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two bowls of tortellini soup, one with garlic bread on side, with black slow cooker in background
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Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup

Find the best slow cooker tortellini soup right here - packed with veggies, creamy broth, and cheesy tortellini! This family-friendly comfort food is simple to throw together and uses shortcuts like marinara sauce for maximum flavor. It’s an indulgent, hearty, one-pot meal perfect for busy nights around the table.
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American, Italian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 357kcal
Author Jennifer Draper

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage mild or spicy
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 1 yellow or orange bell pepper diced
  • 1 zucchini chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce (use a high-quality brand made with olive oil and no added sugar)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning optional, taste before adding
  • 1 9 oz package refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 1 cup baby spinach or chopped kale
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  • Brown sausage in a skillet over medium heat until cooked through, and drain excess grease
  • Add sausage, onion, bell pepper, zucchini, garlic, marinara, beef broth, and seasonings to slow cooker, and stir to combine
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until vegetables are tender
  • Stir in tortellini and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, until pasta is tender
  • Add spinach and heavy cream, stirring until combined and warmed through
  • Taste and adjust seasoning as needed
  • Serve topped with Parmesan cheese

Notes

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream as needed to thin the soup.
  • Add the cream during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking or reheating to prevent separation.
  • Use refrigerated tortellini for the best texture (frozen tortellini will also work, but may need a few extra minutes).
  • Add the tortellini near the end to keep it al dente and tender.
  • Choose a good-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor. It replaces crushed tomatoes and adds extra seasoning.
  • If the soup is too thick, stir in a bit more broth or water before serving.
  • Avoid over-salting (the sausage and marinara already contain salt).

Nutrition

Calories: 357kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 866mg | Potassium: 446mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1454IU | Vitamin C: 36mg | Calcium: 56mg | Iron: 2mg