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This crockpot sausage tortellini soup is the kind of cozy dinner you crave when the temperature drops. Italian sausage gives the broth incredible flavor, the tortellini make it hearty and filling, and the creamy base pulls everything together in the most comforting way. It comes together quickly and can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps.
Why You'll Love This Sausage and Tortellini Soup Recipe
This soup checks every box for a comforting, family-friendly dinner. The sausage seasons the whole pot, so the broth tastes slow-simmered even though it cooks fast. The gluten-free tortellini from Taste Republic holds up beautifully and cooks quickly without falling apart. If you need a dairy-free version, Nutpods and Kite Hill cream cheese melt smoothly for a creamy texture that stays stable.
The broth gets a savory boost from tomato paste and spices, and the spinach softens right at the end so it stays bright. If you love creamy dinner soups like my Creamy Marry Me Chicken Soup or my Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup, this one belongs in your rotation.
Flavor, ease, and weeknight practicality all in one bowl!
Ingredients You'll Need
- Italian sausage: Adds depth and seasons the broth naturally.
- Onion, celery, carrots, and garlic: Builds a flavorful base for the soup.
- Tomato paste: Gives the broth richness and a little body.
- Chicken broth: Keeps things light while still tasting hearty.
- Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt: Balance the sausage and broth.
- Gluten-free tortellini: Taste Republic cooks quickly and stays tender. I rely on gluten-free tortellini that hold up in soup, and Taste Republic has never fallen apart on me.
- Garlic and Herb Boursin Cheese: Melts into the broth for a creamy finish. Use Kite Hill chive cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Half and half or Nutpods: Creates a silky texture without being heavy.
- Spinach: Wilts right at the end and adds a fresh finish.
- Parmesan: Optional, but delicious for topping.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sausage Tortellini Soup
Step 1: Brown the sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it into small pieces as it cooks until no longer pink.
Step 2: Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and smell fragrant. Stir in the tomato paste.
Step 3: Transfer everything to the slow cooker if you were not sautéing inside the insert.
Step 4: Add the broth, salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours or low for 4 to 6 hours.
Step 5: About 30 minutes before serving, turn the heat to high. Add the tortellini, Boursin or dairy-free cream cheese, and half and half or Nutpods.
Step 6: Stir until smooth and cook until the tortellini are tender. If the soup starts to look very thick as the tortellini cook, add a splash of broth to loosen it.
Step 7: Stir in the chopped spinach until wilted.
Step 8: Taste and adjust the seasoning. Serve warm with parmesan if you like.
Recipe Tips
- For a creamy broth that does not separate: Add the cream element after the soup has cooked and returned to a gentle heat. This keeps the broth smooth.
- To prevent mushy tortellini: Add them during the last 10 to 15 minutes. Gluten-free varieties cook even faster, so watch closely.
- If your soup tastes too salty: Use low-sodium broth or add a splash of water before adjusting the seasonings.
- For more greens: Kale works well and holds its texture.
Recipe FAQs
Yes. Use dairy free Boursin cheese or Kite Hill chive cream cheese and Nutpods. They blend smoothly and keep the broth creamy.
You can, but it may need a few more minutes to soften.
Creamy tortellini soups do not freeze well because the pasta absorbs liquid. For best results, refrigerate leftovers and reheat gently.
Avoid boiling after adding the dairy. A gentle simmer keeps everything smooth.
More Cozy Soups
- Fall Soup Recipes
- 8 High Protein Gluten Free Soups
- Copycat Chick Fil A Tortilla Soup
- Dairy Free Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup in the Slow Cooker (GF)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage, use hot Italian sausage if preferred
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 16 oz gluten free tortellini, I like the Taste Republic brand – any brand works!
- 1 package Boursin Garlic & Herb Cheese, sub 1 container Kite Hill chive cream cheese for dairy free
- ¾ cup half & half, sub original Nutpods for dairy free
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- grated parmesan, for serving, optional
Instructions
- Heat a medium skillet over medium high heat. Add the sausage cook on medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Alternatively, saute right in the crock pot if yours has that capability.
- Add the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic to the pan / pot with the sausage and saute for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the tomato paste and stir.
- Add the mixture to the crock pot if not already sautéed in there. Pour in the chicken broth and add the salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-6 hours.
- 30 minutes before you are ready to serve, turn the heat to high. Add in the frozen tortellini, Boursin cheese, and half and half. Stir until the cheese is melted. Cook on high for 10-15 minutes until the tortellini is cooked through and the soup is hot.
- Add in the chopped spinach and stir 1-2 minutes until wilted.Serve with parmesan cheese and enjoy!
Nutrition
All nutrition facts are an estimate and automatically calculated. While I fact check them using My Fitness Pal, please note that they may not always be 100% accurate and depend on ingredients used. Weigh your total and divide by the number of servings for the most accurate grams per serving size.
This soup is so delicious and easy to make. My husband said it’s the best soup he’s ever tasted. 10/10. This will be in my rotation from now on. Thank you!
Hi, Can this be made on the stove top?
This was delish!!! Family loved it. 10 out 10
This soup was soooo good! I loved it. Even made eit for my coworkers & got so many compliments & recipe requests. Definitely make this one!