Name: Creamy Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb. ground Italian sausage; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups beef broth; 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, drained; Salt and pepper to taste; 20 oz. frozen or fresh cheese tortellini (about 4 cups); 3 oz. fresh baby spinach, tightly packed (about 3 cups); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 cup heavy cream

This slow cooker recipe is pure comfort in a bowl—packed with rich Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a luscious creamy broth. Trust me, the Creamy Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe is a game-changer for cozy nights when you want something hearty yet effortless.

A white bowl filled with creamy soup showing three layers: a light orange creamy broth base with specks of black pepper, yellow tortellini pasta floating in the soup, and chunks of brown cooked meat and green wilted spinach scattered throughout. There are also small pieces of red tomato mixed inside, with a silver spoon resting in the bowl's edge. The bowl is held by two woman's hands above a white marbled surface with a dark gray cloth nearby and another bowl of the soup slightly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, there’s something magical about how this creamy tortellini soup comes together in the slow cooker. I love that it’s mostly hands-off but delivers that fresh-from-the-pot flavor every time. Whether it’s a chilly day or just a weeknight when you want comfort without fuss, this soup checks all the boxes.

Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: You can set it and forget it, making dinner prep stress-free.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: Italian sausage and tomato paste bring savory depth, while the creamy broth rounds everything out.
Hearty & Filling: The cheese tortellini and spinach add texture and nutrition, making it a complete meal in one bowl.
Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, so you get to enjoy that deliciousness even the next day.

Two white bowls sit on a white marbled surface, filled with creamy orange soup layered with small tortellini pasta, chunks of browned sausage, bright green spinach leaves, and pieces of red tomato. The soup has a smooth texture with visible specks of black pepper. One bowl has a silver spoon resting inside, and near the top right are two shiny silver spoons crossed over each other. A striped gray cloth is casually placed on the left side next to the bowls, and a small white bowl filled with mixed peppercorns is in the bottom right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Creamy Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe play off each other wonderfully. The Italian sausage gives a bold, savory base, while the tender tortellini and spinach lighten the soup. Using beef broth and tomato paste adds umami richness, and finishing with cream and Parmesan brings that silky texture we crave in a comforting soup.

Flat lay of a medium yellow onion diced into pieces, two whole cloves of garlic unpeeled, fresh raw ground Italian sausage in a small mound, a small white ceramic bowl with rich red tomato paste, a small white bowl filled with mixed dried Italian herbs, a small white bowl holding finely sifted all-purpose flour, a simple white bowl containing dark beef broth, two white ceramic bowls each holding bright red drained diced tomatoes, a few whole black peppercorns and coarse sea salt crystals scattered neatly, fresh cheese tortellini pasta – plump and creamy-colored, fresh baby spinach leaves tightly piled, a small white bowl with grated Parmesan cheese piled high, a small white ceramic bowl with thick heavy cream placed alongside, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and proportionally, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed—don’t skip this step for flavor!
Garlic: The classic flavor booster that makes everything taste homemade.
Ground Italian sausage: This is the star protein—choose your favorite spicy or sweet variety.
Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that amps up both color and tang.
Italian seasoning: The blend of herbs ties the whole flavor profile together.
All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the soup gently without lumps.
Beef broth: Provides meaty richness—homemade or good-quality store-bought works well.
Diced tomatoes: Adds brightness and texture—drain excess liquid to keep soup creamy.
Salt and pepper: Essentials for seasoning—adjust to taste after cooking.
Cheese tortellini: Fresh or frozen, they soak up all the flavors and bring indulgent cheesiness.
Baby spinach: Tossed in at the end for a pop of color and freshness.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty savoriness and helps thicken the soup.
Heavy cream: For that velvety finish—you’ll want this to make the soup irresistible.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I often tweak this soup depending on what I have on hand or my mood—it adapts well to little changes. I love adding extra veggies if I want a super hearty version or swapping out the sausage for ground turkey when I want a lighter option.

