Dinner

Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe

Name: Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492120H11M28S
Total time: PT-492120H11M28S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 16 ounces Italian sausage; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, sliced or chopped; 2 sticks celery, finely chopped; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini; 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach; 3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste

ByAiden Wells February 20, 2026February 20, 2026

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Introduction

This Crockpot Tortellini Soup with Sausage is a comforting, hearty meal perfect for busy days or cozy nights. It combines savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and cheesy tortellini in a rich tomato broth. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

A white bowl filled with a creamy orange broth featuring several folded tortellini pasta with a smooth yellow surface resting on top and submerged in the soup. Visible layers include thin slices of bright orange carrots, dark green spinach leaves, and small browned pieces of ground meat scattered throughout. The broth looks rich and slightly frothy with specks of herbs and black pepper. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl, partly submerged in the soup. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 ounces Italian sausage
1/2 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, sliced or chopped
2 sticks celery, chopped finely
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
4 cups chicken broth
2 (9 ounce) packages refrigerated cheese tortellini
3/4 cup heavy or whipping cream (optional)
2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Add the sausage meat and chopped onions to a skillet. Sauté over medium heat for 7-8 minutes, breaking up the sausage with a spoon until browned. Remove excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Transfer the sausage mixture to your Crockpot.
Step 3: Add carrots, celery, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juices, and chicken broth to the Crockpot. For faster cooking (3-4 hours), chop the carrots finely; for slower cooking (7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high), larger pieces are fine.
Step 4: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini, heavy cream (if using), and baby spinach. Set the Crockpot to high and stir occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick, or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option.
Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can enhance the soup’s flavor without overpowering it.
Fresh herbs like basil or oregano added just before serving bring a bright freshness to the dish.
For a dairy-free version, omit the cream and use a coconut milk substitute if desired.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove to prevent the tortellini from becoming mushy. This soup is best enjoyed fresh as the tortellini can absorb liquid and soften further over time.

How to Serve

A black slow cooker filled with a rich tomato-based soup showing three main layers: at the top, soft yellow tortellini pasta floating with visible folds and edges, next large slices of orange carrots scattered evenly, and green spinach leaves adding fresh color. The soup’s thick broth is a warm, orange-red with bits of ground meat and vegetable chunks throughout. The cooker is set on a white marbled texture surface, highlighting the colors inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen tortellini instead of refrigerated?

Yes, frozen tortellini can be used. Add it about 10-15 minutes before serving and cook until heated through, adjusting the cooking time slightly.

Can I prepare this soup without a Crockpot?

Absolutely. You can make this soup on the stovetop by simmering all ingredients except the tortellini, cream, and spinach for about 30 minutes, then adding those last ingredients and cooking until the tortellini is tender.