If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that fills your kitchen with the aromas of Italian flavors, you are going to fall absolutely in love with this Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe. It perfectly combines the richness of Italian sausage, the creamy tang of chive and onion cream cheese, and the comforting bite of cheese tortellini in a luscious tomato broth. This soup simmers to cozy perfection in your slow cooker, making it ideal for busy days when you want a delicious dinner waiting for you without any fuss. Every spoonful delivers a burst of savory goodness that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet each one plays an essential role in building the flavor, texture, and color that make this Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe so memorable. From the hearty Italian sausage to the creamy spread and vibrant tomatoes, each component enhances the final dish in its own delicious way.
- Italian sausage (1 lb): Provides rich, savory flavor and a satisfying protein base to the soup.
- Chicken broth (32 oz): Creates the flavorful, comforting liquid foundation for the soup.
- Petite diced tomatoes (28 oz can): Add acidity, sweetness, and a bright pop of color to the broth.
- Tomato soup (2 cans, 10.5 oz each): Boosts creaminess and depth with its smooth tomato taste.
- Chive and onion cream cheese spread (2 containers, 8 oz each): Enriches the soup with a silky texture and subtle onion flavor.
- Cheese tortellini (18 oz package, refrigerated): Brings comforting, cheesy pockets that soak up all the delicious soup flavors.
How to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Start by cooking the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink inside. This step is crucial because it locks in that rich, savory flavor which forms the heart of your soup. Once cooked, transfer it straight into the slow cooker to begin the layering of flavors.
Step 2: Add the Base Ingredients
Pour the chicken broth, petite diced tomatoes, and tomato soup into the slow cooker alongside the sausage. These ingredients create a wonderfully balanced tomato broth that’s both hearty and creamy. Cover your slow cooker and let it cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, allowing all the flavors to blend together beautifully and the sausage to infuse the broth with its meaty essence.
Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese and Tortellini
When your soup is nearly done simmering, stir in the chive and onion cream cheese spread and cheese tortellini. The cream cheese will melt into the broth, giving it a luscious creaminess, while the tortellini cooks until tender—about 15 to 30 minutes on HIGH. This final addition transforms the soup into a rich and comforting bowl of goodness that’s simply irresistible.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the tortellini is cooked to perfection, ladle your Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe into bowls and get ready to savor every delightful bite. The combination of savory sausage, creamy broth, and cheesy pasta is what comfort food dreams are made of.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can elevate your soup from simple to spectacular. Try sprinkling freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of herbal freshness. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty dimension, and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds richness. If you want a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes are a perfect, subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with some crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad can create a truly satisfying dinner. The crunch of toasted bread complements the creamy soup perfectly, and a fresh salad with a zingy vinaigrette cuts through the richness to balance every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe in hollowed-out bread bowls for an edible, immersive experience. Another idea is layering the soup in clear glass mugs for a cozy, visually appealing presentation that highlights all the colorful ingredients. Personalize each serving with unique garnishes to surprise your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup should be cooled completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Because of the tortellini, the soup thickens as it sits, so give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the flavors evenly.
Freezing
Freezing this soup is possible, but bear in mind that the tortellini can become softer after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup base separately before adding fresh tortellini when you’re ready to reheat. This way, your Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe stays at its best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it. For quick reheating, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure even warmth.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative that still packs plenty of flavor, but keep in mind it may reduce the overall richness of the soup slightly. You can always add a bit more seasoning to taste.
Is this Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe spicy?
As written, this recipe is mild and very approachable, but if you love spice, you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce during the cooking process for a bit of heat.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage or hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavor robust and delicious.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make this soup on the stove! Brown the sausage in a pot, then add all the other ingredients and simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Add the cream cheese and tortellini at the end and cook until tender, just like in the slow cooker method.
Can I use frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes, frozen tortellini can be used; however, cooking times may vary slightly. Add them in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to ensure they cook through without getting mushy.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe is one of those rare meals that feels like a special occasion but comes together with ease in your slow cooker. Its rich layers of flavor and creamy textures make it a beloved comfort food that your family and friends will keep coming back for. Give it a try, and let this soup become your go-to for cozy, satisfying dinners that require minimal effort but deliver maximum warm-and-fuzzies.
Print
Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Tomato Tortellini Soup featuring savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, and a creamy tomato base enriched with chive and onion cream cheese. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for a cozy meal, combining rich flavors developed over slow cooking for 6 hours and a quick finish with tortellini in the last 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
Broth and Tomatoes
- 1 (32 oz) container chicken broth
- 1 (28 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans tomato soup
Dairy
- 2 (8 oz) containers chive and onion cream cheese spread (softened)
Pasta
- 1 (18 oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini (uncooked)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned and completely cooked through with no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked sausage into the slow cooker.
- Add the Base Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, petite diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato soup into the slow cooker with the sausage. Stir gently to combine. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours to allow flavors to meld fully.
- Add the Cream Cheese and Tortellini: About 15 to 30 minutes before serving, stir in the softened chive and onion cream cheese spread until it melts smoothly into the soup, creating a creamy texture. Add the uncooked cheese tortellini to the slow cooker and cover again. Cook on HIGH for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the tortellini are tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Once the tortellini are cooked, ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this slow cooker tomato tortellini soup.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or additional vegetables.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can reduce the chicken broth quantity to 24 oz.
- Softening the cream cheese before adding helps it melt evenly and prevents lumps.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
