlic: The aromatic base that infuses flavor into every spoonful.

Carrots & Celery: Classic soup veggies that bring natural sweetness and texture.
Chicken Broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
Heavy Cream: Adds luscious creaminess without overwhelming the other flavors.

Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: These pantry staples bring harmony and depth.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): For garnish and added umami, it’s a great finishing touch.

How To Make the Cozy Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Sausage

Step 1: Brown the Sausage for Flavor

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage until it’s fully cooked and slightly crispy on the edges. Drain any excess fat, then transfer the sausage to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Add diced onions, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery to the slow cooker along with the cooked sausage. Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. This gives the vegetables time to soften and the flavors to fully develop.

Step 4: Add Tortellini and Cream

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini and heavy cream. Cover and continue to cook on HIGH until the tortellini are tender and heated through.

Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Serve

Just before serving, add the fresh baby spinach and stir until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

How to Serve and Store Cozy Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Sausage

This hearty soup is best served hot, straight from the slow cooker into deep bowls. Pair it with crusty garlic bread or a light green salad to round out the meal. For added indulgence, top each bowl with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Storing leftovers is a breeze. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan to freeze it, do so before adding the tortellini, as pasta can become mushy when reheated. To reheat, simply warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also skip the sausage altogether and bulk up the veggies.

Can I use frozen tortellini?

Absolutely! Just add them directly to the slow cooker 30 minutes before serving. No need to thaw first.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk, though the soup will be slightly less creamy.

Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?

Yes! Simmer everything in a large pot over medium-low heat for about 45 minutes, then add the tortellini and spinach at the end just like in the slow cooker version.

How do I prevent the tortellini from overcooking?

Only add the tortellini in the last 30 minutes of cooking. If you’re making it ahead of time, cook the pasta separately and stir it in when ready to serve.

Want More Soup Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this Cozy Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Sausage, you might enjoy exploring these other cozy and flavorful favorites:

• Hearty Creamy Ditalini Soup for Chilly Nights with a rich texture and pasta bite.
• Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup if you’re craving a similar cozy bowl with a cheesy punch.
• Rich Creamy Mushroom Stroganoff for a meatless yet indulgent option.
• Hearty Vegetarian Tortellini Soup as a lighter alternative that still satisfies.

For even more comforting soups and daily kitchen inspiration, visit my Pinterest at Life With Olivia.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest soup board so it’s always handy when you need comfort in a bowl.

And don’t forget to drop a comment—did you try a different sausage or sneak in extra greens? I love hearing how you made this recipe your own!

Questions? Suggestions? Bring them on. Let’s make soup nights even better, together.

Cozy Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Sausage

Author: Olivia McKenney

Total Time: 7 hours
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Cozy Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup with Spinach & Sausage is the ultimate bowl of comfort. It combines savory ground sausage, tender cheese tortellini, earthy spinach, and a rich tomato-based broth swirled with cream. Perfect for chilly days and busy weeknights, this soup is hearty, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground Italian sausage until fully cooked and slightly crispy. Drain excess fat and transfer sausage to the slow cooker.

2. Add diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery to the slow cooker with the sausage. Pour in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

3. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld.

4. 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini and heavy cream. Cover and cook on HIGH until the tortellini is tender.

5. Just before serving, stir in the fresh spinach until wilted. Ladle soup into bowls and top with Parmesan if desired.