The ultimate cold weather comfort food, this Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup brings all the cozy vibes in one delicious pot. With tender cheese stuffed tortellini, rich Italian sausage, and nutrient packed spinach, this soup satisfies both your soul and appetite. The creamy base without any heavy cream keeps it lighter while still indulgently flavorful.
Perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back Sundays, this recipe is as easy as it is comforting. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The result? A warm, velvety soup that the whole family will love. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got a full meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 pound ground Italian sausage (or chicken/turkey/beef)
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1 onion, chopped
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2 large carrots, chopped
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2 celery stalks, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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2 teaspoons beef bouillon powder (or chicken)
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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4 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
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1/4 cup cornstarch mixed with 1/4 cup water
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36 ounces evaporated milk or half-and-half
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12 ounces dried three-cheese tortellini
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5 cups baby spinach
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1 cup milk
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Pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a large skillet, brown the sausage. Drain excess fat if needed.
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Place the sausage, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, bouillon, salt, and broth into a 6-quart slow cooker.
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Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 7 hours.
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Skim fat from the top. Stir in the cornstarch mixture and evaporated milk.
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Add tortellini and stir. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 45 minutes until the soup thickens and tortellini is tender.
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Stir in the spinach and cook for 5–10 minutes until wilted.
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Add milk gradually to reach desired creaminess. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve warm with crusty bread.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hrs 45 min | Total Time: 5 hours
Kcal: 485 kcal | Servings: 10 servings
The Ultimate Comfort Dish: Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup
When the colder months roll in or you simply crave something warm, filling, and delicious, there’s nothing quite like a rich, creamy bowl of soup. Among the many comfort meals out there, Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup stands tall as a dish that brings together ease, nutrition, and full-bodied flavor in one pot.
This isn’t just another slow cooker soup it’s a bowl of indulgence made simple. With every spoonful, you get the creamy richness of a dairy-based broth, the heartiness of Italian sausage, and the tender bite of cheese-stuffed tortellini. Balanced with vibrant vegetables and fresh spinach, it hits all the right notes comforting, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.
Let’s explore why this recipe deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation, how you can customize it, and what makes it stand out among other creamy soup contenders.
A Cozy Classic, Reimagined
At its core, this tortellini soup is about recreating the essence of a home-cooked, Italian-inspired meal but in the easiest way possible. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing flavors to meld and deepen without constant supervision. That makes it a fantastic choice for busy weekdays or when you’re hosting family without wanting to be stuck in the kitchen for hours.
Unlike other cream-based soups that rely on heavy cream or flour-based roux to thicken, this one uses evaporated milk or half-and half paired with a cornstarch slurry. This small but smart change reduces calories without sacrificing texture or richness, making it lighter while still indulgent.
The Tortellini Advantage
Tortellini is the heart of this recipe. These stuffed pasta pockets are traditionally filled with cheese, though meat or spinach versions can work just as well. They act as both a protein source and a flavor bomb, turning what could be a side soup into a full-fledged main course.
Using dried tortellini instead of fresh has several advantages. It holds up better during long cooking times and absorbs more flavor from the broth, all without becoming mushy. That makes it the ideal choice for slow cooking set it and forget it, then come back to tender, flavorful bites in every spoonful.
For those who enjoy experimenting, this is where you can get creative. Try swapping in mushroom-filled tortellini for a more earthy flavor or spinach varieties for an extra dose of greens.
Italian Sausage: The Flavor Powerhouse
Italian sausage does a lot of heavy lifting in this soup. Whether you go with mild or spicy, pork or turkey, it brings a depth of flavor that complements the creamy base beautifully. As the sausage simmers in the slow cooker, it releases its oils and spices into the broth, enhancing every component of the dish.
Looking for something lighter? You can easily substitute with ground chicken or even plant-based sausage alternatives. The soup is wonderfully flexible. Want to go fully vegetarian? Simply skip the meat altogether and bulk up the soup with white beans or mushrooms for that satisfying umami feel.
Why the Slow Cooker Matters
The slow cooker isn’t just a convenience it’s a technique. By gently cooking over several hours, it allows each ingredient to soften and integrate harmoniously. The onions mellow out, the carrots and celery tenderize, and the broth becomes infused with every spice and flavor added.
For home cooks who love to meal prep, this method is a lifesaver. You can assemble the ingredients in the morning, let it simmer while you work or run errands, and return home to a dish that’s ready to serve. And because it reheats beautifully, you can store leftovers for easy lunches or lazy-day dinners.
Tips for Customization
One of the beauties of this soup is how easily it can be customized to suit dietary preferences, ingredient availability, or mood.
Want more vegetables?
Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini toward the last hour of cooking. These will soften nicely without disintegrating into the soup.
Craving more spice?
Use hot Italian sausage, or toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Even a splash of chili oil can give it an extra warming kick.
Feeding kids or picky eaters?
Stick to classic cheese tortellini and mild sausage. The creamy broth and pasta are familiar and comforting, making it a family-friendly choice.
Need it dairy-free?
Swap the evaporated milk with unsweetened almond milk and use a plant-based thickener instead of cornstarch. While it won’t be quite as rich, you can still achieve a deliciously creamy texture with a few adjustments.
What to Serve With Tortellini Soup
This soup is a meal in itself, but pairing it with the right side can elevate the experience.
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Crusty bread or garlic knots are ideal for dipping into the creamy broth.
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A fresh Caesar or arugula salad provides a crisp contrast to the richness of the soup.
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For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside a simple antipasto platter with olives, cured meats, and marinated vegetables.
And let’s not forget the finishing touches. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan, some fresh basil or parsley, and a crack of black pepper just before serving make a world of difference in both flavor and presentation.
How to Store and Reheat
Like many soups, this one tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid boiling the soup, especially if you used dairy, as high heat can cause the broth to separate or curdle.
You might need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating, as the tortellini will absorb some liquid over time.
Nutritional Value
While creamy soups can often be considered indulgent, this version strikes a solid balance. By using evaporated milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and skipping flour, the soup is lighter than its traditional counterparts.
Paired with vegetables like spinach, carrots, and celery, and protein from the sausage and tortellini filling, this dish manages to feel both wholesome and satisfying. If you’re counting calories or watching sodium, you can easily modify the recipe by choosing low-sodium broth, lean meat, and lighter dairy alternatives.
Conclusion: A Staple Worth Making Again and Again
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup isn’t just a recipe it’s an invitation. An invitation to gather around the table, to enjoy comfort food with a little bit of health-conscious flair, and to embrace the joys of slow cooking without the stress.
It’s a dish that brings warmth to the home, whether you’re curled up on a cold evening or just want something soothing and delicious with minimal effort. With its rich, savory base, tender tortellini, and vibrant vegetables, it offers a satisfying experience that both novice and seasoned home cooks can enjoy making again and again.
The best part? You can make it your own add more spice, more greens, swap the sausage, or go vegetarian. No matter how you customize it, one thing’s for sure: this soup is pure comfort in a bowl.