Name: Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Greens Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h 5 min
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed; 3 cups chicken stock; 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes; 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce; 1 medium sweet onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 1 (3-inch) Parmesan rind, optional; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 (9-ounce) package refrigerated three cheese tortellini; ½ bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped; ½ cup heavy cream; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil; ¼ cup shaved Parmesan

I absolutely adore this Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Greens Recipe because it brings together comforting, hearty flavors with such ease and minimal hands-on time. The rich, creamy broth combined with the savory sausage, tender tortellini, and fresh kale creates a bowl of pure warmth and deliciousness that feels like a big, cozy hug on busy days. Every spoonful delivers a fantastic balance of textures and tastes that keeps me coming back for more, and I know you'll feel the same once you try it.

Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Greens Recipe

What really makes this soup special for me is how the flavors meld together beautifully in the slow cooker. The Italian sausage adds a punch of savory goodness that complements the tangy tomatoes, while the kale adds just the right bit of freshness and earthiness. The creamy finish from the heavy cream and the tender cheese tortellini make this soup feel indulgent but never heavy. I love that each ingredient shines but also works together to create a hearty, well-rounded flavor profile that feels like a warm Italian-inspired hug.

Besides the amazing taste, I appreciate how effortless this recipe is. Once you brown the sausage, everything else goes into the slow cooker, and you can literally walk away for the day! It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooking time means the flavors have time to deepen, resulting in a rich, comforting soup with minimal effort.

I also think this Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Greens Recipe is perfect for a variety of occasions. It’s great for family dinners because it’s filling and nourishing without being complicated. It also shines at casual get-togethers or holiday meals, especially when you want something homemade and special. What really makes it stand out for me is how versatile and satisfying it is — it feels like a restaurant-quality soup made easy at home.

Ingredients You'll Need

A top-down view of several cooking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface: a bunch of curly kale with deep green leaves on a light wooden board near a clear glass bowl of raw ground meat with white fat specks, a small clear glass bowl of dried oregano, and another small clear glass bowl with chopped garlic. Nearby, there is a white plate filled with yellow tortellini pasta and topped with fresh bright green basil leaves. Surrounding these are clear glass bowls with diced white onions, a golden-yellow liquid (likely oil), chunky red tomatoes, and a smooth red tomato sauce, and a glass container holding a creamy beige sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

For this Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Greens Recipe, the ingredients are simple but incredibly important. Each one brings its own layer of flavor, texture, or color that transforms the soup into a luscious bowl of goodness you'll fall in love with.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Olive oil: Essential for browning the sausage and building flavor right at the start.
Italian sausage: Adds a robust, savory element that’s the heart of this soup.
Chicken stock: Provides a rich, flavorful base that makes the broth tasty and comforting.
Diced tomatoes: Bring acidity and freshness to balance the richness of the cream and sausage.
Tomato sauce: Deepens the tomato flavor and creates a velvety texture for the broth.
Sweet onion: Adds natural sweetness and subtle complexity to the soup.
Garlic: Infuses unmistakable aroma and depth, making every bite vibrant.
Italian seasoning: The perfect blend of herbs to tie all the flavors together.
Parmesan rind (optional): An incredible way to boost umami and richness in the broth.
Kale: Adds color, nutrition, and a bit of hearty texture to the soup.
Three-cheese tortellini: Pillowy and cheesy, it transforms this soup into a complete meal.
Heavy cream: Gives the soup its luxurious, creamy finish you won’t be able to resist.
Fresh basil: A bright, herbaceous touch to finish the soup with freshness.
Shaved Parmesan: Perfect for garnishing and adding an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

Directions

Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage (remove casing first) and cook until it’s nicely browned, about 3 to 5 minutes. Make sure to crumble the sausage as it cooks for even browning. Drain any excess fat once it’s cooked through.

Step 2: Transfer the browned sausage to your 6-quart slow cooker. To that, add 3 cups of chicken stock, one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, one 8-ounce can of tomato sauce, 1 diced medium sweet onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and the optional Parmesan rind. Season everything with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then stir well to combine.

Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to deeply develop and the sausage to infuse into the broth beautifully.

Step 4: When the slow cooker time is up, uncover and stir in the 9-ounce package of refrigerated three-cheese tortellini, half a bunch of chopped kale (stems removed), and half a cup of heavy cream. Cover again and cook on high for another 20 to 30 minutes, or until the tortellini is perfectly tender and the kale is wilted but still vibrant.

