Craving something cozy, creamy, and completely satisfying? This crockpot tortellini soup with cream cheese is exactly what your chilly evenings have been missing. Loaded with savory Italian sausage, tender cheese tortellini, diced tomatoes, and fresh spinach, it’s the ultimate comfort dish—effortless to make, and impossible to resist.
Let’s be honest: choosing between pasta and soup is tough. Thankfully, that’s not something you’ll need to worry about with this recipe. It brings the richness of a hearty pasta dish and the soul-warming vibe of a homemade soup—all in one slow-cooked wonder.
If you’re craving something that wraps you in comfort with every spoonful, this one’s for you. This tortellini soup isn’t just easy to throw together—it’s the kind of meal that has everyone going back for seconds (and maybe thirds). Cozy up, grab a spoon, and dive into your new favorite dinner.
Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Cream Cheese
If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and downright cozy, crockpot tortellini soup with cream cheese might just become your new go-to comfort food. This recipe is everything you want on a cold day—rich, hearty, and so easy to make thanks to the magic of a slow cooker.
At the heart of this dish is tortellini, the delightful little pasta rings traditionally filled with cheeses like ricotta, mozzarella, or parmesan. Some variations include meat or veggie fillings, but the real charm lies in how each bite bursts with flavor. Their unique, folded shape not only holds the filling but also soaks up the broth beautifully.
What makes this soup special is how those tender pasta pillows are surrounded by a creamy, savory broth made from chicken stock, Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and the real star—cream cheese. The cream cheese melts slowly in the crockpot, giving the soup an irresistibly silky texture and a slightly tangy richness that balances perfectly with the sausage and spices.
This is the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas while you go about your day. Just toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker, switch it on, and let it do the rest. By dinner time, you’ll have a soul-warming dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
Whether you’re making it for family, meal prep, or just to treat yourself, this crockpot tortellini soup with cream cheese is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. Cozy, creamy, and full of comfort—perfect for when you’re in the mood for something easy and truly satisfying.
Wondering What Makes This Special?
Effortless but full of flavor:
This is the kind of recipe you turn to when you need something comforting without the kitchen chaos. Just layer the ingredients into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic. That said, it’s not totally hands-off—keep an eye on the tortellini so it doesn’t get too soft. The creamy texture from the cream cheese makes this feel like you spent hours on it, when really, it’s almost too easy.
Customizable to fit your cravings:
One of the best parts? You can easily adapt it to what you have on hand. No cream cheese? Stir in a bit of heavy cream along with a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Want to sneak in more veggies? Spinach, kale, or zucchini blend in beautifully. Don’t feel boxed in—treat this recipe like a base to build on, not a rigid set of rules.
Perfect for sharing (or not!):
Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this soup feels warm and welcoming in every bowl. The vibrant color from the tomatoes and the cheesy, melty tortellini make it as pretty as it is filling. Best of all, it’s a one-pot meal, so cleanup is super simple. Got leftovers? Even better the next day.
What You’ll Need
- Frozen tortellini – Quick, easy, and perfect right out of the freezer.
- Low-sodium chicken broth – Flavorful base without too much salt.
- Ground sausage – Hearty, savory, and full of depth.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes – Smoky, rich, and extra tasty.
- Cream cheese – Rich, velvety, and full of comforting flavor.
- Garlic – Adds bold, savory flavor.
- Yellow onion – Sweet and mellow when slow-cooked.
- Fresh spinach – Light, vibrant, and perfectly wilted.
- Italian seasoning – Classic herbs for that cozy Italian feel.
- Grated Parmesan cheese – Nutty, salty, and melty on top.
- Salt – Enhances all the goodness.
- Black pepper – A hint of heat to cut through the richness.
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add ¼ tsp for a bit of heat and color. Boosts flavor without overpowering.
- Beef Broth: Use instead of chicken broth for a richer, meatier taste. Great for added depth.
- Spaghetti Sauce: Swap for diced tomatoes if you want a smoother, creamier texture. Go easy on extra seasonings—it’s already flavored.
