Name: Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lb. ground Italian sausage; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1/3 cup all-purpose flour; 4 cups beef broth; 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, drained; Salt and pepper to taste; 20 oz. frozen or fresh cheese tortellini (about 4 cups); 3 oz. fresh baby spinach, tightly packed (about 3 cups); 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 cup heavy cream

There’s something so cozy and satisfying about a bowl of rich, velvety soup loaded with cheesy pasta and savory sausage. This Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe hits all those comforting notes and then some—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl on chilly days or whenever you need a little kitchen magic.

A white bowl filled with creamy soup that has a light orange color and a slightly thick texture. Inside the soup, there are several folded yellow tortellini pieces, small chunks of cooked brown meat, bright green spinach leaves, and small red tomato pieces scattered throughout. The soup surface has visible specks of black pepper. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, held by a woman's hand from the right side, with another woman's hand supporting the bowl from the bottom. In the background, there is another white bowl with the same soup placed on a white marbled surface, next to a dark gray cloth and a pair of black spoons. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

After making this creamy tortellini soup more times than I can count, it’s become a staple in my home. It combines heartiness, creaminess, and a touch of Italian charm that feels fancy but is super easy to pull together, especially thanks to the slow cooker.

Hands-off cooking: You just set it and forget it with the slow cooker, perfect for busy days.
Rich, creamy texture: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan makes every spoonful delightful.
Hearty and filling: Italian sausage and tortellini make it more than just soup—it’s a full meal.
Naturally comforting flavors: Italian seasoning, tomatoes, and spinach bring freshness and depth.

There are two white bowls filled with a creamy, light brown soup with visible layers of round tortellini pasta that is pale yellow in color, chunks of browned sausage, fresh green spinach leaves, and small pieces of red tomato scattered throughout. The soup has a smooth texture with small black pepper flakes on top. One bowl has a silver spoon resting inside it. Next to the bowls, there are two shiny silver spoons crossed on a white marbled surface, a small white bowl with mixed peppercorns, and a gray and white striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient here plays a role in creating a balanced, tasty bowl of soup. From the savory sausage to the fresh spinach, these components are easy to find and combine effortlessly.

Flat lay of a medium yellow onion, two whole garlic cloves, raw ground Italian sausage shaped naturally, a small white bowl of deep red tomato paste, a small white bowl of mixed dried Italian herbs, a small white bowl of pale all-purpose flour, a small white bowl filled with rich brown beef broth, a simple pile of drained diced fresh tomatoes, a handful of coarse salt crystals with black peppercorns, fresh cheese tortellini pasta, tightly packed fresh baby spinach leaves, a small white bowl of finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of thick heavy cream, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed, the base for building flavor.
Garlic: Brings that unmistakable aromatic lift to amp up the Italian vibe.
Ground Italian sausage: Brings spice, richness, and that signature flavor punch.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the broth slightly.
Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that ties everything together.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup into a luscious creamy base.
Beef broth: Richer than chicken broth, adds depth without overpowering.
Diced tomatoes: Adds a bright, tangy contrast to the creamy soup.
Cheese tortellini: Pillowy pasta stuffed with cheese, the star of the show.
Fresh baby spinach: Adds a pop of color and a subtle fresh bite.
Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and saltiness, melting beautifully into the soup.
Heavy cream: Creates that creamy, comforting texture that envelops everything.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve tried this soup with a few tweaks over time, and the beauty of a creamy tortellini soup is how easily it adapts to your tastes and needs. Feel free to swap ingredients, spice it up, or keep it mild and classic.

Variation: I sometimes swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version, and it still packs plenty of flavor.
Plant-based twists: Use a plant-based sausage and dairy-free cream for a vegan-friendly option—just keep the creamy texture in mind.
Vegetable additions: Add mushrooms or zucchini if you want more veggies; they cook beautifully in the slow cooker.
Spice level: If you like a kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes with the sausage for some heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté and Sizzle

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat, then sauté your diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2 minutes. This step builds flavor right away. Then add your Italian sausage, along with tomato paste and Italian seasoning, cooking until the sausage is nicely browned. This really unlocks that savory depth you want. Transfer everything into your slow cooker—get that delicious base ready!

