Slow Cooker Tortellini & Sausage Soup Recipe
A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Tortellini & Sausage Soup packed with Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and cheesy tortellini simmered to perfection in a savory tomato and chicken broth base. Perfect for an easy, crowd-pleasing weeknight meal that requires minimal prep and delivers rich, home-cooked flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (slow cooker low) or 3.5 hours (slow cooker high) plus 20 minutes for tortellini
- Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes (low) or 3 hours 55 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Broth & Seasonings
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Pasta & Garnish
- 1 (9 ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet with the sausage drippings. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, which enhances the flavor base.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned sausage and sautéed vegetables into your slow cooker to prepare for slow simmering.
- Add Liquid and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, evenly distributing the seasonings for a balanced taste.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld beautifully, creating a rich, hearty broth.
- Add Tortellini: About 20-30 minutes before serving, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Cook until tortellini are tender and plump, being careful not to overcook to prevent mushiness.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired, adding freshness and a cheesy finish.
Notes
- Adjust salt according to dietary needs or broth saltiness.
- For a spicier kick, use spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Fresh tortellini work best; if using frozen, adjust cooking time accordingly.
- To make this soup gluten free, look for gluten-free tortellini.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days, but add tortellini fresh before serving to avoid sogginess.
Keywords: tortellini soup, slow cooker soup, Italian sausage soup, easy slow cooker recipes, comfort food soup
