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Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup

Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup

Slow Cooker Tortellini Soup is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting soup made easy by letting the slow cooker do all the work. Packed with tender cheese tortellini, fresh vegetables, savory broth, and herbs, finished with a touch of cream and Parmesan for an indulgent yet nourishing meal perfect for any day or season.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 23 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced Roma tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

Soup Add-ins

  • 912 oz fresh or frozen cheese tortellini
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnishes

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Extra virgin olive oil (optional)
  • Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: Chop onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Add these to the slow cooker along with broth, diced Roma tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir well and cover to start simmering.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: Let the vegetables soften and meld into the broth by cooking on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, creating a rich and aromatic soup base.
  3. Add Tortellini and Greens: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh or frozen cheese tortellini together with the spinach or kale. This timing ensures the tortellini cooks perfectly without becoming mushy while the greens wilt gently.
  4. Finish with Cream: Turn off the slow cooker and slowly stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy finish. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Serve the soup hot topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil. Optionally drizzle with extra virgin olive oil for added richness.

Notes

  • Use fresh or frozen tortellini for best texture; avoid dried tortellini as it cooks longer and may become tough.
  • Add the tortellini late in the cooking process to retain its tender yet firm texture.
  • For deeper flavor, sauté onions and garlic before adding to the slow cooker (optional).
  • Add cream only after cooking to prevent curdling and maintain a silky texture.
  • Season gradually with salt and herbs, especially if using store-bought broth, to avoid over-salting.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker tortellini soup, creamy tortellini soup, easy slow cooker soup, cheese tortellini soup, vegetarian slow cooker recipe