This Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini Soup is the perfect cozy, comforting meal for busy days. With tender cheese-filled tortellini, savory broth, hearty vegetables, and rich creaminess, this soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Readers who love slow cooker meals will appreciate how simple, flexible, and family-friendly this recipe is—just set it, let the flavors develop, and finish with the tortellini near the end for the perfect texture. Whether you're feeding a crowd or prepping for the week, this warm, satisfying soup is a guaranteed hit.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on LOW) or 3 to 4 hours (on HIGH)
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Yield: 6 bowls of soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or hot), browned and drained (optional but recommended for flavor)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed or diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 package (18–20 ounces) refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1 to 1½ cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Directions
- Prepare the sausage (if using).
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned. Drain excess grease and transfer to the slow cooker.
Tip: Browning the sausage adds depth of flavor and prevents the soup from becoming greasy. - Add base ingredients.
Add diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine. - Slow cook the soup base.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the onion to soften. - Add tortellini and cream.
Stir in the cheese tortellini and heavy cream. Continue cooking on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender.
Warning: Adding tortellini too early will cause them to overcook and fall apart, so always add near the end. - Add fresh greens.
Stir in the spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking, just until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Serve warm.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, or fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values
- Calories: 435
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 1,120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 34g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 21g
Pro-Tip:
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Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Cheese Tortellini Soup is everything you want in a comforting, satisfying meal—rich, creamy, and layered with hearty flavors that come together effortlessly. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleaser during colder months, and an excellent addition to any slow-cooker recipe collection. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, anyone can achieve great results. Enjoy a warm bowl today, and feel free to customize it with extra veggies, spicy sausage, or different greens to make it your own!
