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Imagine a bowl of  Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup. As you lift the lid of the slow cooker, a wave of savory aromas fills the air—rich Italian sausage, mingling with the earthy scent of sautéed vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach. This Broccoli And Cheese are pure comfort in a bowl, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or enjoying as a satisfying meal any time of the year. Surprisingly, this tortellini soup is thick and creamy and it uses NO flour, NO heavy cream, and NO roux. How did I do that? Follow along to find out more.

Close-up image of an iron ladle completely submerged in the rich and creamy tortellini soup.

What Sets This Tortellini Soup Apart?

Another day, another Slow Cooker masterpiece—and this one’s all about tortellini soup. I’ve poured a little extra creativity into this recipe, combining my love for turning indulgent, heavy cream-based dishes into lighter, healthier versions without losing the flavor punch you crave. No compromises here, just pure, delicious comfort in every spoonful of tortellini soup. And that’s not all—our recipes always prioritize ease and simplicity while delivering restaurant-quality results.

This is one of those magical, set-it-and-forget-it creations. Toss your ingredients into the slow cooker before heading out, and by the time you’re back, your home will be filled with the mouthwatering aroma of something extraordinary. No extra steps, no fuss—just grab your bowls, and dinner is ready!

Slow Cooker Tortellini: Key Ingredients

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Image of all the ingredients needed for the preparation of this recipe, specifically: milk, celery, water, tortellini, cream, italian sausage, bouillon, cornstarch. salt, italian herb mix, garlic, carrot, onion, and stock.

The magic of this tortellini soup lies in its key ingredients. Savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, and a hint of garlic come together to create a comforting, flavor-packed bowl.

  • Ground Italian Sausage: This is the flavor powerhouse of the dish. It adds a rich, savory depth and a touch of spice that perfectly complements the creamy broth. For those looking for alternative options, ground chicken or turkey works well while keeping it lighter.
  • Three-Cheese Tortellini: The star ingredient used in both this recipe and Minestrone! These little cheese-filled pockets not only provide a touch of indulgence but also make the soup hearty and satisfying. Using dried tortellini ensures a longer cooking time without them falling apart, though any flavor choice can add a unique twist.
  • Evaporated Milk or Half-and-Half: A brilliant alternative to heavy cream, it creates a luscious, creamy texture without overloading the dish with calories. This is key to achieving that signature creamy broth that feels indulgent yet light.
  • Cornstarch Slurry: The secret weapon for thickening the soup! This simple combination of cornstarch and water creates a smooth, velvety broth without the need for flour or roux, making the recipe lighter while maintaining that creamy consistency.

*Note: Please see Recipe Card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Additions And Substitutions

When it comes to Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup, versatility is everything. Don’t have every ingredient in your pantry? No problem—this recipe is forgiving and packed with alternatives to keep the flavors bold, comforting, and just as delicious.

  • Italian Sausage: The flavor powerhouse! It adds a savory, bold depth with a touch of spice that enhances the creamy broth. Prefer something lighter? Ground chicken, turkey, or beef works beautifully, or skip it entirely for a vegetarian option.
  • Three-Cheese Tortellini: The undeniable star of tortellini soup! These cheese-filled pockets make the dish hearty and indulgent. Dried tortellini is ideal for longer cooking times, but fresh works too—just keep an eye on it as it cooks faster. Any flavor will do!
  • Evaporated Milk or Half-and-Half: This is what gives the tortellini soup its luscious, creamy texture without the heaviness of traditional cream. Want something richer? Feel free to swap it for heavy cream for an indulgent touch.
  • Cornstarch Slurry: The secret to a velvety, thick broth. This simple mix of cornstarch and water lightens the soup while still delivering a silky texture—no flour or roux needed!

Making Perfect Tortellini Soup: Step-By-Step

Ready to whip up a comforting and creamy Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup? Follow these easy steps, complete with images to guide you along the way. You’ll create a hearty, flavor-packed tortellini soup featuring savory Italian sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh vegetables that’s guaranteed to warm hearts and impress everyone at the table.