Step 5: Stir in 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil, then give it one final taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with a generous sprinkle of shaved Parmesan. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 6 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or meal prepping for the week. Prep time is incredibly short at around 15 minutes, mainly to brown the sausage and gather your ingredients. The slow cooker does most of the work, with a cook time ranging from 7-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Once you add the tortellini, you'll need an additional 20-30 minutes of cooking to finish it off. Altogether, expect the total time to be around 8 hours and 20 minutes. There’s no real resting time needed — just dig in while it’s hot and comforting!

How to Serve This Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Greens Recipe

The image shows a black oval slow cooker filled with a soup that has three main layers visible. The top layer has bright green kale leaves scattered around softly floating on a reddish-orange creamy broth. The middle layer features round, pale yellow tortellini pasta pieces spread across the soup. The bottom layer contains small chunks of cooked ground meat and diced red tomatoes. Black pepper is sprinkled over the whole dish. The slow cooker sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this soup piping hot to fully appreciate its creamy broth and tender ingredients. Pairing it with a crisp green side salad or some crusty garlic bread elevates the meal by adding a satisfying crunch or extra flavor contrast. For a fun twist, I sometimes serve it with toasted focaccia topped with fresh rosemary and sea salt — it’s a perfect dunking companion for that luscious soup.

Presentation-wise, I like to ladle the soup into wide bowls and garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan. It adds brightness and a touch of elegance even on a cozy weeknight. For drinks, a chilled glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling Italian soda complements the flavors so well. If you’re serving this soup for a family gathering or casual party, consider offering a small platter of antipasti on the side to keep with the Italian vibe.

This soup shines best warm to hot, but if you have leftovers, it tastes great gently reheated too. Serving portion-wise, I usually allot about 1 to 1 ½ cups per person as a main dish or smaller portions for starters. No matter how you serve it, this Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Greens Recipe always hits the spot with its comforting, hearty charm.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with variations on this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. One simple switch I often make is swapping Italian sausage for chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. For a vegetarian version, I omit the sausage entirely and use a plant-based meat substitute or simply add extra mushrooms for that savory, meaty texture.

If you need it gluten-free, choosing gluten-free tortellini is an easy fix that lets you keep all the deliciousness intact. For an extra flavor twist, I sometimes add a splash of white wine or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth for warmth and depth. You could also swap kale for spinach or Swiss chard, depending on what you have on hand or prefer.

While the slow cooker method is my favorite for an easy, hands-off approach, you can also make this soup on the stovetop by simmering everything in a large pot and stirring in tortellini and greens near the end. This method allows more control over cooking times but takes a bit more attention. Either way, the results are absolutely delicious!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and they generally stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. Using glass containers with lids works great to preserve the soup’s flavor and texture. Make sure to let the soup cool slightly before storing to avoid condensation, which can affect the texture of the tortellini.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is possible, though I personally recommend freezing it without the tortellini because the pasta can get mushy when thawed and reheated. Freeze the broth, sausage, tomatoes, and greens in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add freshly cooked tortellini before serving to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this soup is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving for long periods as the tortellini can overcook and become rubbery. For the best flavor, always add fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, you can swap Italian sausage for ground beef, though the flavor profile will be a little different. Italian sausage has herbs and spices that give the soup its distinctive taste, so if you use beef, I recommend adding extra Italian seasoning or garlic to keep the flavor vibrant.

Is it okay to add the tortellini at the beginning of cooking?

I don’t recommend adding the tortellini at the start because it will become overcooked and mushy after hours of slow cooking. It’s best to add the tortellini during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking so it stays tender and maintains a great texture.

Can I make this soup vegan?

To make this vegan, substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or mushrooms, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock, and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream. Be sure to pick vegan tortellini or pasta alternatives to keep it truly vegan.

What kind of tortellini works best?

I prefer refrigerated three-cheese tortellini for this recipe because its texture and flavor complement the creamy broth beautifully. However, dried tortellini can also work — just adjust cooking times accordingly and add them later to avoid overcooking.

Can I prepare this soup the night before?

Absolutely! You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge overnight, then start the slow cooker in the morning. This makes it super convenient for busy schedules and ensures you have a delicious meal ready when you want it.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful soup that’s easy to make but tastes absolutely incredible, this Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup with Sausage, Tomatoes, and Greens Recipe is the one for you. I promise it will become one of your go-to comfort foods whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends. Give it a try and enjoy every warm, cheesy, savory bite — I know you’ll love how simple and satisfying it is!