Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup

Introduction

When temperatures drop and days grow shorter, few meals feel as comforting and satisfying as a warm, creamy bowl of soup. Slow-cooked soups, in particular, have a way of filling the kitchen with inviting aromas while quietly developing rich, layered flavors over several hours. This Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup is the perfect example of a cold-weather favorite that combines convenience, comfort, and bold flavor in one hearty dish.

This recipe brings together savory Italian sausage, classic soup vegetables, tender cheese-filled tortellini, and a luxuriously creamy broth. It is inspired by traditional American comfort food with subtle Italian influences, making it familiar yet exciting. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the ingredients to simmer gently and meld together into a soup that tastes like it has been carefully tended all day.

What makes this soup especially appealing is its versatility. It’s substantial enough to serve a crowd, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. At the same time, it’s simple enough to prepare on a busy weekday, with just a short prep time before the slow cooker takes over. The addition of spinach at the end provides freshness and balance, while the tortellini adds a soft, comforting texture that makes every spoonful satisfying.

In this article, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of the ingredients, step-by-step preparation instructions, helpful cooking tips, and answers to frequently asked questions. Whether you’re new to slow cooker recipes or an experienced home cook looking for a reliable soup to add to your rotation, this creamy sausage and tortellini soup is sure to become a seasonal staple.

Ingredients

This recipe yields approximately 10 servings, making it perfect for feeding a group or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. Each ingredient plays an important role in building the soup’s flavor, texture, and comforting character.

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground Italian sausage, browned
  Italian sausage provides rich, savory flavor and acts as the foundation of the soup.
  (May be substituted with ground chicken, turkey, or beef if desired.)
• 1 onion, chopped
  Adds sweetness and depth to the broth as it cooks.
• 2 carrots, chopped
  Bring natural sweetness, color, and texture.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
  Provide classic soup flavor and aromatic balance.
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
  Enhance the savory profile with bold, comforting aroma.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  A blend of herbs that ties the soup together with familiar, comforting flavors.
• 2 teaspoons beef or chicken bouillon
  Intensifies the broth and adds depth without overpowering the soup.
• ½ teaspoon salt
  Enhances and balances all the flavors.
• 4 cups broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable)
  Forms the liquid base of the soup.
• ¼ cup cornstarch, dissolved in ¼ cup water
  Thickens the soup to a creamy, hearty consistency.
• 36 oz evaporated milk or half-and-half
  Creates a rich, creamy texture without the heaviness of heavy cream.
• 12 oz cheese tortellini (fresh or dried)
  Adds heartiness and makes the soup a complete, filling meal.
• 5 cups baby spinach
  Adds color, freshness, and nutritional value.
• 1 cup milk, plus more as needed
  Adjusts the final consistency to your preference.
• Salt and pepper, to taste
  For final seasoning before serving.

Preparation Method

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Begin by browning the ground Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain off any excess grease to prevent the soup from becoming overly oily.

Browning the sausage before adding it to the slow cooker enhances flavor and improves the overall texture of the soup.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into evenly sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure they distribute evenly throughout the soup.

Uniformly chopped vegetables cook more evenly and create a consistent texture in the final dish.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned sausage to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic on top.

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, bouillon, and salt, then pour in the broth of your choice. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Soup Base

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook:

• On low for 7–8 hours, or
• On high for 4 hours

During this time, the vegetables soften, the sausage flavors the broth, and the soup develops depth and richness.

Step 5: Skim and Thicken

Once the cooking time is complete, carefully skim any excess fat from the surface of the soup if needed.

Whisk together the cornstarch and water to form a smooth slurry. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup while stirring. Then add the evaporated milk or half-and-half, stirring until fully incorporated.

This step transforms the broth into a creamy, velvety base.

Step 6: Add Tortellini

Add the cheese tortellini to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for about 45 minutes, or until the tortellini is tender and the soup has thickened slightly.

Stir occasionally to prevent the tortellini from sticking.

Step 7: Add Spinach and Milk

Stir in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt naturally in the hot soup. This should take about 5–10 minutes.

Add 1 cup of milk, stirring gently. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more milk a little at a time until the soup reaches your desired creaminess.

Step 8: Final Seasoning and Serving

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Serve warm with crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy a bowl of rich, comforting flavor.

Tips for Best Results

• Brown the sausage before slow cooking for deeper flavor.
• Add tortellini near the end to prevent overcooking.
• Stir gently after adding dairy to maintain a smooth texture.
• Adjust thickness gradually with milk to suit personal preference.
• Let the soup rest briefly before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs wonderfully with:

• Crusty artisan bread
• Garlic bread
• Simple green salads
• Roasted vegetables

These sides balance the creaminess and make the meal feel complete.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
• Freezing: The soup can be frozen, though the texture of tortellini may soften slightly upon reheating.

Conclusion and Frequently Asked Questions

This Slow Cooker Creamy Sausage & Tortellini Soup is the kind of recipe that brings warmth, comfort, and satisfaction to the table with minimal effort. Its rich, creamy broth, tender tortellini, and savory sausage make it a reliable favorite during colder months, while its generous yield makes it ideal for sharing or meal prep.

Below are answers to common questions to help you make the most of this recipe.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, ground chicken, turkey, or beef can be used as substitutes.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

3. Will dried tortellini work?
Yes, both fresh and dried tortellini are suitable for this recipe.

4. How can I make the soup thicker?
Add a little more cornstarch slurry or reduce added milk slightly.

5. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, additional vegetables can be added as long as they don’t overpower the soup.

6. How do I prevent the soup from becoming too thick?
Add extra milk or broth gradually until the desired consistency is reached.

7. Is this soup good for large gatherings?
Absolutely. With 10 servings, it’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.