If you’re craving something cozy and flavorful, this Slow Cooker White Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Pesto checks all the boxes! Spicy Italian sausage, cheese tortellini, white beans, spinach, and parmesan in a creamy broth with basil pesto.
This soup is made in the slow cooker so it can be ready when you are, it’s also stove-top friendly! Serve with crusty bread and a sprinkle of parmesan for a cozy weeknight dinner. Bonus, get a hearty serving of protein from the broth, beans, and sausage.
A Quick Look At The Recipe
Recipe: Creamy white tortellini soup with spinach and sausage
Ready In: about 4 hours (slow cooker time!) or 45 minutes on the stove-top
Serves: 8 servings
Staple Ingredients: cheese tortellini, spinach, pesto, chicken broth, canned beans, Italian sausage.
What Makes It Special: a quick and low-prep slow cooker recipe perfect for chilly evenings! Higher in protein from the beans, sausage, broth, and milk – this soup packs about 28 grams of protein per serving. Kid and adult friendly, customize the spice level and omit the beans if desired!
There’s something so cozy about a loaded soup in the chilly fall and winter months. This soup is filling, high in protein, and has a delicious broth – not to mention it’s made with simple ingredients that require little prep. Using jarred pesto adds flavor without needing to make your own (let’s face it, basil in the grocery store is expensive!).
Adding beans to the soup is optional, but adds fiber and protein while keeping the flavor. If beans aren’t your thing you can leave them out! Try my creamy cauliflower gouda chowder or my ever popular Outback copycat baked potato soup! Find all of my soup recipes here as well as sides to serve them with!
Key Soup Ingredients
Ground mild Italian sausage: Adds rich flavor, use spicy if you like a little kick. Or add in your own spices.
White onion: Finely diced for a sweet, subtle base. Sub yellow or red onion.
Garlic: Freshly minced cloves give the broth depth and warmth.
Basil pesto: Jarred or homemade, this adds the herby flavor that makes the soup shine!
Chicken broth: The base of your soup; vegetable broth can be substituted.
Cheese tortellini: Use dry packaged refrigerated for the best texture and quick cook time.
Whole milk or half and half: Gives the broth its creamy base, half and half will make it a little richer.
Parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end for a salty finish that thickens the soup slightly.
Cannellini or great northern beans: Add heartiness and extra protein. Omit if desired!
Baby spinach: Stirred in just before serving for color and freshness, substitute kale.
How To Make The Tortellini Soup
Let’s talk a little about how to make this Slow Cooker White Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Pesto (High-Protein!) (The printable instructions are in the recipe card below.)
Quick overview:
- Brown sausage, add in onion and garlic. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Mix in pesto, tortellini, seasoning, and broth. Cook on high for 4 hours
- Then add in parmesan, spinach, milk, and beans.
- Cook again until spinach is tender. Enjoy!
- In a large sauté pan cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned, add in the diced onion and garlic, sauté for another few minutes just until they begin to soften. Add mixture to the base of a slow cooker.
- To the slow cooker with the meat mixture add in the pesto, chicken broth, tortellini, and seasoning. Stir to combine, cover, and let cook on high for 3 hours.
- After 3 hours, add in the spinach, beans, parmesan, and milk. Cover and let cook for 15-20 minutes on high or until the spinach is wilted and cheese melted.
- Serve garnished with fresh basil and a side of crusty bread!
I use my Everyday Blend Seasoning in this dish along with many other, it saves me time by not having to measure out different spices or really think at all about what I want to use! I like to pair this with my other blends for different flavor combinations!
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Recipe Tips & Variations
- Spice: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste for a kick.
- Lighter version: Use 2% milk instead of whole milk or reduce milk and use more both, and reduce the cheese slightly.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the sausage for extra white beans and use vegetable broth.
- Switch up the protein: use shredded chicken, ground turkey, or classic ground beef.
- Go extra cheesy: Stir in a dollop of ricotta or cream cheese at the end for even more creaminess.
- Add more veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers all pair well with the pesto.