  1. Combine Ingredients: Place the browned sausage, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, bouillon powder, salt, and broth into a slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours.
  1. Skim Fat: Uncover the soup and gently skim any fat off the surface using a spoon. Discard the fat before continuing.
  1. Add Creaminess: Stir the cornstarch mixture into the soup along with evaporated milk or your preferred cream substitute.
  1. Cook Tortellini: Add the tortellini and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for 45 minutes until the soup thickens and the tortellini is tender.
  1. Add Spinach: Stir in the spinach, pressing the leaves into the liquid. Cover again and cook for 5-10 minutes until wilted.
  1. Adjust Consistency: If needed, pour in milk gradually to reach your desired thickness. Taste and season with extra salt and pepper, if necessary.

And there you have it—your Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is ready to serve! It’s everything you could want in a comfort meal: savory, creamy, and packed with flavor. If you loved this comforting bowl, why not explore even more soul-warming options?

Take your soup game to the next level with our collection of cozy favorites. Try our Creamy Roaste Tomato Basil Soup for a tangy twist that’s both comforting and timeless, perfect for pairing with a crusty piece of bread or grilled cheese. Craving something indulgent? The Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup is a velvety, cheesy delight that’s sure to satisfy or my delectable Lobster Tails that will bring you to cloud nine. For a hearty, protein-packed option, our Ham and Bean Soup is a must-try, combining rich flavors with nourishing ingredients. And if you’re short on time, the 10-Minute White Parmesan Spinach Soup is a lifesaver—it’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together faster than you can set the table.

Recipe FAQ’s

CAN I MAKE THIS TORTELLINI SOUP WITHOUT MEAT?

Absolutely! You can leave out the meat entirely for a vegetarian version. The soup will still be hearty and flavorful, thanks to the tortellini and vegetables.

CAN I USE FRESH TORTELLINI INSTEAD OF DRIED?

Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that fresh tortellini cooks faster, so you’ll need to adjust the cooking time to prevent it from getting too soft.

CAN I MAKE TORTELLINI SOUP IN A POT INSTEAD OF A SLOW COOKER?

Yes, you can! Simply cook everything on the stovetop over medium heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer once the ingredients are combined, and adjust cooking times as needed.

HOW DO I REHEAT LEFTOVERS WITHOUT CURDLING THE CREAM?

Reheat the soup gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling it, as that can cause the cream to separate.

Close-up of a ladle lifting a portion of the soup, showcasing tender tortellini, vibrant spinach leaves, hearty Italian sausage, and chunks of carrot before serving it into a bowl.

Video

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4.57 from 153 votes

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 10 people
Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup is pure comfort food, loaded with vegetables, Italian sausage and cheese tortellini! NO flour and NO heavy cream!
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Ingredients 
 

  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground chicken, turkey or beef, browned
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 2 large carrots chopped
  • 2 celery stalks chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 teaspoon beef bouillon powder or chicken
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 cups beef broth or chicken or vegetable broth — I use low sodium
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch mixed and dissolved in 1/4 cup water
  • 36 ounces evaporated milk or half and half
  • 12 ounce packet three cheese tortellini I used dried not fresh; choose any flavour you like
  • 5 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup milk

Instructions 

  • Place the browned sausage, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, Italian seasoning, beef bouillon powder, salt, and broth in a 6-quart / litre slow cooker bowl. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 hours.
  • Uncover and skim any fat that is sitting on the top of the soup with a spoon; discard. Stir in the cornstarch mixture with the evaporated milk (or half and half or cream). Add the tortellini and mix well. Cover again and cook on HIGH heat setting for a further 45 minutes until the soup has thickened, and the tortellini is soft and cooked through.
  • Add in the spinach, pressing the leaves down to completely submerse into the liquid. Cover again for a further 5-10 minutes until the leaves have wilted.
  • Pour in milk in 1/3 cup increments, as needed, to reach your desired thickness and consistency (I needed 1 cup); taste test and season with extra salt ONLY if needed, and pepper to suit your tastes.
  • Serve with crusty warmed bread

Notes

*Italian sausage gives this soup an amazing flavour, but you can substitute it with ground chicken, turkey or beef sausage. OR use plain ground meats if you don’t like sausage. For vegetarian options, leave the meat out all together.
The soup thickens as it cools and absorbs quite a lot of liquid. Extra milk may be needed when reheating leftovers to reach your desired level of creaminess.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 88mg | Sodium: 1.352mg | Potassium: 666mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 3.801IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 391mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this? Leave a comment below!

