Nothing says comfort like a steaming bowl of creamy soup on a chilly evening. This Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup combines tender cheese-filled pasta, hearty vegetables, and a rich, velvety broth for the ultimate family-friendly meal. Best of all, the slow cooker does the hard work, leaving you with a dish that tastes like it simmered all day on the stove—but with minimal effort.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking: Let the slow cooker build flavor while you go about your day.
- Family favorite: Cheesy tortellini + creamy broth = guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable: Works with chicken, sausage, or vegetarian-friendly substitutions.
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep, with freezer tips included.
🕒 Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours (on LOW)
- Total Time: ~6 hours
- Servings: 6
🥘 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect balance of flavors:
- 1 (20 oz) package of cheese tortellini (fresh or frozen)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (optional, adds protein & depth; substitute chicken or skip for vegetarian)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream (swap with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter/DF version)
- 3 cups fresh spinach (or kale for a heartier twist)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Build the Base
- In a skillet, brown Italian sausage until fully cooked (skip if making vegetarian).
- Drain excess fat and add sausage to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Slow Cook the Vegetables & Broth
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery, diced tomatoes, broth, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours (or HIGH for 2–3 hours).
Step 3: Add the Creamy Finish
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in tortellini, heavy cream, and spinach.
- Continue cooking until tortellini is tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Ladle soup into bowls, sprinkle with Parmesan, and serve hot with crusty bread.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic breadsticks or a fresh green salad.
- Serve in bread bowls for a cozy restaurant-style experience.
- Top with fresh basil or a drizzle of pesto for a gourmet finish.
❄️ Storage & Freezer Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze without tortellini for up to 3 months; add pasta fresh when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or microwave; stir often to prevent cream separation.
🥦 Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Protein boost: Add shredded chicken or turkey.
- Vegetarian option: Skip sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Dairy-free: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
- Low-carb version: Replace tortellini with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi.
⚡ Pro Tips for Best Results
- Add pasta at the end: Tortellini cooks quickly and can turn mushy if overcooked.
- Prevent curdling: Stir in cream only after soup has finished slow cooking.
- Thicker soup: Add 4 oz cream cheese or a cornstarch slurry before adding tortellini.
- Flavor boost: Use fire-roasted tomatoes or roasted garlic for extra depth.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes! Cook on HIGH for 2–3 hours, but flavors deepen more on LOW.
Can I use dried tortellini?
Yes, but cook time will be longer (about 45 minutes in the soup).
How do I make this in an Instant Pot?
Use sauté mode for sausage, then pressure cook (vegetables + broth) for 7 minutes, quick release, and stir in cream + tortellini.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare base (without pasta/cream), refrigerate up to 2 days, then reheat and add tortellini/cream before serving.
📊 Nutrition (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
(Values vary depending on ingredients and substitutions.)
❤️ Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is cozy, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a comforting homemade dish, it’s guaranteed to earn rave reviews.
Warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor—this soup is comfort food at its finest.
👉 Try it this week and let your slow cooker do the magic.