Step 2: Thicken and Simmer

Whisk the flour into the beef broth until smooth—that’s your thickening magic trick. Pour this over the sausage mixture in the slow cooker, then stir in the drained diced tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Set the cooker on high for 3-4 hours or low for 4-6 hours, and let those flavors mingle while you relax or prep other things.

Step 3: Add the Good Stuff

About 10 minutes before serving, stir in the tortellini, fresh baby spinach, grated Parmesan, and heavy cream. The tortellini will cook right in the soup, soaking up all those awesome flavors. Finish cooking on high until the pasta is tender but not mushy, around 10 minutes. Give it a good stir, taste for seasoning again, and you’re ready to serve!

Step 4: Serve and Savor

Ladle your creamy tortellini soup into bowls, grab some crusty bread for dunking, and dig in. The aroma alone will make everyone at the table happy, and the comforting flavors won’t disappoint.

Top Tip

After many batches, I’ve learned a few things that really make this Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe shine. These small adjustments can save you time and boost the flavors.

Don’t skip sautéing the sausage and aromatics: It creates a deep flavor base that slow cooking alone can’t match.
Use fresh tortellini if you can: It cooks faster and has a wonderful texture, but frozen works great too—just allow a little longer cook time.
Stir gently after adding tortellini: Too vigorous a stir can cause the pasta to break apart.
Don’t overcook the tortellini: Keep an eye on the time in those last 10 minutes to avoid mushiness.

How to Serve Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe

creamy tortellini soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a little cracked black pepper right before serving. Sometimes I add a few torn basil leaves for a fresh, herby punch that brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or garlic knots are my go-tos—they’re perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. Occasionally I throw together a simple green salad or roasted veggies to round out the meal without overpowering those Italian flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls — it’s fun, eye-catching, and adds extra texture to the meal. You can also layer the soup in pretty glass mugs for a cozy, inviting look that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup, since the tortellini can soak up liquid and thicken it overnight.

Freezing

I usually freeze this soup before adding the tortellini and cream, as pasta and cream don’t always freeze and reheat well. When ready to eat, I thaw, then stir in fresh tortellini, cream, and spinach, cooking until warmed through.

Reheating

To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a bit of broth helps keep the texture creamy and smooth while preventing the soup from sticking or burning.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use store-bought cooked sausage instead of raw?

Yes, absolutely! If you have pre-cooked sausage, just chop it into bite-sized pieces and add it to the slow cooker with the broth and tomatoes. Skip the browning step in the skillet, but be aware you may miss some of the flavor development that comes from sautéing the raw sausage and onion first.

What kind of tortellini works best for this soup?

Fresh cheese tortellini is ideal because it cooks quickly and has a tender texture, but frozen tortellini also works well. Just be sure to add enough cooking time to ensure the pasta is heated through and tender without becoming mushy.

Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! You can brown the sausage and sauté the onions right in the Instant Pot using the sauté function. Then add the broth, flour, tomatoes, and seasoning, and pressure cook for about 10 minutes before adding the tortellini, spinach, Parmesan, and cream, cooking a few more minutes until the tortellini is done.

What should I do if the soup is too thick after cooking?

If your soup turns out thicker than you want, simply stir in a little more broth or water while reheating to loosen it. This helps restore a creamy, soup-like consistency without diluting the flavors too much.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tortellini Soup Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites—there’s something so comforting about the combination of creamy broth, cheesy pasta, and savory sausage that just feels like home. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and maybe it’ll earn a spot in your rotation for those days when you want cozy without the hassle. Grab your slow cooker, invite a friend, and enjoy every creamy, delicious spoonful together!