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Hey Good Food Lovers! It’s nice to see you! My name is Karina. Welcome to Cafe Delites, my beloved space for the last 10 years where my passion for food has flourished and connected millions!

4.57 from 153 votes (57 ratings without comment)

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262 Comments

  1. Jamie says:

    5 stars
    I just made this tonight -and it was awesome! I did a vegetarian version, so I used chopped up spicy veggie sausage patties and vegetable broth. I forgot to buy milk, so I used half a cup of cream. I definitely will be making this again!

  2. Erin says:

    5 stars
    I made this for dinner tonight and witnessed a small miracle. (Who am I kidding, it was a HUGE miracle!) Both of my children ate it all, no complaints, asked for seconds, and declared it was their new favorite food, even better than pizza. My very picky child ate all of the vegetables.
    I made it on the stove, and added an extra cup of broth. I used one can of evaporated milk, a cup of cream and a cup of milk.
    It was delicious! Thank you!

  3. Michaela says:

    How many quarts should my slow cooker be for this amount of servings?
    Thanks!

    1. Karina says:

      6 quarts 🙂

  4. Alexis O'Hara says:

    Not a spinach fan. Wondering if Kale would be a good substitute?

    1. Karina says:

      Hi Alexis. Yes, perfect.

  5. Nicole says:

    I’m using frozen spinach. When is the best time to add it?

    1. Karina says:

      Nicole you will need to thaw it first to room temperature and at it at the end. Adding frozen spinach will lower the temp of the slow cooker and will cause a longer cook time.

  6. Jose says:

    I saw a few people mentioned cooking the tortellini separate and storing it separately to keep the noodles from getting mushy. Have you had any experience with that?

    1. Karina says:

      Hi Jose. No I haven’t tried that and feel we never need too. The Tortellini doesn’t get mushy when we’ve stored it and reheated it! I hope that helps!

  7. Jen M says:

    Can this soup be made on the stove top instead of a slow cooker?? And do any of the directions change because of it?( creamy tortellini soup)

    1. Karina says:

      Hi Jen! Yes definitely! Just boil the sausage and veggies for 20 minutes on low heat before adding the rest of the ingredients. Once the Tortellini is soft, add in the spinach, turn off heat, and allow to wilt before serving.

  8. Debbie Taylor says:

    5 stars
    This soup was a hit with the whole family! Something different for a hearty meal between Christmas and New Years, we will make again for sure

    1. Karina says:

      I’m so happy to hear that Debbie!

  9. Bev says:

    Hi! This looks really good, but I was wondering if a few substitutions would work well in this? I don’t care much for celery or onions, would broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers work? And is regular fat free milk alright or does it need to be evaporated or half and half?

    1. Karina says:

      Hi Bev! Yes you can use other veggies if you don’t like the ones listed. Bell peppers definitely would give the soup flavour if onion is missing. In regards to the milk, the evaporated milk or half and half add to the thickness of the soup. I’m afraid fat free milk won’t give you a creamy consistency, but you could add a couple tablespoons of extra flour to help with that!

      1. Cumby says:

        Whatever you do, don’t add raw flour, especially when slow cooking. It needs to be heated with some oil (stove or microwave) and browned a bit or it will both clump up and taste raw in the final soup

  10. Suzanne says:

    5 stars
    I made a batch of this soup for Christmas dinner. It was outstanding — a huge hit! I then made another batch last night to bring to work to share with the office. For the office batch, I chose chicken sausage (vs. pork as some at work can’t/don’t eat pork) and half-and-half (vs. evaporated milk). It was better than the Christmas batch! This will definitely be added to my recipe box as a go-to comfort soup. Soooo delicious! 🙂