Name: Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489791H51M8S
Total time: 4 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian sausage, browned, drained and chopped; 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed; 1 15 oz can Italian diced tomatoes (use 2 cans for extra tomato flavor); 3-4 cups fresh spinach; 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (32 oz container); 1 20 oz bag frozen cheese tortellini; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; ½ tbsp black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 82 reviews

If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and absolutely bursting with rich flavors, this Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. It’s a perfect combo of savory Italian sausage, delicate cheese tortellini, and fresh spinach all swimming in a creamy, tomato-infused broth that simmers gently to meld every bite into a celebration of taste. This soup feels like a warm hug on a busy day but takes almost no effort—putting simplicity and satisfying flavor front and center.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top-down view of various ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is one large clear glass bowl filled with uncooked tortellini pasta, which is light yellow and smooth with a folded shape. Next to it, a white bowl holds fresh green spinach leaves with a crisp texture. A clear glass measuring cup contains bright red chunky tomato sauce with visible tomato pieces. Below it, another clear glass measuring cup is filled with a pale yellow broth. To the side, a block of cream cheese wrapped in a branded white and blue paper is visible. A medium clear glass bowl holds browned, cooked sausage pieces that have a rough texture. Four small bowls hold different dry seasonings: green dried herbs, coarse black pepper, and two types of pale beige powdery garlic and onion powders. The shot is clean and brightly lit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this soup is refreshingly simple, and each one plays a crucial role in bringing out the rich, layered flavors you’ll love. From the spicy Italian sausage that adds depth to the creamy cheese tortellini and the vibrant fresh spinach, every bite is crafted with these essentials.

1 lb Italian sausage: Browning it first locks in flavor and adds hearty savoriness to the soup.
1 15 oz can Italian diced tomatoes: These provide a robust, tangy base; add a second can for tomato lovers.
4 cups vegetable or chicken broth: Choose your preferred broth to create the perfect comforting liquid foundation.
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed: Melts into the soup for a luxuriously creamy texture.
1 20oz bag frozen cheese tortellini: Adds tender, cheesy bites that elevate this soup beyond basic broth and sausage.
3-4 cups fresh spinach: Tossed in at the end for a pop of color and fresh, earthy flavor.
1 tbsp garlic powder: Infuses the broth with gentle, savory warmth without overpowering.
1 tbsp onion powder: Enhances depth with a subtle sweetness.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that rounds out the soup with classic Italian flair.
½ tbsp black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and brightness to balance the creaminess.

How to Make Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown and Prepare the Sausage

The first step is all about layering flavor. Brown the Italian sausage in a skillet until it’s nicely caramelized and cooked through—this develops a beautiful depth of flavor that’s crucial for the soup. After browning, drain excess fat and chop it into bite-sized pieces so it distributes evenly throughout the crockpot.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Next, toss the browned sausage, diced tomatoes (including their juices), broth, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper into the crockpot. This is where all the magic starts to happen. Give everything a gentle stir to combine so the flavors can mingle as it cooks low and slow.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Set your crockpot on low and let this mixture cook for about 4-6 hours. Slow simmering lets the sausage and tomatoes infuse the broth. The kitchen will fill with inviting aromas, and you’ll appreciate how easy it is to create something so delicious with minimal effort.

Step 4: Add Cream Cheese and Tortellini

About 20-30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the cubed cream cheese and frozen cheese tortellini. Stir gently to melt the cream cheese into a creamy broth and cook the tortellini just until tender. This turns your rustic broth into a rich, silky, and satisfying masterpiece with cheesy pockets of flavor.

Step 5: Stir in Fresh Spinach

Finally, toss in fresh spinach right at the end. Stir it in and let it wilt in the residual heat of the crockpot – this final touch adds gorgeous color and a healthy dose of freshness that balances the richness perfectly.

How to Serve Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe

A black slow cooker filled with creamy tortellini soup, showing several layers: at the bottom is a thick light orange creamy broth with small black seasoning specks; floating on top are yellow tortellini pasta pieces with soft, wrinkled edges, chunks of cooked brown meat, red tomato pieces, and dark green wilted spinach leaves scattered throughout. A gold spoon is placed inside the soup from the bottom right corner, partially submerged. Around the slow cooker, a white and green striped cloth and part of a torn white bread loaf rest on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few red pepper flakes on top can make the soup feel extra special. Some fresh basil or chopped parsley adds a lively brightness that complements the creamy broth beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad to keep things light and fresh. For those looking for a hearty meal, a side of roasted vegetables or even a cheesy breadstick keeps the Italian comfort theme going strong.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a drizzle of good olive oil and perhaps a dollop of pesto for a fresh herbal kick. Or, ladle it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, cozy presentation that’s perfect for entertaining friends or a family meal that feels indulgent but effortless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s worth noting that the tortellini may soak up some broth, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the soup but for best texture, freeze it before adding tortellini and spinach. Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and add tortellini and spinach fresh during reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little broth or water if it’s thicker than you like. Add fresh spinach and tortellini for best results when warming leftovers to keep flavors bright and textures at their best.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage is recommended for that classic flavor, you can swap in spicy chorizo or even a milder chicken sausage depending on your taste preferences. Just brown it first to develop great flavor.

Is it possible to make this soup without cream cheese?

You could substitute with heavy cream or a blend of cream and parmesan cheese for a different kind of creaminess, but cream cheese gives this soup its signature velvety texture that’s hard to replicate.

Can I use fresh tortellini instead of frozen?

Fresh tortellini works wonderfully—just reduce the cooking time slightly as fresh pasta cooks faster. Add them near the end to avoid overcooking.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Use vegetarian Italian sausage or omit the sausage entirely and increase the spinach or add other veggies like mushrooms. Use vegetable broth, and you still get a hearty, flavorful soup.

Does the soup reheat well?

This Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe reheats beautifully, though the tortellini may absorb some broth, so stir in extra liquid as needed to keep it nice and saucy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Crockpot Sausage & Tortellini Soup Recipe is truly a game changer for busy weeknights or anytime you want a comforting meal without fuss. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and irresistible warmth, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll happily make again and again. Give it a try—you’ll thank yourself for savoring every delicious spoonful.