Spicy Variation: I add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage to give the soup a little kick—it warms me right up!
Vegetable Boost: Toss in diced zucchini or mushrooms halfway through cooking for more texture and nutrition.
Dairy-Free Swap: Try coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan to keep it creamy but friendly for dairy sensitivities.
Broth Alternatives: Chicken broth works just as well if you don’t have beef broth; it lightens the flavor slightly but tastes delicious.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Base Flavors

Start by sautéing the diced yellow onion and minced garlic over medium-high heat until they become soft and fragrant, around 2 minutes. This step wakes up those aromatics and sets the foundation for the whole soup—don’t rush it or you’ll miss that deep flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Italian Sausage

Add the ground Italian sausage to the skillet along with tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned but not overcooked. This step releases the sausage’s fat and flavor, which is key to a rich soup. Once done, transfer the meat mixture to your slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Flour and Broth

Whisk the all-purpose flour into the beef broth to avoid lumps, then pour this mixture over the sausage in the slow cooker. The flour helps thicken the soup gently, so it’s creamy but not heavy.

Step 4: Toss in Tomatoes and Season

Add your drained diced tomatoes, then season the whole soup with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all those flavors, then cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours. I usually pick high if I’m making this on a weeknight.

Step 5: Final Ingredients and Finish Cooking

About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the cheese tortellini, fresh baby spinach, grated Parmesan, and heavy cream. Let the soup cook on high for 10 more minutes or until the tortellini is tender. This last step adds the creamy, cheesy goodness and fresh greens that pull it all together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up every drop. The contrast of the creamy soup and crunchy bread is one of my favorite parts!

Top Tip

I’ve made this soup dozens of times and learned a few tricks that really help it shine — here’s what you don’t want to miss:

Sauté First: Never skip sautéing the onions, garlic, and sausage. This step builds flavor you can’t get from just throwing everything in the slow cooker.
Drain the Tomatoes: Draining the canned tomatoes prevents the soup from getting too watery while keeping that fresh tomato flavor.
Don’t Overcook Tortellini: Add it near the end so it stays tender and doesn’t turn gummy.
Adjust Seasoning Last: After cooking, taste and add salt or pepper as needed—slow cooker dishes sometimes need a final boost.

How to Serve Creamy Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe

Creamy Tortellini Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top and add a few fresh basil leaves if I have them. A drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds personality. These simple garnishes brighten the soup and take it up a notch.

Side Dishes

My go-to pairing is a crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also complements the richness of the soup perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving this soup in mini bread bowls—it’s fun and makes a cozy presentation. You can also ladle it into pretty bowls topped with microgreens or shaved Parmesan for a little wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup thickens as it chills, so I usually add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but I recommend freezing before adding the tortellini and cream. Those are best added fresh when reheating to keep the texture perfect. Just thaw and finish cooking with the final ingredients.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often. Add a splash of broth if it feels too thick, and if you froze it without tortellini and cream, add them during reheating and cook until tender.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative and works well with this recipe. Just brown it the same way for plenty of flavor.

Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the sausage and vegetables in a large pot, add broth and tomatoes, then simmer until flavors meld, about 30 minutes. Stir in tortellini, spinach, cream, and Parmesan at the end until cooked through.

What type of tortellini should I use?

Fresh or frozen cheese tortellini both work beautifully. Just be sure to adjust cooking time so they don’t overcook and become mushy.

How creamy is this soup—will it feel heavy?

This soup is rich and creamy but balanced with the tomatoes and spinach so it doesn’t feel overly heavy. The cream and Parmesan add indulgence while keeping it silky and comforting.

Final Thoughts

Making this Creamy Tortellini Soup with Italian Sausage Recipe has become a little ritual for me when I want something warming and indulgent without fuss. It’s one of those recipes I’m always excited to share with friends because it feels like a hug in a bowl—and I think you’ll feel the same way. Give it a try, and let it become your cozy dinner go-to!