This slow cooker creamy tortellini soup with sausage is a comfort in a bowl

Step 3: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together gently to combine.

Step 4: Cook on Low

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 4-6 hours (or high for 2-3 hours). This allows the flavors to blend perfectly, and the vegetables to soften while maintaining their slight bite.

Pro tip: For even richer flavor, cook on low for the full 6 hours.

Step 5: Add Tortellini

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the refrigerated cheese tortellini. Make sure there’s enough liquid for the pasta to cook evenly. Cover and let it cook until the tortellini is tender, usually about 25-30 minutes.

Step 6: Make It Creamy

Once the tortellini is tender, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. This step transforms the soup into a luxuriously creamy comfort dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 7: Optional Greens

If you want to add a nutritional boost, stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt perfectly without losing their vibrant color.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or extra Parmesan cheese. Pair it with crusty bread or garlic bread for the ultimate cozy meal.

Tips for Success

1. Use fresh tortellini if possible; frozen or dried tortellini may require slightly longer cooking.
2. Customize the vegetables—zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms work well.
3. Spicy kick—swap mild sausage for spicy Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
4. Make ahead—the soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

Why It’s Comfort Food

The combination of tender sausage, soft tortellini, creamy broth, and savory vegetables creates a bowl that’s warm, satisfying, and indulgent. Each bite is rich in flavor, yet easy to make thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work. It’s a dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend lunch.

This slow cooker creamy tortellini soup with sausage truly is comfort in a bowl: hearty, creamy, and effortlessly flavorful. Once you try it, it will become a go-to recipe for chilly nights.

If you want, I can also create a visual step-by-step guide with pictures for each step, which makes it feel like a cooking magazine tutorial. It would really bring the recipe to life. Do you want me to do that?