Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup

The base is a flavorful blend of crushed tomatoes, marinara, garlic, and herbs that simmers with browned chicken sausage until rich and savory. Then, just before serving, in go the tortellini and spinach. Everything cooks up in one pot with barely any hands-on time, and it tastes like something you'd get from a cozy Italian restaurant.

We love using spinach and ricotta tortellini for that creamy, cheesy bite in every spoonful, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. It's flexible, filling, and a hit with both kids and grown-ups. Even better? It makes a ton, so you'll have leftovers for lunch the next day (and yes, it's even better than that!).

Before You Get Started

A few quick tips to make this recipe even easier and more delicious, especially if you're prepping ahead or trying it for the first time.

• Brown your sausage first: It adds a ton of flavor and helps build that rich, savory base.
• Choose a tortellini that holds up: Smaller or sturdier Tortellini (like spinach and ricotta or cheese Tortellini) work best and won't fall apart in the slow cooker.
• No sauté feature? No problem: Just brown everything in a skillet first. Totally worth the extra pan!
• Use good tomatoes and marinara: A high-quality, no-sugar-added marinara (and crushed San Marzano tomatoes if you can find them) really makes the flavor pop.
• Add the tortellini at the end: Don't be tempted to toss it in early. It only needs about 15 minutes to cook perfectly.

How to Make This Easy Crock Pot Tortellini Soup Recipe

Here's how to build big flavor with minimal effort, letting your slow cooker do most of the heavy lifting.

1. Brown the Sausage, Onion, and Garlic

Cook the sausage in a skillet until browned and crumbled, then add diced onion and garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant. (If your slow cooker has a sauté setting, even easier.)

2. Add to the Slow Cooker with Liquids and Spices

Transfer everything to the slow cooker, then stir in crushed tomatoes, marinara, chicken broth, dried basil, and oregano. Let it simmer on low heat for a few hours.

Pro tip: If you don't have dried basil and oregano, feel free to use 1 tsp of Italian seasoning instead!

3. Add Tortellini and Spinach

Toward the end of cooking, add your frozen or fresh tortellini along with the spinach. Cover and cook until the pasta is tender and the greens are wilted.

4. Finish and Serve

Ladle into bowls and top with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and torn fresh basil. Serve this hearty soup with crusty bread or a side salad for the perfect easy dinner!

Tips and Tricks for the Best Slow Cooker Soup

These simple swaps and upgrades help customize your soup based on what you have on hand (or what your crew loves most).

• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of ricotta right before serving for a richer, velvety finish.
• Double it for meal prep: This soup stores well, so go ahead and make a double batch. Your future self will thank you.
• Use tortellini instead: No tortellini? Cheese tortellini works great and adds a different texture.
• Toss in extra vegetables: Zucchini, mushrooms, or chopped kale would be delicious and boost the nutrition.
• Add fiber: Reduce the amount of tortellini in the recipe and add some cannellini beans for extra fiber!
• Want more heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes with the spices or top with a spoonful of chili crisp.

Serving Ideas

This delicious soup is cozy on its own but even better when paired with one of these easy sides or toppings.

• With warm, crusty garlic bread for dunking
• Topped with a swirl of pesto or a dollop of ricotta
• Alongside a big green salad with balsamic vinaigrette

Storage and Reheating

Got leftovers? Here's how to keep them tasting fresh and flavorful for days (or even weeks).

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• Leftovers tip: If the pasta soaks up too much broth, treat it like a pasta bake—top with cheese and broil it for a second life!