Crockpot Tortellini Soup is a cozy, comforting meal full of cheesy tortellini, tender veggies, and a rich tomato broth that simmers all day to blend the flavors perfectly. It’s a hands-off recipe that lets the slow cooker do all the work so you can come home to warmth and deliciousness without any fuss.
I love making this soup when I want something easy but still really satisfying. The tortellini cooks right in the crockpot, soaking up all the tasty broth, and the mix of carrots, celery, and herbs gives it a lovely fresh touch. I always find it so rewarding to walk into the house and smell that inviting aroma greeting me.
My favorite way to serve this soup is with a big crusty piece of bread on the side for dipping. It’s perfect for chilly days when you just want to sit down with a bowl and relax. Plus, it’s one of those dishes that everyone seems to enjoy, so it’s great for sharing with family or friends without any stress in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Italian Sausage: This adds great flavor and richness. If you want to lighten it up, try ground turkey or omit it for a vegetarian option—just add extra veggies or beans for protein.
Tortellini: Cheese tortellini is classic here, but you can swap for spinach or mushroom-filled. Frozen or refrigerated both work well; just add them towards the end to avoid overcooking.
Chicken Broth: The base for the soup’s flavor. Use vegetable broth if you prefer vegetarian or want a milder taste. Low-sodium versions help control salt levels.
Veggies (Carrot, Celery, Onion, Spinach): These add texture and freshness. Feel free to add zucchini, bell peppers, or kale depending on what you have on hand.
Parmesan Cheese: Stirred in at the end, it creates a creamy depth. Pecorino Romano or asiago are great alternatives. You can skip or use a dairy-free cheese for dietary needs.
How Do I Prevent Tortellini from Getting Mushy in the Crockpot?
Tortellini cooks quickly and can become mushy if left in the crockpot too long.
- Add tortellini only in the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- Use the high setting for this final step to cook them through without sitting too long.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time once added; taste test to know when they’re perfectly tender but still hold shape.
This way, the tortellini stays soft and plump, adding just the right texture to your cozy soup without turning to mush.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – This is key for easy, hands-off cooking that blends flavors over time.
- Skillet – For browning the sausage and sautéing veggies before adding to the crockpot.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – Perfect for stirring the soup gently without scratching your cookware.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To get the broth, spices, and seasoning just right.
- Knife and cutting board – Essential for chopping veggies and herbs fresh.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken to lighten the soup while keeping protein.
- Add chopped kale or zucchini for extra green veggies and texture.
- Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of canned for a richer, tangy tomato flavor.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage for a bit of heat if you like it spicy.
How to Make Crockpot Tortellini Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy, optional)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 1 (14 oz/400 g) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (8 oz/225 g) package refrigerated or frozen cheese tortellini
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare, then cooks in your crockpot for 5-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Add the tortellini and spinach during the last 20 minutes of cooking, so the pasta stays tender and perfect.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Veggies:
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until nicely browned and cooked through. If there’s extra fat, drain it out. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery to the skillet and sauté for about 3-5 minutes until the veggies soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Transfer the cooked sausage and vegetables to your crockpot. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir everything together gently.
3. Slow Cook the Soup:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The soup will simmer slowly, allowing all the flavors to mix and the vegetables to become tender.
4. Add Tortellini and Spinach:
About 20 minutes before you’re ready to eat, gently stir the tortellini and chopped spinach into the soup. Cover and cook on high for 15-20 minutes, until the tortellini are tender but still hold their shape.
5. Finish and Serve:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Tortellini in This Crockpot Soup?
Yes! Frozen tortellini works perfectly. Just add it during the last 20 minutes of cooking so it doesn’t overcook and become mushy.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup up to step 5, then refrigerate. Add the tortellini and spinach only when reheating to keep them fresh and tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
Can I Substitute Sausage with Another Protein?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even cooked beans are great alternatives if you want a lighter or vegetarian version.
