Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup
Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that blends tender cheese-filled tortellini with savory broth, fresh vegetables, and hearty herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings, this slow-simmered soup offers rich taste and texture with minimal hands-on preparation, making it a warm, cozy, and satisfying dish for the whole family.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian (with vegetable broth), Gluten Free if gluten-free tortellini used
Base Ingredients
- 1 package (about 9–12 oz) cheese tortellini
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Variations
- 1/2 pound cooked Italian sausage, shredded chicken, or crispy bacon (for protein boost)
- 1 cup chopped zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers (for extra veggies)
- Heavy cream or coconut milk, a splash (for creamier soup)
- Prepare the Aromatics: Start by heating olive oil in a pan and sautéing the chopped onions and minced garlic until they are soft and fragrant to build a savory flavor base for the soup.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic into the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, and any additional desired vegetables or proteins. Stir well to combine all flavors.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker on low heat and cook the mixture for 4-5 hours to allow the flavors and herbs to fully develop.
- Add Tortellini and Spinach: About 30 minutes before serving, add the cheese tortellini and fresh spinach to the slow cooker. Stir gently and cook until the tortellini is tender and the spinach has wilted.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season the soup with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Give a final gentle stir and serve warm.
Notes
- Sauté aromatics before slow cooking to deepen the soup’s flavor.
- Add tortellini only in the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking and sogginess.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added aroma and presentation.
- Parmesan cheese adds rich umami and slightly thickens the broth.
- Adjust soup thickness by adding broth if too thick, or simmer briefly uncovered if too thin.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: slow cooker, tortellini soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, cheesy tortellini, crockpot soup, weeknight meal, vegetarian soup, Italian herbs