White Tortellini Soup with Sausage and Pesto (Slow Cooker Version)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Ground mild Italian sausage, or use spicy
- 1 medium White onion, finely diced
- 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Jarred basil pesto, or use homemade
- 32 oz. Chicken broth
- 12 oz. Package store-bought cheese tortellini
- 2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 2 cups Whole milk , or half and half
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1, 15.5 oz. can Cannellini or great white northern beans , drained
- 4 cups Baby spinach
- Fresh basil , for garnish
Instructions
- In a large sauté pan cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat until browned, add in the diced onion and garlic, sauté for another few minutes just until they begin to soften. Add mixture to the base of a slow cooker.1 lb. Ground mild Italian sausage, 1 medium White onion, 3-4 cloves Garlic
- To the slow cooker with the meat mixture add in the pesto, chicken broth, tortellini, and seasoning. Stir to combine, cover, and let cook on high for 3 hours.1/2 cup Jarred basil pesto, 32 oz. Chicken broth , 12 oz. Package store-bought cheese tortellini , 2 tsp Garlic powder, 1 tsp Kosher salt, Fresh cracked black pepper, 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes, 1 tsp Onion powder
- After 3 hours, add in the spinach, beans, parmesan, and milk. Cover and let cook for 15-20 minutes on high or until the spinach is wilted and cheese melted.2 cups Whole milk , 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1, 15.5 oz. can Cannellini or great white northern beans , 4 cups Baby spinach
- Serve garnished with fresh basil and a side of crusty bread!Fresh basil
Notes
- Brown the sausage first: this gives the sausage crispy edges and helps give the onion and garlic something to cook in before adding to the slow cooker.
- Use packaged tortellini: use room temperature store-bought tortellini, other flavors like herb or mushroom can be used.
- Stovetop: If you don’t want to use the slow cooker, this soup works perfectly in a Dutch oven too and takes less time. Just simmer gently over medium-high heat until the soup comes together and the tortellini are tender, about 45 minutes total on the stove-top.
- Finish with parmesan: some freshly grated parmesan adds richness, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes pairs nicely as well!
- Serve with crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the garlicky pesto broth!
Nutrition
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Topping Ideas:
This soup is flavorful on its own, but a few simple toppings make it even better!
- Freshly grated parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty finish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: For a little kick of heat that balances the creaminess.
- Fresh basil or oregano: Brings freshness to each bowl.
- Drizzle of pesto: Swirl a little extra on top before serving.
- Extra cheese: a dollop of ricotta cheese gives you creaminess you can mix into your bowl!
Serving, Storing, And Reheating
Serving:
Add some of the fun topping ideas from above and pair with warm, crusty bread, garlic knots, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storing:
Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Because tortellini continues to absorb liquid, you may need to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to thin it out.
Reheating:
Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat until hot throughout, or microwave, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Frozen tortellini works just fine. No need to thaw before adding it to the slow cooker.
Absolutely. You can swap the sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version, add in extra beans for protein if desired.
Yes, chopped kale is a great substitute. It holds up well and adds a slightly heartier texture.
Any good-quality basil pesto will work, homemade or store-bought. Jarred shelf-stable versions tend to be saltier, so adjust your seasoning to taste at the end.
Definitely. Brown the sausage, onion, and garlic in a Dutch oven, then add the remaining ingredients and simmer gently until the tortellini are tender.
For a richer soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half and half just before serving. You could also stir in softened creamy cheese or ricotta cheese.
Tools I Suggest
- Slow Cooker – I like a large 6-8 quart slow cooker with different settings, mine has a timer which is nice if you are cooking during the day while you’re out and about.
- Cheese Grater – I always try to grate my own cheese, it melts much better without the anti-caking agents of the store-bought cheese. Plus I like to be able to control the shred size!
- Wooden Spoons – wooden utensils are my go to since they don’t scratch my cooking surfaces.
- Ladle – a must to have a ladle on hand for soups, sauces, or stocks.
Did you try this recipe?
Let me know what you thought by leaving a comment below and sharing your final dish on Instagram, Facebook, & Pinterest!
Cheers!
-Rachel
