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Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 package (about 912 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)

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: slow cooker, tortellini soup, easy soup recipe, comfort food, cheesy tortellini, crockpot soup, weeknight meal, vegetarian soup, Italian herbs