- Fresh Basil: Toss in a few leaves near the end for a fresh, peppery finish. It really brightens up the soup.
How to Cook Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Cream Cheese
1. Start by gathering everything you need for this cozy crockpot tortellini soup.
2. Begin by layering the browned sausage, freshly minced garlic, chopped onion, and canned tomatoes right into your slow cooker.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, drop in the cream cheese (cut into chunks to help it melt smoothly), and sprinkle in a generous helping of Italian seasoning.
4. Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for 4 to 5 hours. Give it a gentle stir now and then to help the cream cheese melt and mix in fully.
5. Roughly half an hour before it’s time to serve, gently mix in the tortellini and fresh spinach. Let everything simmer together until the pasta is tender and the greens are wilted.
6. Taste, then season with salt and cracked black pepper as needed.
7. Ladle into bowls and finish with a hearty sprinkle of grated parmesan. Serve it warm—it’s the perfect comfort meal for a chilly evening.
Tips for Success
Brown the sausage for depth of flavor: Don’t skip this step—it really brings out the best in your sausage. Remove the casings and cook the sausage over medium heat until it’s fully browned and crumbly. This not only adds a delicious texture but also builds a rich, savory base for the soup.
Optional but worth it: sauté the aromatics: If you have a few extra minutes, lightly sauté the chopped onion and garlic before adding them to the crockpot. Doing this in a little olive oil or butter releases their sweetness and adds a layer of flavor that makes the whole dish feel more homemade and comforting.
Taste as you go: Before serving, give the soup a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. A dash of salt, a twist of pepper, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can completely elevate the flavor. If you’re serving this to kids or anyone sensitive to spice, add the heat gradually or let people sprinkle it on individually.
Stir in the cream cheese gently: To avoid curdling or clumping, make sure the cream cheese is softened and added in small pieces. Stir it in near the end of the cooking time so it melts smoothly into the broth and gives the soup that creamy, velvety finish.
Don’t overcook the tortellini: Stir in the tortellini roughly 30 minutes before serving to keep them from getting too soft or overcooked. They should be tender but still hold their shape—just enough to soak in the delicious broth.
Crockpot Tortellini Soup With Cream Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen cheese tortellini (I usually grab the kind in the freezer section – they hold up well in the slow cooker)
- 4 cups of chicken broth — I like using low-sodium to better manage the overall saltiness.
- 1 lb Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled (mild or spicy depending on your taste – I brown it ahead of time)
- 2 cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes (don’t skip the fire-roasted – they add so much flavor)
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed (softens and melts into the broth beautifully)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced (fresh is best here)
- ½ of a medium yellow onion, diced (I like it finely chopped so it melts into the soup)
- 5 oz fresh spinach (roughly a few big handfuls – it wilts down a lot)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1 cup grated parmesan (save a bit for serving if you'd like)
- Salt – to your taste (I usually add a pinch at the end, depending on the broth and cheese)
- Fresh ground black pepper – to taste (don’t be shy with it)
Instructions
- Start by gathering everything you’ll need for this cozy crockpot tortellini soup — ground sausage, garlic, onion, canned tomatoes, chicken broth, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, fresh spinach, and cheese tortellini.
- Begin by placing the browned sausage (you can cook it ahead of time), minced garlic, chopped onion, and diced tomatoes directly into your slow cooker.
- Add the chicken broth to the pot, followed by the cream cheese and a generous dash of Italian seasoning. Give it a gentle stir — don’t worry if the cream cheese isn’t fully mixed yet; it will melt down as it cooks.
- Set your crockpot to low and let it simmer for about 4 to 5 hours. Give it a stir now and then to help the cream cheese blend into the broth and make everything creamy and rich.
- Roughly half an hour before it's time to serve, add the fresh spinach and cheese tortellini to the crockpot and give it a good stir. Allow the tortellini to cook until they’re soft and the spinach has wilted down.
- Finish it off with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle it into bowls while it’s still piping hot, and don’t forget to top each serving with freshly grated parmesan — it’s the perfect finishing touch.
